Electrical Panel Installation & Upgrades
Professional electrical panel installation and upgrade services in Ventura County, CA. Hunter Electric installs code-compliant breaker panels that increase electrical capacity, improve safety, and prepare your property for modern electrical demands. Licensed electrical contractor with over 10 years of experience.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, also called a breaker panel, service panel, or load center, is the central distribution point for electricity in your home or business. The panel receives power from the utility company and distributes it to individual circuits throughout your property. Circuit breakers within the panel protect each circuit from overloads and short circuits by automatically shutting off power when dangerous conditions occur.
Main Functions of an Electrical Panel
- Power Distribution: Routes electricity from the main service line to individual circuits
- Circuit Protection: Circuit breakers prevent electrical overloads and short circuits
- Manual Shutoff: Main breaker allows complete power shutoff for safety and maintenance
- Load Management: Determines total electrical capacity available to your property
Modern homes and businesses require more electrical capacity than panels installed decades ago can provide. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures safe, reliable power distribution and prepares your property for current and future electrical needs.
Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs Replacement
An outdated or undersized electrical panel poses safety risks and cannot meet modern electrical demands. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a licensed electrician to evaluate your electrical panel.
Safety Warning Signs
- •Hot panel: Panel warm or hot to touch indicates dangerous overheating
- •Burning smell: Indicates overheating wires or components
- •Rust or corrosion: Water damage compromises panel safety
- •Buzzing or crackling sounds: Indicates loose connections or arcing
- •Scorch marks: Evidence of overheating or electrical arcing
Performance Issues
- •Frequent breaker trips: Overloaded circuits or failing breakers
- •Flickering lights: When using major appliances, indicates insufficient capacity
- •Panel over 25 years old: Older panels lack capacity for modern needs
- •No available breaker spaces: Cannot add new circuits for renovations or appliances
- •Fuse box instead of breakers: Outdated technology that should be replaced
Notice any of these warning signs? Schedule a panel evaluation today.
Call (805) 509-8323Benefits of Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading your electrical panel provides immediate and long-term benefits for safety, capacity, and property value. A professional panel installation by a licensed electrician ensures your electrical system meets current code requirements and handles modern electrical demands.
Improved Safety
New electrical panels include modern safety features like AFCI and GFCI breakers that protect against arc faults and ground faults. Upgrading eliminates fire hazards from outdated panels and overloaded circuits.
Increased Capacity
Modern panels provide 200-amp service compared to older 60-100 amp panels. This increased capacity supports central air conditioning, electric heat, major appliances, and home offices without overloading circuits.
Code Compliance
Licensed electricians ensure panel installations meet current National Electrical Code and local requirements. Code-compliant panels are required for home sales, refinancing, and insurance coverage.
EV Charger Ready
Electric vehicle chargers require dedicated 240-volt circuits and significant amperage. Panel upgrades provide the capacity needed for EV charger installation without overloading your system.
Support for Renovations
Kitchen remodels, room additions, and home office installations require additional circuits. Modern panels have space for expansion without costly future upgrades.
Increased Property Value
Updated electrical systems increase home value and marketability. Buyers prefer homes with modern, code-compliant electrical panels that won't require immediate replacement.
Residential and Commercial Panel Installation
Hunter Electric provides electrical panel installation and upgrade services for both residential and commercial properties throughout Ventura County. Every installation is performed by licensed electricians and meets all code requirements.
Residential Panel Services
- Single-family home panel upgrades and replacements
- 60-amp to 200-amp panel upgrades
- Subpanel installation for additions and garages
- Fuse box to breaker panel conversions
- Panel relocation for accessibility or renovations
- AFCI and GFCI breaker installation
Commercial Panel Services
- Office building electrical panel installations
- Retail and restaurant panel upgrades
- Industrial panel installations and maintenance
- Multi-tenant building panel services
- Three-phase power panel installation
- Emergency and backup power panel integration
Learn more about our commercial electrical services.
Electrical Panel Installation FAQ
How long does electrical panel installation take?
Most residential panel installations take 4-8 hours depending on the complexity of the installation and whether additional electrical work is required. Commercial panel installations vary based on system size and scope. Your power will be temporarily shut off during the installation. Hunter Electric works efficiently to minimize downtime.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Panel upgrade costs vary based on panel size, location, existing electrical system condition, and whether the utility meter or service line requires upgrading. Hunter Electric provides transparent pricing and free consultations. Call (805) 509-8323 to discuss your specific needs and receive an accurate estimate.
Do I need a permit for panel installation?
Yes. Electrical panel installations require permits to ensure work meets National Electrical Code and local requirements. Licensed electrical contractors obtain necessary permits and coordinate required inspections. Never hire unlicensed individuals for panel work, as unpermitted work creates safety hazards, insurance issues, and problems when selling your property.
Can I upgrade just part of my electrical panel?
In some cases, adding circuits or replacing damaged breakers does not require full panel replacement. However, if your panel is outdated, undersized, or showing signs of failure, complete panel replacement is the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution. A licensed electrician can assess your panel and recommend the appropriate solution.
Will I need to upgrade my electrical service line?
If you are upgrading from 60-100 amp service to 200 amp service, the utility service line and meter may also require upgrading. This work requires coordination with your utility company. Hunter Electric handles all aspects of panel upgrades including utility coordination, meter upgrades, and service line work when required.
Is Hunter Electric licensed to install electrical panels?
Yes. Hunter Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving Ventura County, CA. All panel installations are performed by licensed electricians, meet current electrical code requirements, and include proper permitting and inspections. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
Related Electrical Services
Emergency Electrician
24/7 emergency service for urgent electrical repairs and safety hazards.
Learn more →EV Charger Installation
Professional EV charger installation requires adequate panel capacity.
Learn more →Circuit Breakers
Circuit breaker installation, repair, and replacement services.
Learn more →Schedule Your Panel Installation Consultation
Licensed electrical contractor serving Ventura County. Same-day service available for most installations.
Call (805) 509-8323