If you need an electrical panel upgrade in MD, PA, or WV, Larry & Sons is the company to trust. Our team handles all manner of breaker box replacement in MD, PA, and WV. That includes upgrading older houses to modern standards. We can upgrade existing panels, such as replacing circuit breakers and adding surge protection. Our team also upgrades panels that no longer meet a household’s needs. Perhaps you require more amp coverage or additional circuits.
Contact Larry & Sons for further details about an electrical panel upgrade in MD, PA, or WV.
Why Choose Larry & Sons for Electrical Panel Upgrades
Our company has over six decades of experience with electrical panel installation and electrical panel repair in PA, WV, and MD. We stand behind all our work with a satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty that covers labor and materials. We have locations in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD, and we serve Chambersburg, PA, Martinsburg, WV, and the surrounding areas.
Here are other excellent reasons to choose us for breaker box replacement:
- Family-owned and -operated business
- Fully licensed and insured electrical contractor
- Licensed, highly skilled electricians
- Top-rated customer service
- Emergency availability
Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Services
It’s not unusual in older houses to find 60-amp and even 40-amp electrical panels. The National Electrical Code (NEC), which Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia follow, requires at least 100 amps. Many electricians agree that 150 amps is the more practical minimum.
Even homeowners with newer homes can run into trouble. The builder may have installed a 150-amp panel, but a modern household can easily require 250 amps or even more. Another common issue is surge protection. The NEC added it as a requirement in 2021, and many homes built before then don’t have it.
Even if they have enough amps, houses with older electrical systems can require panel upgrades for other reasons. As mentioned, they typically won’t have surge protection. Often, they’ll also have outdated components, such as fuses, aluminum wiring, and knob and tube wiring.
The first step is to schedule an inspection of your home’s electrical system. After a thorough assessment, we’ll provide a professional recommendation on how to proceed. That can range from upgrading the existing panel to replacing the panel and even wiring. If you opt for electrical panel repair in PA, WV, or MD, we’ll complete it to the highest standards. That includes using high-quality parts and materials and adhering to all warranty requirements.
If you choose to replace the panel, we’ll perform a series of load calculations. We’ll assess your current needs and, with your help, forecast your future needs. Those calculations will indicate the amp coverage you need in addition to the circuit capacity. We’ll install a Type 2 surge protection device (SPD) as well, as it’s now code. Optionally, you can have us install a Type 1 SPD as well. Type 2 SPDs provide robust protection against internal and external surges. Type 1 SPDs provide more advanced protection against direct lightning strikes and anomalous grid power, such as from a blown transformer.
A panel upgrade is also an excellent time to upgrade other aspects of your electrical system. You can have us add outlets, switches, dimmers, lights, and ceiling fans. We recommend installing GFCI and AFCI outlets wherever code requires them. They provide protection against shocks and fires, respectively, and there are combination outlets available. We can install smart lighting, outlets, and switches for reduced energy consumption. We also install outlets with integrated Type 3 surge protection, which protects phones and other devices you plug into them.
A new electrical panel can provide many benefits:
- Code compliance
- Higher amp coverage
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Safer and quieter operation
- Tax credits, rebates, and other energy incentives
- Capacity for more outlets, lights, and other devices
Upgrade Your Electrical System Today
If you need a new electrical panel in WV, PA, or MD, we’ll provide an in-person consultation at no charge and without obligation. We often have promotions available, and you can see our current specials online. Our company also offers flexible financing on approved credit.
Larry & Sons is the premier electrical company for electrical panel upgrades in MD, PA, and WV. Call today or contact us online to schedule an on-site consultation.
Electrical Panel Upgrade FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about electrical panel upgrades in MD, PA, and WV. Contact us at your convenience for further details.
How Do I Know If My Electrical Panel Needs To Be Replaced?
The best way to know for certain is to schedule us for an electrical panel inspection. If your current panel is older than 25 years, it’s highly likely you need a replacement. Panels that buzz loudly or have any corrosion or other visible damage need replacement. Other signs include frequently tripped circuit breakers and flickering or dimming lights.
How Long Does An Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?
Electrical panel upgrade timeframes can vary greatly depending on the scope of the job. We’ll provide you with an accurate timeline as part of the written estimate for the project. The typical upgrade takes about four hours, and most projects finish in a single business day. Projects that take longer generally involve significant upgrades to the home’s wiring.
