Burke residents frequently discover their electrical panels can't keep pace with modern living. True Quality Electric addresses this through complete panel upgrades and replacements that increase capacity, eliminate safety hazards, and ensure code compliance. Many homes in Burke were built during decades when 100-amp service was standard, but today's households routinely need 200 amps or more to power heat pumps, induction cooktops, EV chargers, and home offices filled with electronics.
When dealing with an undersized panel in Burke, you might experience breakers that trip when running multiple appliances, flickering lights when the HVAC system cycles, or an inability to add circuits for planned upgrades. These symptoms indicate your panel has reached its limit. Unlike temporary fixes that shift loads between circuits, a proper panel upgrade provides the capacity your home needs now and room for future expansion.
Understanding Panel Capacity and Load Requirements
Your panel's amperage rating determines how much total power your home can draw simultaneously. A 100-amp panel might suffice for basic lighting and appliances, but add central air conditioning, an electric dryer, an electric vehicle, and modern kitchen appliances, and you quickly approach or exceed safe capacity. Continuously operating near maximum capacity creates heat, accelerates wear on breakers, and increases fire risk.
Burke homeowners upgrading to heat pumps or installing solar arrays almost always need panel upgrades. Heat pumps can draw 40 to 60 amps during heating mode, while solar inverters require dedicated breakers sized appropriately for the system's output. Adding these loads to an already-stressed panel isn't feasible. A new 200-amp panel provides clean separation of circuits, modern safety features like arc-fault and ground-fault protection, and capacity for future additions.
For panel upgrades and electrical system assessments in Burke, reach out to discuss your home's current capacity and future needs.
The Panel Upgrade Process From Start to Finish
Panel replacements involve coordinated steps that ensure continuous safety and minimal disruption to your household. The process typically spans one to two days depending on system complexity and required modifications. Here's what to expect:
- On-site evaluation of your current panel, service entrance, and load requirements
- Coordination with Dominion Energy for temporary service disconnection
- Removal of old panel and installation of new appropriately-sized unit
- Verification that grounding, bonding, and all branch circuits meet current codes
- Final inspection and restoration of full electrical service to your home
Burke's housing stock includes many homes where original panels have reached end-of-life or lack capacity for modern electrical demands. Addressing these issues proactively prevents emergency situations and positions your home to accommodate technology changes in the coming decades. Proper panel sizing eliminates the frustration of managing circuit loads and provides peace of mind that your electrical system operates within safe parameters. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and receive a comprehensive proposal for upgrading your electrical panel in Burke.