Electrical Panel Upgrade: What Alpharetta Homeowners Need to Know

Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

Don't worry, a tripping breaker is doing its job! ESFI explains that breakers trip when current exceeds their rated level. Common causes include an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, a ground fault, a loose connection, or an aging breaker.

Timing may point you in the right direction. An instant trip usually points to a short. A trip after several minutes often means overload or heat buildup. A hot, buzzing, or constantly tripping breaker is a sign of trouble inside the panel.

If you're dealing with a tripping breaker, reach out to us. We can inspect your panel to figure out what's going on and find the right solution.

Can a Breaker Go Bad from Tripping Too Many Times, and How Can I Tell?

Yes, a breaker is a mechanical part, so each fault trip can wear it down faster and cause it to weaken or even fail over time!

Watch for these signs if you're concerned.

1. The power is off, and the breaker won't reset.
2. The breaker feels hot.
3. It trips more than once.
4. You smell burning near the panel (a healthy breaker should never get hot during normal use).
5. A breaker that won't reset, or trips right away with no load, has likely failed inside.

If you notice one of these signs and want to find the best solution, call TE Certified Electricians! Breaker replacement services typically run $89 to $249 or more, depending on several factors.

How Do I Know If My Electrical Panel Needs to Be Upgraded or Replaced?

Unless you're an electrician, it can be hard to know if you need a new electrical panel or an upgrade. Fortunately, there are a number of signs that will point you in the right direction!

A replacement may be necessary when there are serious issues with your electrical panel. Signs you need to replace your electrical panel:

1. Replace your panel if breakers are no longer made for its brand.
2. Replace it if that brand has a known fire-hazard history.
3. Replace it if the panel crackles, holds more breakers than it's rated for, or shows rust or corrosion inside.
4. Hot, buzzing, or constantly tripping breakers are early warning signs too.

Upgrading, on the other hand, all comes down to capacity. If you have no open slots, or you're adding an EV charger, heat pump, or hot tub, an upgrade may be the best option for you.

Either way, TE Certified Electricians can help! We've worked on thousands of electrical panels over the years. Each time, the work is permitted and inspected to ensure the utmost quality.

NOTE: Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels deserve a special note. These panels went into thousands of homes across Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Austell during the 1970s and 80s. Their design let breakers overload instead of tripping. This led to fires and, eventually, a company bankruptcy. Many of these panels are still in use today. If you have one, get it checked and plan for replacement.

Does Georgia Power Need to Be Involved in a Panel Replacement, and How Is the Power Shut Off and Turned Back On?

Yes. The utility, not us, must disconnect and reconnect power at the meter! Most panel upgrades take our electricians 4 to 8 hours on site. Add the utility's time, and plan on losing power for the working day. Our full service upgrade includes new power connections from your power company. We pull
the permit and have the city inspect the finished work. That inspection is proof from a third party that the job was done right.

If the utility also needs to change your meter base or service line, their scheduling can add 1 to 3 weeks to the project, but we set the date with you before anything is disconnected!

How Much Do Permit and Inspection Fees Add to the Cost, and Are They Included in Your Price?

Permit fees come from your city or county, not from us. Marietta, for example, requires a mechanical permit for work on heating, air conditioning, and gas systems. Small jobs, like swapping a faucet, usually need no permit at all. For panel work, we pull the permits your job needs and set up the inspection. Permit costs are already built into our quoted price. Our panel replacement range of $1,595 to $3,000 or more includes permits and breakers. You'll see the full number before we start any work. When you compare quotes, ask the same questions of each company. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance. Ask if their electricians are employees. Ask if the permit and inspection are included in the price. The FTC advises homeowners to only consider contractors who are licensed and insured.

How Much Do Permit and Inspection Fees Add to the Cost, and Are They Included in Your Price?

Permit fees come from your city or county, not from us. Marietta, for example, requires a mechanical permit for work on heating, air conditioning, and gas systems. Small jobs, like swapping a faucet, usually need no permit at all. For panel work, we pull the permits your job needs and set up the inspection. Permit costs are already built into our quoted price. Our panel replacement range of $1,595 to $3,000 or more includes permits and breakers. You'll see the full number before we start any work. When you compare quotes, ask the same questions of each company. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance. Ask if their electricians are employees. Ask if the permit and inspection are included in the price. The FTC advises homeowners to only consider contractors who are licensed and insured.

Ready for a Panel Upgrade?

A tired or unsafe panel won't repair itself. If your breakers trip often, your panel brand is no longer supported, or you're planning an EV charger or a new appliance, it's time for a check. Contact us to set up a consultation! We'll check your panel, run the numbers, and give you a clear price before any work begins!