Electric Service & Panel Upgrades
Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN

Your electrical service and panel is the nerve center that regulates the main flow of electricity in your home or building. At Advantage Electric, we specialize in electrical service and panel upgrades for residential and commercial properties across the Twin Cities metro. During these jobs you will find us both inside your home (often in your utility room) and outside constructing a service masterpiece that will energize your home for decades to come.

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs), high-powered appliances, saunas, and hot tubs increases, so do the challenges associated with your electric service. Whether you’re contemplating the installation of EV chargers, upgrading to electric appliances, or expanding your property with additions, our service upgrades ensure that your electrical system meets your evolving needs. From replacing your outdated panels to enhancing your power capacity with a seamless transition from a 100-amp or 150-amp service to a more robust 200- or 400-amp panel upgrade, we’ve got you covered.

Why Upgrade your Service Panel?

• Enhanced Safety: Outdated and discontinued panels pose significant safety hazards. Our upgrades ensure robust breaker protection and full compliance with safety codes, guaranteeing peace of mind.
• Increased Capacity: Insufficient breaker space or amperage capacity can hinder your electrical system’s performance. Our panel upgrades expand capacity to meet both your current and future electrical demands.
• Better Panel Configuration: Say goodbye to tangled wiring and multiple panels eating up valuable wall and storage space. Our installations create a single, organized, and secure panel setup, simplifying maintenance and enhancing safety.
• Code Compliance Assurance: Our service upgrades adhere to all regulatory requirements, including the installation of disconnects, surge protectors, grounding and bonding, and more, ensuring full compliance with safety and National Electrical Code standards.
• Aesthetic and Reliability Improvements: We specialize in overhead to underground conversions, eliminating unsightly power lines and enhancing aesthetics while complying with code regulations for hot tubs, pools, and spas. This not only improves the visual appeal of your property but also enhances reliability as you are no longer at risk of tree branches or high winds taking down your power lines.
• Addressing Outdated and Unsafe Panels: Panels such as Federal Pacific, Zinsco/Sylvania, and Push-O-Matic, along with fuse box panels, pose serious safety risks due to age, deterioration, and noted historical issues. Our expertise ensures the timely replacement of these hazardous panels, safeguarding your property and its occupants.

When to Consider a Service Panel Upgrade?

• Average Lifespan: Electrical service panels typically have a lifespan of 40-50 years. Signs of degradation such as heat damage, magnetism issues, oxidization, or weather-related wear indicate the need for an upgrade to ensure continued safety and reliability.
• Insufficient Breaker Space: When you find yourself unable to add new breakers or circuits due to limited space, it’s a clear indication that your current panel is inadequate and in need of an upgrade.
• Insufficient Capacity: Introducing new appliances, installing a hot tub, sauna, or needing an EV charger often requires increased amperage capacity. If your current panel can’t accommodate these additions, a service upgrade becomes essential for optimal functionality and safety.

Code Requirements for Service Upgrades

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard for safe electrical planning and installations. It’s extensive, consisting of approximately 1,000 pages. Those pages hold the minimum standards that we follow as electricians. This book is our friend, and our familiarity with it enables us to easily pass inspections and improve your service installation.

As it relates to services, here are a few important code articles we must consider when upgrading a service:
• Disconnect Installation: Our service upgrades prioritize safety and compliance by including proper disconnect installations.
• Surge Protection: Safeguard your electrical system against transient voltage with whole-house surge protectors, ensuring protection for your valuable electronics.
• Panel Placement: We ensure your electrical panel is strategically located in a safe and suitable area, avoiding spaces such as bathrooms, closets, staircases, and other unsuitable locations to facilitate ease of access and maintenance.
• Overhead Clearances: Overhead service wires are meticulously installed with appropriate clearances to prevent interference with obstacles like doors, driveways, alleys, pools, and hot tubs, ensuring uninterrupted service and safety.
• Grounding and Bonding: Our upgrades include primary and secondary grounding electrode conductors to facilitate lightning dissipation and intersystem bonding for low voltage utilities, ensuring optimal system performance and safety standards compliance.

Contact us today to schedule an estimate for a service upgrade!