Electrical Panel Upgrade in Columbus and Central Ohio

If your breakers trip often, your panel still uses fuses, or you’re adding heavy loads like an EV charger or heat pump, a panel or service upgrade may be the fix. Build a preliminary online estimate in a few minutes, or call (614) 382-0000 to talk with our team about your panel’s size, age, and what your home actually needs.

Is this what you’re seeing?

• Breakers that trip when you run the microwave and space heater together
• An old fuse box instead of a modern breaker panel
• A panel labeled Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or another brand flagged in home inspections
• No open breaker slots left for new circuits
• Flickering lights, warm cover plates, or a burning smell near the panel
• Planning an addition, EV charger, hot tub, or electric range that needs more capacity
• A 60-amp or 100-amp service in a home that now runs central air and modern appliances
• An insurer or lender asking you to update the panel before closing

Honest pricing

Panel upgrade cost depends on a few things we verify before quoting: your current service size (for example 60, 100, or 200 amp), the size you’re moving to, whether the meter base and service entrance cable also need replacing, and how your utility connects to the home (overhead versus underground). A straight panel swap that reuses the existing service and location is the most predictable job. A full service upgrade that involves the meter, the mast, and utility coordination has more moving parts and usually costs more. The Estimate Builder gives you a preliminary online estimate based on the details you enter. Final scope and price subject to verification once our team inspects the panel, grounding, and service entrance in person. We do not quote a firm final price online, because panel work depends heavily on what we find behind the cover.

What’s included / what’s not included

Typically included:
– Removal of the old panel or fuse box
– Installation of the new panel and breakers sized to your home
– Reconnection and labeling of existing circuits
– Grounding and bonding brought up to current code where required
– Coordination with the utility for any required disconnect and reconnect
– Testing and a walkthrough of your new panel layout

Typically not included unless added to scope:
– Rewiring of existing branch circuits or knob-and-tube replacement
– Meter base or service mast replacement if not part of the quoted scope
– New circuits for future additions (quoted separately)
– Drywall patching where a subpanel or conduit run opens a wall
– Permit fees, which vary by municipality (permits and inspections may be required)

Why Central Ohio panels need upgrading

A lot of Central Ohio housing stock predates today’s electrical demands. Homes in Clintonville, Hilltop, and Whitehall built between the 1950s and 70s were often wired for a fraction of the load a modern household runs, so a 60-amp or 100-amp service that was fine for a stove and a few lamps now struggles with central air, a dryer, and a car charger. Some of that era’s panels are the exact brands home inspectors flag today. Freeze-thaw cycles and settling can also stress overhead service masts and underground feeds over the decades. Newer builds in Dublin, New Albany, and Lewis Center usually start with 200-amp service, so those calls are more often about adding capacity for an addition, a hot tub, or a workshop than replacing an unsafe panel. Our team works these neighborhoods regularly, so we ask about your home’s age and service size before quoting.

Our process

1. Online estimate or call. Use the Estimate Builder or call (614) 382-0000 to describe your panel and what’s prompting the upgrade.
2. On-site inspection. Our team checks your panel, grounding, service entrance, and available capacity.
3. Written scope and options. You get a clear scope, including whether a service upgrade or just a panel swap is needed.
4. Permitting and utility coordination. Permits and inspections may be required. We handle the paperwork and schedule any utility disconnect.
5. Installation. We replace the panel, reconnect and label circuits, and bring grounding up to code where required.
6. Inspection and walkthrough. After the required inspection passes, we walk you through your new layout.

Related services

A panel upgrade often goes hand in hand with other electrical work, so it’s worth mentioning your full plans when you request an estimate. If you’re adding a charger, see our EV charger installation page. If you’re upgrading the panel to support a new heating and cooling system, our HVAC replacement page explains how electrical capacity ties into equipment choices. Ready to start? Build your estimate or call (614) 382-0000.