Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade is a vital safety and capacity improvement for any modern or aging home. Frayer Electric provides expert electrical panel upgrade services for homeowners in Patterson, CA.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Services in Patterson, CA
Frayer Electric offers professional electrical panel upgrade services in Patterson, CA, to enhance your home’s safety and electrical capacity. If your panel is old, trips breakers, or you are adding new appliances, an upgrade is essential. Our licensed electricians will replace your outdated panel with a new, larger, and safer load center. We handle the entire process, including permitting, installation, and final inspection. We are a locally owned company committed to integrity, providing straightforward quotes for this critical work. As a C-10 licensed (#1101008) and insured contractor, we guarantee your new panel will be code-compliant. We also offer discounts for veterans, seniors, and first responders.
Jeff, was very knowledgeable, honest and professional. He was able to come out the next day to replace a breaker. I highly recommend him.
I needed some wiring issues resolved quickly, and the service exceeded my expectations. The electrician arrived promptly, diagnosed the problem right away, and had everything fixed in no time. I was especially impressed that they were able to provide same-day service. Their quick response and efficient resolution saved us a night without power. The work was neat, professional, and done safely. Highly recommend for anyone needing fast, dependable electrical help!
Thank you Jeff and his co worker for coming out on the weekend to help with loss of power in my garage. My washer wasn't working and that is very important. I also needed a fan fixed and a new fan put up in my kitchen. Jeff and his co worker are amazing and got the job done very quickly. They are professional and gave us very good service. Thank you once again.
Jeff and Nelson came out to do the initial load calculations for a Tesla Charger installation and for removing an unused high amp outlet in the back of our garage. The outlet was removed and after more inspection, the wiring in the junction box was also the wiring routed to our gazebo in our backyard. There was electrical installed 15 years ago for a bar and outdoor kitchen but it was not up to code and at risk of faulting. Jeff and Nelson were able to locate the wiring underground and was able to replace the outlets and remove all unused wire. It was very impressive. I have the Tesla installation scheduled with them in the next few weeks and I am very excited for it. I would recommend them to anyone I know. They work according to code, and made our family feel comfortable and trusting that the work will be done correctly!
Jeff was awesome and amazing I highly recommend for service fixed my parents electrical problem under a hour trouble shooting included he came in and went straight to work really honest if you want affordable professional and fast service go to Frayer Electric Inc. 5 stars
Jeff and Nelson did a fantastic job installing our level 2 charger. They were punctual and professional. Jeff seamlessly took care of Tracy city’s complex permit process. He continually kept us informed on how the permit was proceeding. He explained all electrical possibilities for this and future projects so that we felt well informed in making decisions. He was honest and meticulous in his paperwork and installation. The work area was left tidy. The prices were reasonable and we are glad we found our new electricians. Thanks Jeff & Nelson!
When I reached out to get a quote for replacing a bathroom vent fan Jeff was super quick to respond! Prices were fair, work history was quality, and we went ahead and booked. On install day Jeff and his team were kind, polite, and very respectful of the home. They were fast and efficient-Most importantly he took the time to explain things I had questions on and make sure that I was happy with the install. I would absolutely use Frayer Electric again, and I would recommend him to anybody who needed electrical work done.
Excellent service. They went step-by-step to find and repair the problem. I was informed of progress and all of my questions were thoroughly answered. Friendly but focused on completing the job. I’ll use them again when I need more electrical.
We had Jeff and his partner come out to install an outlet in our garage, and they were absolutely outstanding. From start to finish, Jeff’s communication was top-tier. He kept me informed every step of the way and explained everything in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Jeff is one of those rare professionals who is not only skilled in his craft but also genuinely honest, upfront, and easygoing. He shared so much knowledge about his work with me that I joked about joining the profession myself. It’s not every day you find someone this trustworthy, reliable, and personable in the service industry. Jeff and his partner went above and beyond, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for electrical work done right. 5 stars all the way!
Jeff and his assistant were wonderful! He explained everything and had all the parts on him. Would highly recommend .
Thank you Jeff, I appreciate your professionalism. You took care of my breaker / electrical problem. It was nice to see that you took the time to look over my AC unit, inspect all my breakers and tightened any loose connections in my panel. You corrected and replaced the bad breaker.
Extremely professional and thorough from start to finish. They quickly identified the issue, explained everything clearly, and resolved it efficiently. They replaced the faulty outlets and completed the rewiring with precision. Highly recommend for their expertise and reliable service.
Jeff with Frayer electric inc. Came out to my house, quick and promptly, Diagnosed the problem and fixed it. Very clear communication, And knowledgeable!
I had a great experience. Jeff added an outlet in my garage, installed a dimmer switch, and mounted my TV- everything turned out perfect. They were on time, professional, and made sure everything was exactly how I wanted it. Super clean work and very easy to work with. I’ll definitely call them again for future projects!
I'm very pleased with the services from Jeff and his brother in law! I called Jeff in the morning and he and his brother in law were able to come fix my electrical issues the same day! Jeff also took the time to explain my electrical issues and that it was good I called them before something bad could have happened. Very grateful for their knowledge, skills, and expertise! Thank you!
It's great to find a knowledgeable electrician that is straightforward with you, shows up when you need help, and is a good honest guy. I called Jeff Friday, and Saturday morning he was here. I'll definitely work with him again.
Prompt quick service. Very friendly. They had the problem fixed within 1 hr. Would highly recommend Frayer Electric to anyone that needs one. He travels to 3 different counties.
I can't thank Jeff enough for his help. In addition to an outlet needing replacing, my AC also wasn't getting the power it needed to run properly. In the middle of summer with pets in the house, that's not a good time. He was communicative, thorough and great to talk to. I'd recommend him to anyone.
Mr Frayer came to my home less then 24 hour's after I called, with loss of power in the master bedroom. He and his brother-in-law were extremely professional, did a complete check of the house to find the issue, then repaired everything, showing me what the issue's were and why they happened. I am truly impressed with the professionalism, work ethic, and even his sense of humor. I will absolutely use this business again, and I recommend that you do as well. Thank you Frayer Electric, you are my hero's!
Excellent 5 star service, these guys don’t mess around. If you need an electrician these are the guys. Know their stuff, Even caught where solar people had put a 40 in should have been a 30 in my panel box. He switched it out for me. Had all the parts in his pick up. Will use again when needed. Thank you
Responded quickly and worked efficiently to accomplish what electrical work my home required. Will recommend anytime for any job. Thank you Jeff and crew.
Do not hesitate to call Frayer Electric for any electrical issues you have! My needs were complicated and Jeff had them sorted out and rectified in no time. He updated many issues that had not been done correctly in the past and now I’m reassured that my house is safe. He was prompt, professional and extremely knowledgeable.
Came to the house on time, they were professional and courtesy great communication will refer them moving forward. Thanks Jeff
Jeff was awesome and friendly. We lost power last night called him at 9 PM and was able to get an appointment the next day. Jeff showed up troubleshoot the problem show me what was wrong. Made suggestions made the fix and was done with in an hour with no pressure to have additional work done. Would definitely recommend him.
Frayer Electric's did an outstanding job with reinstalling our fire detectors and replacing our recessed lighting. They are professional, knowledgeable and very thorough. I really appreciate how he answered our questions and filled us in on procedures etc. We will use this company for all of our electrical needs.
Jeff and his assistant fixed a complex problem that 3 other people couldn't resolve. His experience and professionalism was exceptional! The problem was solved and repaired in 2 hours! Great communication throughout the visit too. I wouldn't hire anyone else after working with Jeff ☆☆☆☆☆☆
Frayer Electric did an exceptional job of installing my ceiling fans. Their professional attitude was a big plus. I was very satisfied with the job they did and hope to use them again in the future. A big thank you to this company
Frayer electric did an awsome job. I had an electrical outlet installed, a new living room ceiling fan, and an outside ceiling fan installed on my porch. They were very efficient. The time they stated they were going to be there was right on. They even give you a call to let you know they are on the way. I definitely would use them again for other projects. They also were very courteous and communicated well before they installed anything.
Jeff is very personable and professional. He explains everything in detail so that you feel comfortable and confident with your repair or service provided.
Very professional. Honest. Extremely diligent. I could not have asked for a better service. Thank you so much, guys!!!
I needed help because the person I had here for an HVAC concern said I had an electrical issue. These guys were very friendly and able to accommodate me the same day. When it was clear the issue was really the HVAC, he contacted the owner of the HVAC company and gave them a heads up. It was an extra step that was appreciated. I'd highly recommend them to anyone.
Had some issues with our refrigerator and circuit breaker and needed a professional to take a look at it quickly. Contacted them in the morning and they were able to come in the afternoon. Jeff and his colleague were great and thorough. Highly recommend! And a big plus is that they are local in Patterson!
He's very knowledgeable and seems to care about the customer and isn't just trying to add extra costs. He's up front about what needs to be done and how much things will cost, which I appreciate. I'll definitely be calling him again for any future electrical work I need done.
Professional, knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. Quickly resolved an electrical issue that had plagued me for several years. Would rehire anytime in the future, highly recommended.
Our dangerous old electrical panel from the '70s was replaced. The team at Frayer Electric took extra care not to cause any damage to our old home. The job was completed quickly with very little disruption to us. We were very pleased with the team at Frayer Electric. Excellent work ethic. We are looking forward to our next project with them.
Jeff and Nelson did a great job installing 2 vanity lights, shower exhaust van, 12 recessed ceiling lights and a few dimmer switches. This was my second time using Frayer Electric. They continue to be thorough and professional. I will continue to recommend and use Frayer Electric for all my electrical needs!
Emergency call-out, needed whole new panel and done within 48hrs of call on a holiday weekend. Experienced and high quality workmanship, highly recommend Frayer Electric!
Fast service, informative, accommodating to my schedule. Depending on who you call you may be able to find cheaper rates, maybe higher rates, but I focus on quality and reliability. My particular job was LONG overdue. 20+ years old and required a little more time and patience. Pointed out options and also discussed quotes for other jobs i was considering. All in all a good experience. I plan on calling them when I'm ready to tackle those other jobs. You have to pay for quality work. Im a firm believer in that. I want it right not cheap. So Jeff will have my business in the future. I also enjoy not just knowing what needs to be done but the explanation of why. Jeff takes his time to make sure of that and answer any questions.
Hey, I wasn't getting any power from any of my outside outlets. I called Jeff & Nelson out. I had a hidden GFI outlet that was hard to find and they wouldn't leave until they found the outlet and fix the issue. ABOVE AND BEYOND service from these guys!!! Highly Recommended!!!! See you guys soon for the next project. Thanks again
Jeff was able to get me scheduled in a timely matter. He hung two ceiling fans and needed to correct one of the boxes that was previously installed incorrectly from the builder. I was thinking about another project for the future, he gave me his opinion on what would be the more cost-effective way to go. I appreciated his honesty and professionalism, I’d highly recommend him.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a reputable electrician. Was very patient and walked through all the options before starting the process. I would recommend to anyone.
Came the same day we called and fixed our many issues. They are very polite and very thorough with their work. Highly recommend.
Great company. Jeff, the owner was very knowledgeable and fixed the problem at the house in no time. Friendly staff and great service. Definitely calling him again if i need more work done. Five stars all the way around.
Frayer Electrical Co. has done several electrical jobs for my home. Has always been very respectful ,professional and well priced. He has installed new GFI outlets, outdoor covered outlets and recently a Smart attic fan. I always reccomend him highly to anyone needing electrical service done. Another happy customer !!!
Thank goodness for Frayer Electric Inc. Jeff’s attention to details saved me a lot of time and money as he trouble shot my electrical issues with my pool cover. He found that the previous technician that supposedly fixed mine problem had everything wired incorrectly. Jeff and his crew had everything fixed within an hour. I would highly recommend Jeff and his crew for all of your electrical needs He is someone you can trust to give you a fair price. Thank you for your help Jeff. Frayer Electric Inc. is the company I will ever call in my area.
Excellent service! Explained everything and did a great job! Definitely recommend him.
Awesome experience with Frayer Electric. Jeff and Nelson do a very professional and clean job. Super knowledgeable about what they do. Would highly recommend for any electrical work.
They were able to come out the same day to replace my ceiling fans. Very professional and pretty quick. Would use them again.
Jeff was knowledgeable and efficient. This is the second time he worked on my mom’s electrical problem. He was able to come the next day and stay late to fix the problem. He was honest and explained, showed what the problem was and how he fixed it.
I had a very good experience enlisting the services of Jeff Frayer Electric to install an additional 240v line to power my Tesla EV charger. Jeff was very prompt in responding to my request for his services. It was clear to that he knew his profession well and was very pleasant to work with. I would recommend Jeff's company for any type of electrical needs!
Jeff was able to not only fix my wiring issues but he also explained things so that I could understand. He's very thorough and appears to really enjoy what he's doing. I'd give more stars if I could. Thank you!
I called today because my dryer outlet was burned/melted. This could have been extremely bad. These two gentlemen came out as soon as possible and everything was fixed within an hour. I am very pleased with my results and the way things were handled. I definitely would recommend FRAYER ELECTRIC anytime!!!! GREAT JOB!!!!
Jeff Fryer and his brother in law are a great team, did a wonderful and great job. Thank you very much, we appreciate you, a awesome and great team.
Jeff was awesome, very knowledgeable and have every tool of the trade. Carried out his job flawlessly within the code requirements of city and manufacturer’s specifications of the product I hired him to install ( level 2 charger). He went above and beyond and called the boss of the city inspector who failed the inspection simply because he did not know how to open the latch of the breaker box, and did not come with the tools. With hours, the inspectors boss was at my door and passed everything and promised to take the matter up higher leadership. and Yay! I got the green light form Jeff to officially start using my charger. I did and it worked just fine. Thank you Jeff for your excellent customer service and advocating for your customer all the way through !
Worked with Jeff- very professional and helpful resolving an issue in my elderly father’s home. Gave us peace of mind and was priced fairly, even gave us a reduced rate since he wasn’t there the whole hour. Really appreciate his help!
Llamamos a Jeff y ese mismo dia pudo ir a nuestro hogar para ayudardos con nuestro situación. Encontraron rápido el problema y lo pudieron arreglar en menos de una hora. Fueron muy amables y eficientes. 100% los recomendaría a otras personas.
Called Jeff early in the morning with an urgent issue regarding some rodent damage to our electrical wiring and he and his team were there within a few hours and were super fast getting us all fixed up and back online. Highly recommended and will be quick to call him if any projects or issues come up in the future!
I called Jeff 1:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon. He promptly answered my call and committed to being at my house to fix electrical problem. Very professional and personable. Would recommend his services anytime. He knows what he’s doing. Very satisfied, customer!
Very good people very knowledgeable would use again and recommend to others
These guys were great! They went through breakers, main power and couldn't find any problem there. They then went through each switch and plug and eventually found the bad wire. Very thorough and polite. They even clean and vacuumed when they were done....amazing
Jeff is an ultimate professional with great customer service. He called me back to setup an appointment and go over the project. He showed up on time the day of the appointment and got to work. He was great answering my questions not even related to the project. I highly recommend him to any of your electrical projects.
Outstanding service from Jeff and Nelson I can't recommend them highly enough! From the moment I reached out to Jeff, I was impressed by his professionalism and quick turnaround. He called me back almost immediately, which set a positive tone for the entire experience. The work began the very next day, which was appreciated. Not only am I satisfied with the quality of the job they did, but I also feel great knowing I supported a local business. If you’re in need of reliable and skilled electricians, reach out to them!
I appreciated Jeff’s quick response to my issue and that he was able to respond the same day that I called for availability. Job was completed same day and at a reasonable price! I will be using Frayer Electric for all my needs at my home! Thanks again Jeff and Nelson!
Jeff was great. Great work and professional. Had the job done quick and easy. Highly recommend Jeff for any electrical work you need.
Jeff did a neat job installing a whole house surge protector on my main panel, he also checked all my breakers as courtesy and found out my oven circuit was miswired which was causing frequent tripping and fixed it . Thank you Jeff for protecting my house electric system.
Jeff is a great guy installed our car charger and even though it wasnt scheduled came in and fixed our fans and switchs.
I would recommend Jeff to everyone! He responds promptly, is super knowledgable (especially with old panels), brings the necessary parts and tools and GETS THE JOB DONE CORRECTLY!! Plus he went out of his way to help me considering that this issue shut my well down and it affects my livestock. There is no BS, he is honest and has integrity!! If you have electrical problems, he is your go to company!! Thank you Jeff for going out of your way to help me on a weekend. Scary when you don't have water!
We hired Jeff to help with the electrical installation for a new hot tub, Jeff and his team member were absolutely excellent!! Not only were they very kind and professional, they were very flexible and was able to fit us into their schedule in coordination of the hot tub delivery. Their quality of work is top notch, they are perfectionists! Thank you Jeff, looking forward to working with you again!
I hired Jeff to install a Tesla charger at my home, and I am extremely impressed with the entire experience. Jeff and his team arrived right on time and was professional and friendly. He took the time to explain the installation process and ensured all my questions were answered before starting the work.
UPDATE: I had Jeff come back to replace all the old can lights with beautiful LED lights. They showed up on the scheduled date and time (much appreciated!), were friendly and professional and did a great job. I love the new lights! They also talked with me about another project I had in mind, and came back a week later to install a switch for my backyard motion light. Now, I can use my backyard without having to climb a ladder to turn off the bright light. Thank you for the great service, Jeff! I needed a ceiling fan installed that was giving my husband trouble. We called Jeff and he was here first thing the next morning - at the time he said he would be here. Not only did he get the fan installed, he fixed the previous installation so that the new "fandalier" would sit square with the room. He was in and out in less than an hour. He and his teammate were friendly, communicative and professional. Before they left, we spoke about another potential project that I will likely have him come back and do. Great service!
Great experience with Jeff and Nelson of Frayer Electric. Helped me diagnose and fix a few issues in my home over the course of a few weekends. Quick to respond to questions, and flexible with my scheduling/needs. Would recommend to anyone looking for qualified honest help from an electrician. Thanks guys
Jeff helped with install my ring flood light camera. He was quick and very professional in completing the job. His communication is great as well since he was very responsive. Will reach out again definitely for any electrical needs at home! Highly recommended!!
We had electrical problems with our pool pump.we called Jeff yesterday morning they were out by 1 pm. They figured it out in and out in 1 1/2 . Courteous nice and explained everything. Very happy, thank you for being so prompt.
Wonderful experience! Jeff and his team completed a whole panel replacement in record time. They were punctual, polite, and very easy to work with. Would definitely call them again for any future electrical need, highly recommend them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jeff and his brother in law did not give up. Its an older house and it took a while but they figured it out. He told me that we won't give up until we figure it out and that they did. My mom was happy. Would definitely recommend them. Great job!
Great service, my house powered down in the middle of the night and they were able to come and fix everything the next day. They were very thorough in explaining what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future.
Great service. Jeff was very professional and fixed my bad breakers quickly.
Omg...Jeff made our day. Blown GFI on outside wall that affected half the master bedroom. Quick response! Professional and informative. Fair prices couldn't ask for more. Would recommend him in a heart beat. Thank you so much Jeff and Nelson.
I contacted Jeff for a quote on a EV charger installation. He was very quick to respond and is a great communicator. He installed my charger with ease. I will definitely contact him again if needed😊
Jeff was super quick to respond to our call for help with our breaker issues. He was able to fit us in and two days later issue resolved. Very impressed how professional, organized and focused he was ... bonus he made sure he cleaned up everything before leaving. Hopefully we can get him back in a few months to upgrade our panel. Highly recommend!
We had an emergency situation with power lines down and Jeff was able to respond very quickly and had power restored within a few hours! Professional, responsive and efficient work! Will be refering to friends and neighbors!
Was very good service nice people they worked fast I’d come to them again I would highly recommend
Jeff and his team has been working on a home for the company I work for. He diligently worked to get our customers electric back on, which was a difficult task. He also generated a thorough report explaining what he did. We will be using him in the future!
Jeff is the person to call for electrical issues. Fast and courteous service. I won't call anyone else.
Very knowledgeable, great communication and fast quality service. Would recommend to others and use for future jobs!
Great job! Did a fan replacement and cabinet light. Clean, professional. The job was done very efficiently
Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Service Locations
Frayer Electric provides licensed air conditioning wiring services for homes and businesses across Patterson, CA and nearby areas. We’re ready to help with safe, code-compliant installations and upgrades; explore all the areas we serve:
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
Frayer Electric is based in Patterson, CA. We know the area, we live here, and we treat every job like it’s in our own neighborhood.
STRONG LOCAL REPUTATION
Frayer Electric is highly rated, trusted by homeowners, and backed by solid, verified reviews across Patterson and surrounding areas.
LICENSED & INSURED
Frayer Electric is based in Patterson, CA. We know the area, we live here, and we treat every job like it’s in our own neighborhood.
Electrical Panel Upgrade in Patterson, CA
An electrical panel upgrade is the process of removing your home’s old, outdated circuit breaker box and replacing it with a new, modern, and safer one. This is one of the most important safety upgrades you can make to your home. Many older homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp panels that are not sufficient for a modern lifestyle. These old panels can become overloaded. An upgrade, typically to a 200-amp panel, provides the capacity you need. It also gives you more physical spaces for new circuits.
This service is often a like-for-like replacement of the panel itself. This is different from a full service upgrade, which also replaces the wires outside your home. A panel upgrade is the solution when your existing panel is dangerous, recalled, or full. This includes replacing dangerous, known-hazard panels like Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco. These obsolete panels have a high failure rate and are a major fire risk. Our electricians will remove this hazard from your home.
The upgrade process is a full-day job that requires careful planning. We will first pull the necessary electrical permit from your city or county. We must also coordinate with your utility company, PG&E, to have your power disconnected on the day of the job. This is a mandatory safety step. We cannot safely remove your main panel while it is energized. This will result in a planned power outage for several hours.
Once the power is shut off at the meter, our electricians get to work. We will label every circuit in your old panel. We then disconnect all the wires and remove the old, hazardous panel from your wall. We will then install your new, 200-amp (or 100-amp) main breaker panel in its place. We will connect the main service entrance wires to the new main breaker. We will also install a new, code-compliant grounding and bonding system.
This includes driving new 8-foot ground rods and bonding your metal water and gas pipes to the new panel. This step is critical for a modern, safe installation. Once the new panel and grounding are in place, we will transfer all your existing home circuits. We will connect each circuit to a brand new, high-quality circuit breaker. This means you are not just getting a new box; you are getting all new breakers.
This is also when we perform critical safety upgrades. The National Electrical Code requires that when a panel is replaced, many circuits must be brought up to modern code. This means we will install new AFCI (Arc Fault) breakers on your bedroom and living room circuits. This protects you from fire. We will also ensure all kitchen, bath, and outdoor circuits have proper GFCI (Ground Fault) protection. This protects you from shock.
Once all circuits are reconnected, we install the new dead-front cover. We create a new, neat, and legible directory for your panel. We will then coordinate with the city inspector for a final inspection. After the inspector approves the work, we will have the utility company restore your power. Frayer Electric (C-10 #1101008) handles this entire, complex process for you. Our straightforward quotes mean you know the full price upfront.
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All Electrician Services in Patterson, CA
At Frayer Electric, we offer a full range of residential and commercial electrical services in addition to Electrical Panel Upgrade in Patterson and its surrounding areas. Explore our full list of services below:
What Makes a Great Electrical Panel Upgrade Service
A great electrical panel upgrade is a seamless, safe, and fully-compliant process. The electrician must pull the correct permits and coordinate the power shut-off with the utility. They will replace the old panel with a new, high-quality one. The most critical work is the rewiring of the new panel. This includes installing a new, code-compliant grounding and bonding system with ground rods. They must also install all new breakers, including the required AFCI and GFCI safety breakers. A great installer works neatly, torques all connections, and passes the final inspection.
Most Common Electrical Panel Upgrade Questions
A panel upgrade is a major electrical project that impacts your entire home. It is a critical investment in safety and capacity. Here are the most common questions about the upgrade process:
There are several clear signs that your home needs an electrical panel upgrade. The first sign is the brand of your panel. If you have a panel made by Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco, you need an upgrade. These panels are known fire hazards with high failure rates. They should be replaced immediately. Another sign is an old fuse box. Fuse boxes are obsolete, unsafe, and were not designed for modern electrical loads.
The second set of signs relates to performance. If your circuit breakers are tripping frequently, it means your panel is overloaded. If your lights flicker or dim when a large appliance, like your AC, kicks on, it is a sign your system is strained. A panel that feels hot to the touch or emits a crackling sound or a burning smell is an emergency. This indicates a loose connection or a failing breaker, and you should call us immediately.
The final reason for an upgrade is capacity. If your panel is physically full and has no open slots, you need an upgrade. You cannot add a new circuit for a hot tub, an EV charger, or a kitchen remodel. Upgrading to a modern, 200-amp panel with 40 slots gives you the safety and the electrical headroom you need. Frayer Electric can inspect your panel and give you an honest recommendation.
This is a very common point of confusion. An electrical panel upgrade (or panel change-out) is when we only replace the circuit breaker box itself. This is the service we perform when your panel is dangerous, recalled (FPE, Zinsco), or full, but your main service wires are still in good condition. We will coordinate with the utility to shut off the power. We then swap your old panel for a new one of the same amperage. For example, we replace your old, 100-amp FPE panel with a new, safe 100-amp panel.
An electrical service upgrade is a much larger and more complex job. This is what we do when you need to increase your home’s total power, such as moving from 100 amps to 200 amps. A service upgrade includes replacing the panel with a new 200-amp one. But it also includes replacing all the main power-feeding equipment outside your home. This includes the service entrance wires, the weatherhead on your roof, the conduit (the pipe), and the meter base (the box holding your meter).
Frayer Electric will assess your home and your needs. If your 100-amp service is in good shape but your panel is a fire hazard, a simple panel upgrade is the solution. If you need more power for an EV charger, a service upgrade to 200 amps is the correct job. We will provide a straightforward quote for the specific work you need.
FPE and Zinsco are two brands of electrical panels that are notorious fire hazards. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were installed in millions of homes, primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s. Their Stab-Lok breakers are known to be faulty. They can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. This failure means the wire in your wall can overheat and start a fire, and the breaker does nothing to stop it. They are a documented and well-known hazard, and all electricians recommend replacing them on sight.
Zinsco (or GTE-Sylvania) panels have a different, but equally dangerous, design flaw. Their breakers are known to melt to the main bus bar of the panel. This creates a welded connection. This means that even if the breaker trips, it may not actually cut the power. This creates a severe fire risk. It also creates a shock hazard, as a circuit may still be live even when the breaker handle is in the OFF position.
If you have one of these panels, you should not wait for a problem to occur. Frayer Electric can perform an inspection to confirm your panel type. We will provide a straightforward quote to remove this dangerous, obsolete equipment. We will replace it with a new, safe, and modern load center. This is one of the most important safety upgrades you can make.
An electrical panel upgrade is a well-orchestrated, one-day job. The first step is for Frayer Electric to pull an electrical permit from your city or county. We will then schedule the job with you. We will also schedule a disconnect/reconnect appointment with your utility, PG&E. On the morning of the job, the utility will arrive and shut off your power at the meter. This is when your home’s power will go out for the day.
Once the power is confirmed dead, our electricians will begin. We will label and then disconnect all the circuits from your old panel. We will remove the old panel from the wall. We will then install your new, modern panel in its place. We will also install your new, code-compliant grounding system. This involves driving two new 8-foot ground rods and bonding your water and gas pipes. This is a critical safety upgrade that is part of the process.
We will then reconnect all your home’s circuits into the new panel. Each circuit will get a brand new breaker. This is when we will install the required AFCI and GFCI breakers. We will create a new, neat label directory. We will then call the city for our final inspection. The inspector will come out that same day to approve our work. Once the inspection is passed, we will call the utility, and they will return to reconnect your power.
Yes, you will be without power for most of the workday. A panel upgrade is a major electrical surgery. It is impossible and extremely dangerous for us to remove your main electrical panel while it is live. For our safety, and for your home’s safety, we must have your utility company (PG&E) come out and shut off all power to your home. This is usually done by them pulling your electric meter.
You should plan to be without any electricity for approximately six to eight hours. This means no lights, no refrigerator, no Wi-Fi, and no HVAC. We will schedule this with you in advance so you can prepare. We recommend charging your laptops and cell phones the night before. You may need to work from another location for the day.
We understand this is an inconvenience. Our licensed electricians work as efficiently and quickly as possible. We will coordinate with the city inspector and the utility to minimize the downtime. Our goal is to have your power safely restored by the end of the afternoon. This short-term inconvenience is worth the long-term safety and reliability of a new, modern panel.
Yes, a panel upgrade includes all new breakers. When we install your new panel, we do not reuse any of your old, existing breakers. Those old breakers are likely worn out. They are also not compatible with the new panel, even if they are the same brand. Every new panel installation includes a full set of brand new, high-quality circuit breakers.
Furthermore, the National Electrical Code requires us to upgrade your circuits to modern safety standards when we perform a panel replacement. This means we cannot just put in standard breakers. We are legally required to install AFCI (Arc Fault) breakers for most of your home’s circuits, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. These AFCI breakers protect against fire.
We are also required to install GFCI (Ground Fault) protection for your kitchen, bathroom, garage, and outdoor circuits. This protects you from shock. This means your new panel will be loaded with new, modern safety breakers. This is a huge part of the safety benefit of a panel upgrade. Frayer Electric will explain these required breakers in our straightforward quote.
The amps are the total capacity of the panel. A 200-amp panel can safely handle twice the electrical load of a 100-amp panel. A 100-amp panel was the standard for homes built decades ago. It was sufficient for a time when homes had fewer electronics and smaller AC units. Today, a 100-amp panel is considered the bare minimum. It will struggle to support a modern, all-electric home.
A 200-amp panel is the new standard. It has the robust capacity needed to run a central air conditioner, an electric range, an electric dryer, and all your computers and electronics at the same time. It also provides the headroom you need for future expansion. If you ever want to add an EV charger, a hot tub, or a workshop subpanel, you will need a 200-amp service.
If you are just replacing an old, dangerous 100-amp panel, and you do not plan to add any large appliances, a new 100-amp panel is a good, safe option. However, if you are planning any major additions, Frayer Electric will almost always recommend a full service upgrade to 200 amps. This will power your home safely for decades to come.
A standard electrical panel upgrade, or change-out, is a full one-day job. We will schedule this with you in advance. The process begins in the morning, typically around 8:00 AM, when the utility company arrives to shut off your power. Our electricians will then work continuously for the next six to eight hours. This is a very labor-intensive process.
During this time, we will be removing your old panel, installing the new one, and installing the new grounding system. The most time-consuming part is reconnecting every single circuit from your home into the new panel. We have to do this one by one, carefully and neatly. We also have to install and wire all the new AFCI and GFCI breakers.
We will coordinate with the city inspector to have them arrive in the mid-afternoon. The inspection itself is quick, as they are checking our work. Once we pass the inspection, we will call the utility company. They will then return to restore your power. Our goal is to have your power back on by the end of the business day, usually between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Get The Top Electrical Panel Upgrade Near You
Invest in your home’s safety by replacing your old, overloaded, or dangerous electrical panel. Schedule a free callback with Frayer Electric for a professional assessment. You can also call us directly at (510) 861-6247 for a straightforward quote.

