Your Electrical Panel Is the Heart of Your Home's Power. Upgrade It With an Electrician Who Treats It Like One.
When You Probably Need a Panel Upgrade
- You still have a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic panel
- You have a 60-amp or 100-amp service and want to add EV charging, a hot tub, an addition, or a generator
- Your panel is full and you're running out of breaker slots
- You see scorch marks, rust, or you smell anything burning at the panel
- Breakers won't reset, or they trip the second you flip them on
- Your home is more than 30–40 years old and the original panel hasn't been touched
What's Involved in a Panel Upgrade
A real panel upgrade isn't just swapping a box on the wall. Done correctly, it includes:
- Coordinating with the utility (OG&E or AVECC) to pull the meter
- New service entrance conductors sized to the new service
- New main panel with the correct main breaker
- Updated grounding electrode system to current NEC
- Proper bonding of metallic water and gas lines where applicable
- Surge protection (recommended on every upgrade)
- Permit, inspection, and final utility reconnect
How Long Does a Panel Upgrade Take?
Most residential 200-amp panel upgrades are completed in one day — power off in the morning, restored the same afternoon after the utility reconnect and inspection. Larger jobs (service-mast moves, meter relocations, multi-panel buildings) may run a second day.
What Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Van Buren?
Most 200-amp residential panel upgrades in Van Buren and Fort Smith range from roughly $2,200 to $4,500, depending on:
- Existing service size and condition
- Meter and service entrance location
- Grounding and bonding requirements
- Whether the service mast and weatherhead are being replaced
- Permit and inspection fees
We provide a fixed, written quote before scheduling — not an estimate that grows during the job.
