When your electrical panel can't keep up, everything downstream suffers — equipment downtime, nuisance breaker trips, overheating, and higher risk of electrical problems.
Whether you're expanding operations, adding heavy-load equipment, installing EV charging, upgrading HVAC, or remodeling, we help you modernize your electrical service so it matches how you actually use the space.
How a Panel Upgrade Works
- 1
We talk through what you are seeing
Tell us what is happening — breakers tripping, lights dimming, a panel that feels warm, or a new appliance or EV charger you want to add. You do not need to know the technical terms; describing the symptom is enough.
- 2
We look at the panel on site
Your panel is the box that splits incoming power into the circuits that feed your outlets, lights, and appliances. We open it up, check its condition and how much capacity it has left, and work out whether it needs replacing, more capacity, or just repairs.
- 3
You get a written quote before anything starts
We explain what we found in plain terms, what we recommend, and what it costs. Nothing begins until you have that in writing and agree to it.
- 4
We do the work and hand it back labelled
We handle permitting coordination and prepare the work for inspection. Power is off for part of the job, and we plan that around you. When we finish, the panel is properly labelled so you can find the right breaker later.
Our Panel Upgrade Services
Panel replacements
Electrical panel replacements and modern breaker panel installs.
Service capacity upgrades
Increased amperage for higher demand.
Main breaker & distribution panels
Main breaker and distribution panel upgrades.
Subpanel additions
Subpanels for expansions and build-outs.
Load calculations
Load calculations and panel sizing for your equipment.
Breakers & circuit organization
Breaker replacements, labeling, and circuit organization.
Grounding & bonding
Grounding and bonding corrections for safety and compliance.
Code compliance
Code compliance upgrades and inspection readiness support.
Shutdown coordination
Coordination for shutdowns to reduce downtime.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting repeated tripping, overheating, and power issues.
Why Choose CGA Electric for Panel Upgrades
Expertise for Any Load
We understand the power demands of homes, businesses, facilities, and multi-tenant properties — and we upgrade panels to support real operations.
Code-Compliant Installations
Your panel upgrade is completed to meet local and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, including proper labeling, grounding, and bonding.
Minimized Downtime
We plan shutdown windows carefully and coordinate with your schedule to reduce disruption.
Permit + Inspection Support
We handle the details — permitting coordination, scope documentation, and preparation for inspections.
Local Service You Can Reach
CGA Electric is trusted for responsive communication and clean, professional work.
Panel Upgrades for Builders and New Developments
New construction and renovation projects often need more capacity than the original electrical design — or a panel configuration that better matches the way the space will be used. Common drivers include:
- Added square footage or build-outs
- New mechanical systems (HVAC, refrigeration, compressors, etc.)
- Kitchen expansions and higher-load equipment
- Tenant improvements and multi-suite electrical demands
- EV charger readiness and future load planning
Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels
If your home was built or rewired between the 1950s and the early 1980s, it may have a Federal Pacific Electric panel using Stab-Lok breakers. These panels were installed in millions of homes, and they are treated differently from an ordinary older panel — the concern is not age or capacity, but whether the breakers reliably do their job.
The documented issue is that some Stab-Lok breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit. A breaker that does not trip leaves the circuit drawing more current than its wiring is rated for, which is why these panels are associated with an increased risk of fire and why replacement is widely recommended by electricians and home inspectors.
What the record actually says
- In 1980 the panels' then-owner reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that many FPE breakers did not fully comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements. CPSC testing confirmed that the breakers failed certain UL calibration tests.
- There was never a CPSC recall. The Commission closed its investigation in 1983, saying the data available at the time did not establish that the breakers posed a serious risk of injury — and it closed the matter without making any determination that they were safe. You may see these panels described online as “recalled.” They were not.
- In 2002 a New Jersey court found that Federal Pacific had knowingly distributed breakers that were not tested to the UL standard their labels claimed. FPE-brand Stab-Lok panels are no longer manufactured.
- Insurers commonly ask about panel type when writing or renewing a policy on an older home, and an FPE panel is a frequent finding on insurance inspections. If you have one, it is worth asking your own carrier where they stand — requirements vary between insurers, and we cannot speak for yours.
How to tell if you might have one
The panel door or the label inside it usually carries the manufacturer name — look for Federal Pacific Electric, orStab-Lok on the breakers or the panel label. Many, though not all, Stab-Lok breakers have a coloured marking on the switch. Look at the labelling only: do not remove the panel cover, which exposes live parts even with the main breaker off. If you are not sure, send us a photo of the panel door and label and we will tell you what you have.
If your home has one, replacement is strongly recommended. We inspect these panels and replace them with a modern panel and breakers, including the permit and inspection where one is required. Ask us to take a look— or call 910-337-8875.
Why Choose CGA Electric
We're fully licensed and insured in both North Carolina and South Carolina, and we serve a 50-mile radius of Wagram. Every job is backed by our 1-year warranty — if something isn't right after we leave, we come back and make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Common signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells, warm panel surfaces, buzzing sounds, outdated fuse boxes, limited breaker space, or adding new equipment that increases electrical demand.
What's the difference between replacing a panel and upgrading service capacity?
A panel replacement updates the panel itself. A service upgrade increases available electrical capacity (often requiring service equipment changes and coordination based on the building's load requirements).
Can you upgrade panels for remodels and tenant build-outs?
Yes. We regularly support remodels and build-outs for homes as well as retail, office, restaurant, and multi-tenant spaces.
Will my power need to be shut off during a panel upgrade?
Power typically must be temporarily shut off. We plan the work to minimize downtime and can coordinate shutdown windows around your schedule whenever possible.
Do panel upgrades require permits and inspections?
Most panel upgrades require permitting and inspections. We'll guide the process and ensure the work is prepared to pass inspection.
Can a panel upgrade help with breaker trips and power interruptions?
Often, yes — especially if the root cause is an overloaded or outdated panel, poor circuit distribution, or failing breakers. We also troubleshoot to confirm the real cause before recommending upgrades.
Can you add a subpanel instead of upgrading the main panel?
In some cases, adding a subpanel is a great solution — if your service capacity supports it and the electrical design allows it. We'll evaluate and recommend the safest option.
Are panel upgrades important for adding EV chargers or heavy equipment?
Yes. EV charging, new HVAC systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and industrial tools can significantly increase load. A panel or service upgrade may be necessary for safe operation.
Why should I choose CGA Electric for a panel upgrade?
We provide licensed, code-compliant workmanship, clear communication, and practical planning to reduce downtime — backed by local experience.