A panel upgrade follows a set order: a phone call, a visit and load calculation, a written price, a permit, the work itself, a city or county inspection, and the utility reconnecting power. Knowing the steps helps you plan your day, protect food and medical devices, and ask the right questions.
Step 1: The phone call
It starts with a call to (602) 999-2770. A real person answers. We ask about your panel brand, the number on the main breaker, the age of the home, and what is prompting the call. A tripping breaker, a home sale, an insurance letter and a new EV charger all point in different directions.
You hear what the visit costs before anyone drives out. The trip and diagnostic fee depends on distance, and nights and weekends cost more. We tell you this up front so there are no surprises.
Step 2: The site visit and load calculation
One of our electricians looks at the panel, the meter, the grounding and the main circuits. They ask what appliances you have and what you plan to add. From this they work out a load calculation, which shows how much power the home needs.
This is also when they check whether the job is a replacement at the same size, an upgrade to a larger service, or a smaller repair. We will tell you if the simpler fix is the right one.
Step 3: A clear price before work begins
You get the price for the work before anything starts. It covers the panel, any meter base or service wire changes, the permit and the labor. If something could change the scope, such as hidden damage, we explain it ahead of time so you are not surprised later.
Step 4: The permit
A panel replacement or service upgrade requires a permit from the city or county that covers your address. Unincorporated areas such as Sun City and Sun City West are handled by Maricopa County. We pull the permit. You do not need to visit any office.
Step 5: Work day
On the day of the work, power to the home is shut off. Here is what that means for you.
Lights, outlets, AC and the refrigerator will be off while the work is underway
If you use oxygen or another powered medical device, tell us when you book so we can plan around it
Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed to hold the cold
Plan for pets and for staying cool, especially in summer
Clear a path to the panel and the meter so our electricians can work safely
Step 6: Inspection
After the work, an inspector checks it against code. They look at the panel, the breakers, the wire sizes, the grounding and the labeling. If the utility had to disconnect the service, it will not reconnect until the inspection passes.
You do not need to know the code. Our electricians meet the inspector and answer their questions.
Step 7: Power back on and a walk-through
Once power is restored, we turn circuits back on and check that everything works. Then we walk you through the new panel: where the main breaker is, how the circuits are labeled, and how to reset a breaker safely.
Ask any question you like. If something is unclear, we explain it again in plain words. All of our labor and material carry a two-year warranty, and we are licensed under AZ ROC #341966.
Preparing your home before work day
A few simple steps make the day go more smoothly for everyone.
Move cars, boxes or shelves away from the panel and the meter
Charge your phone and keep a flashlight handy
Turn off and unplug computers and sensitive electronics before the shutoff
Let neighbors know if a work vehicle will be parked near their driveway
Write down any questions you want to ask the electrician
If you have a gate code or a pet, tell us when you book
If something unexpected turns up
Older homes sometimes hold surprises once the old panel comes off the wall. Our electricians may find scorched wires, an old splice, aluminum wiring, or grounding that needs work. If that happens, they stop and explain what they found, why it matters, and what it would take to fix. Nothing is added without your say.
What you will see on the outside
If the service size changes, the work often reaches the outside of the house. The meter base may be replaced, and the service mast or the wires that feed it may change. The utility may need to visit to disconnect and reconnect service. You do not need to arrange any of this yourself. We coordinate it and tell you what to expect before the day comes.
Questions worth asking any electrician
Whoever you hire, these questions help you know what you are getting.
Are you licensed by the Arizona ROC, and what is the license number?
Who pulls the permit?
Does the price include the meter base and service wires if needed?
What warranty covers the labor and the parts?
Will you walk me through the new panel when you finish?
If your current panel is hot, smells like burning or buzzes loudly, do not wait for the planned work. Call us. If you see smoke or fire, get out and call 911.
Common questions
Do I need to be home during a panel upgrade?
Someone should be there at the start and the end so we can review the plan and walk you through the finished work. Talk with us about the rest when you book.
Who schedules the inspection?
We do. Our electricians handle the permit and the inspection, and meet the inspector at your home.
What if I rely on a medical device that needs power?
Tell us when you call. We plan the shutoff around it, and you can arrange a backup source or a place to stay during the work.
