Electric Panel Replacement in DFW
Honest assessment. Clear pricing. Safe, code-compliant installations.
Not Every Panel Needs Replacing
Here's what we believe: if your panel can be safely repaired, we'll tell you. If it genuinely needs replacement, we'll explain exactly why and what's involved.
We've seen too many homeowners scared into unnecessary $3,000+ panel replacements when a $200 breaker fix would solve the problem. We give you the real story—what's dangerous, what's not, and what your options are.
When Panels Actually Need Replacing:
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels — known fire hazards that fail to trip
- Aluminum bus bars showing corrosion — creates resistance and heat
- Panel capacity maxed out — no room for needed circuits
- Insufficient amperage — 60-100 amp service can't handle modern loads
- Inspection requirements — real estate transactions often require upgrades
When You Probably Don't Need Replacement:
- One breaker keeps tripping (usually just needs replacement or load balancing)
- Panel is "old" but still a quality brand like Square D or Siemens
- Minor rust on exterior (can often be addressed without full replacement)
- Someone told you it's "outdated" without specific safety reasons
Bottom line: We'll diagnose the actual issue, explain the danger level, and give you options—not pressure.
Electrical Panels We Replace
Federal Pacific Panels
Genuine Safety Hazard
These panels from the 1950s-1980s have a documented failure rate. Breakers often fail to trip during overloads, creating fire risk. If you have one, replacement isn't upselling—it's a real safety issue.
Our recommendation: Replace
Zinsco Panels
Known Fire Risk
Breakers in these 1970s panels can melt onto the bus bar, preventing them from tripping. Common in older homes, especially in the Mid-Cities area.
Our recommendation: Replace
Undersized Panels
(60-100 Amp)
May Need Upgrade
If you're tripping breakers with normal use, running space heaters, or adding central AC, your 60-100 amp service may genuinely be too small. Modern homes typically need 200 amps.
Our recommendation: Evaluate based on your actual needs
Quality Panels
(Square D, Siemens, GE)
Often Just Need Maintenance
These panels are built to last decades. If you have one that's working properly, there's usually no reason to replace it. We'll fix individual breakers or add circuits as needed.
Our recommendation: Repair or expand, rarely replace
Our Panel Replacement Process
When replacement is genuinely needed, here's exactly how we do it:
Honest Assessment
We inspect your current panel, test breakers, check for corrosion, and evaluate capacity. You'll get a clear explanation of what we found and whether replacement is truly necessary.
Permit & Coordination
We pull all required permits and coordinate with your utility company for temporary disconnect. You'll know the timeline upfront—usually 4-8 hours of work, completed in one day.
Safe Installation
We install your new panel to current NEC code, properly label all circuits, ensure correct wire sizing, and verify all connections are tight and safe. Everything works as it should when we're done.
Inspection & Sign-Off
City inspector verifies the work. We handle any required corrections until you get final approval. No surprises, no cutting corners.
What Panel Replacement Actually Costs
We believe in transparent pricing. Here's what affects the cost:
Panel Size & Type
- 100-amp panel replacement: Lower cost, suitable for smaller homes
- 200-amp panel upgrade: Most common for modern homes
- 200-amp with service upgrade: Includes new meter base and service lines
Service Upgrade Requirements
- Just the panel? More affordable
- Need new service lines from pole? Higher cost but necessary for full upgrade
- Meter base replacement? Additional work but often required
Circuit Count & Complexity
- Basic 20-circuit panel: Straightforward
- 40-circuit panel with subpanels: More complex
- Relocating panel location: Additional labor
Typical Range: $2,500 - $8,500
Most straightforward 200-amp panel replacements run $2,500 - $5,800. Full service upgrades with utility coordination run higher. We'll give you an exact quote after inspecting your specific situation—no hidden fees.
Get Your Free AssessmentCommon Panel Problems We Fix
Breakers Trip Constantly
The Problem: Circuit is overloaded, breaker is weak, or there's a short somewhere.
Our Fix: We diagnose the real cause. Sometimes it's just a bad breaker ($150-250). Sometimes you need a new dedicated circuit ($400-800). Rarely requires full panel replacement.
Panel Buzzing or Humming
The Problem: Loose connection, failing breaker, or bus bar issue.
Our Fix: Tighten all connections, test for loose bus bars, replace faulty breakers. If the bus bar itself is damaged, then yes—panel replacement may be needed.
Burn Marks or Melted Breakers
The Problem: This is dangerous. Poor connection created heat and arcing.
Our Fix: In Federal Pacific/Zinsco panels, this confirms replacement is necessary. In quality panels, we may be able to replace the damaged section, but we'll assess the full panel condition.
No Space for New Circuits
The Problem: You need to add circuits for a remodel, EV charger, or new appliances.
Our Fix: Sometimes we can use tandem breakers legally. If the panel is truly maxed out and you need more capacity, upgrade to a larger panel makes sense.
Corroded or Rusted Panel
The Problem: Water intrusion or humidity caused corrosion.
Our Fix: Surface rust? Usually fine. Rust on bus bars or deep corrosion on connections? That's when replacement is genuinely needed for safety.
Real Estate Inspection Flags
The Problem: Home inspector noted panel type or age as concern.
Our Fix: We'll review the inspection report and tell you what's actually required vs. what's optional. Federal Pacific/Zinsco panels genuinely need replacement. "Panel is old" without other issues? Usually doesn't.
Panel Replacement Questions
How long does panel replacement take?
Most panel replacements take 4-8 hours. Your power will be off during the work. We schedule it for a day when you can be without electricity, and we're usually done in a single day.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Panel replacement requires a permit and city inspection. We handle all of that—it's included in our service. Any electrician who says you don't need a permit is cutting corners.
Will you relocate my panel?
We can relocate panels when needed, but it adds cost (typically $800-1,500 extra) due to running new service lines. Sometimes it's necessary for code compliance; other times the panel can stay where it is.
Can I upgrade from 100 to 200 amps?
Yes, and this is one of the most common upgrades we do. It usually requires utility company coordination to upgrade the service lines, which adds time but gives you the capacity for modern electrical loads.
What if inspection fails?
We stand behind our work. If the inspector finds something that needs correction (rare, but it happens), we fix it at no additional charge. You won't pass final inspection until everything is right.
Should I upgrade to 200 amps "just in case"?
Not necessarily. If you have 100-amp service and it's working fine for your needs, there's no reason to spend extra on a 200-amp upgrade. We base recommendations on your actual usage and plans, not on "might need it someday."
What brands do you install?
We primarily install Square D, Siemens, and GE panels—all quality brands with readily available parts. We'll recommend the best fit for your specific situation and budget.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Panel replacement is a significant expense, and we offer financing options to make it manageable. Ask us about current financing terms when you get your quote.
Panel Replacement Throughout DFW
We serve all of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with honest electrical panel assessment and replacement services.
Tarrant County
Dallas County
Denton County
Related Electrical Services
Circuit Breaker Repair
Single breaker acting up? We diagnose and replace individual breakers without unnecessary panel replacement.
Electrical Inspection
Pre-purchase or safety inspections. We'll tell you if that "old panel" is actually a problem or just... old.
GFCI Installation
Adding required GFCI protection to older panels without replacing the whole system.
Emergency Electrical Repair
Panel smoking, burning smell, or complete power loss? We respond quickly to electrical emergencies.
Whole House Rewiring
For older homes that need more than just a panel—complete electrical system upgrades.
EV Charger Installation
Adding EV charging often requires panel upgrades or new dedicated circuits—we handle both.
Panel Replacement Resources
Learn more about electrical panels from our blog:
Federal Pacific Panels: Why They Need Replacement
The real story about FPE panels and why this isn't just electrician upselling.
Do I Need a Panel Upgrade?
Honest assessment of when panel amperage upgrades make sense and when they don't.
What Does Panel Replacement Really Cost?
Breakdown of actual costs and what affects the final price in DFW.
How to Tell If Your Panel Needs Replacement
Warning signs that indicate genuine safety issues vs. normal aging.
Home Inspection Flagged Your Panel—Now What?
What to do when a real estate inspection raises panel concerns.
Code Requirements for Panel Replacement
What current NEC code requires and what it means for your installation.
Get an Honest Panel Assessment
We'll inspect your panel, explain what we find, and tell you if replacement is actually needed—or if a simple repair will do.