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Electrical Panel Upgrades in Virginia Beach

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  • Allen Electrical Service

Electrical Panel Upgrades in Virginia Beach: When to Replace or Expand Your Power Panel

Your home’s electrical panel is the central hub that controls and distributes power. Over time, it can become outdated or undersized for your needs. At Allen Electrical Service, we help Virginia Beach homeowners replace old panels, increase capacity, and meet current electrical codes safely and efficiently.

1. Replacing an Old or Outdated Electrical Panel

Most panels last between 25 and 40 years, but age, corrosion, or outdated designs can create safety concerns. Older panels may not provide proper overload protection, leaving your home vulnerable to electrical fires or system failures.

If your home still uses fuses instead of breakers, it’s time for an upgrade. Likewise, if your electrical panel is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand, it should be replaced immediately. These panels are known for failing to trip when circuits overload.

Replacing your old electrical panel ensures safe, consistent power and compliance with modern standards. Our licensed electricians in Virginia Beach specialize in professional breaker box replacements that meet or exceed 2020 NEC requirements.

2. Running Out of Breaker Space

When your panel no longer has open slots for new circuits, it limits what you can add to your home. Common warning signs include:

  • Double-tapped or “piggybacked” breakers.

  • Unused or mislabeled circuits.

  • No room for expansion when adding new appliances or remodels.

If you’re planning upgrades like a new kitchen, EV charger, or outdoor lighting, you may need a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade. Allen Electrical Service installs modern panels with extra capacity to power your growing household safely.

3. Upgrading for Increased Electrical Capacity

Many homes in Virginia Beach were built when 100-amp panels were standard. Today’s families use far more electricity—HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, hot tubs, and electric vehicle chargers all add significant load.

A 200-amp or 400-amp panel upgrade allows your system to handle that demand safely. It reduces breaker tripping, improves power distribution, and helps avoid overheating in older wiring.

Our electricians calculate your total service load to size your new panel correctly. Whether you’re adding high-efficiency appliances or finishing a garage, we make sure your home’s power system can handle it.

4. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Panel

Some electrical panels fail quietly before showing visible damage. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Lights dim or flicker when large appliances start.

  • Breakers trip frequently or refuse to reset.

  • A burning odor or warm spots around the panel.

  • Buzzing or crackling sounds from breakers.

If you notice any of these issues, schedule a panel inspection right away. Prompt attention can prevent fires, damage to electronics, or total power loss.

Expert Electrical Panel Replacement in Virginia Beach

At Allen Electrical Service, we specialize in electrical panel upgrades and main breaker replacements throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. Our licensed electricians evaluate your system, explain your options, and perform upgrades with precision and care.

Whether your panel is too old, too small, or simply can’t keep up, we’ll help you power your home safely and efficiently.

Contact Allen Electrical Service today for professional electrical panel replacement in Virginia Beach, VA, and get your home ready for the future of power.

 

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