Electrical Panel Upgrade

Upgrade your home’s electrical capacity and safety with a modern panel. Whiting Electrical Services provides expert electrical panel upgrades in Greenville, NC to meet today’s power demands.

Professional Electrical Panel Upgrade in Greenville, NC

An electrical panel upgrade is a critical investment in your home’s safety and ability to meet modern power demands. This project increases your electrical capacity, allowing you to safely power more appliances and electronics. Whiting Electrical Services specializes in upgrading outdated and undersized panels to new, high capacity systems. Our licensed electricians ensure your home is equipped to handle your needs safely and reliably for years to come. As a company owned by a veteran, precision and strict adherence to code are at the core of everything we do. We bring a disciplined approach to this vital safety upgrade. Trust our A+ rated business to enhance your home’s electrical foundation. Every upgrade is backed by our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty. We are committed to future proofing your home.

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I needed to have my generator serviced and Brad was super nice and provided extremely fast service! I called and they were here the next day ready to go. Excellent communication about when you can expect them to arrive and a smooth process overall. Highly recommend them for all your electrical and generator needs!!

Bert Wyrick August 9, 2025
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There were issues with a newly installed ceiling fan, so I called Brad at Whiting Electrical. He and his technician were extremely professional, thorough, and determined to find the source of the issue. They took the time to make sure everything was repaired and installed safely. I will definitely call them for any future electrical work. They’re ten times better than any big-name electric company I’ve used in the past.

Dawn August 6, 2025
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Brad was truly amazing! He stepped right in and got the job done with just a few days' notice. I would not have been able to sale my home without him. He went above and beyond to help me. Words can't thank him enough!!! If you want the work done professionally and complete call Brad!!!

Nicky Thompson July 25, 2025
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Absolutely recommend!! Brad was beyond helpful, reasonable and fair! We will definitely be using my him for future jobs 🙂

Ridley Morgan June 25, 2025
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Brad Whiting owner of Whiting Electrical was very knowledgeable and helpful. He explained everything about what he was doing to check my outlets. He also gave me some advice and tips on how to make sure that I don’t have any problems with my outlets. He also gave me information about the upcoming changes to the power codes. Definitely would recommend Whiting Electrical .

Marion Ingram June 24, 2025
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Great work and great service! Will be my first call for any electrical work going forward.

Tristen Schuler June 13, 2025
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Needed electrical work for dishwasher installation, called and set up a time immediately, clearly communicated and confirmed via text and email. Arrived assessed the problems, Brad (electrician) Tony (plumbing) had everything taken care of promptly, clean work, checked and made sure everything was done correctly. No complaints.

William Ruffian May 21, 2025
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Kassi May 12, 2025
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Courtney Penman May 11, 2025
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Lynda Chandler May 10, 2025
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Debora Zuehl May 8, 2025
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Diane Aleman May 7, 2025
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Gwen Thrift May 7, 2025
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Dietra R May 6, 2025
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And guess what happened during attic inspection? The crew found pigeons nesting, pecking cable jackets. They rerouted lines, stapled neatly, and vacuumed debris before leaving. From my perspective the extra effort matters. My lights are steady, my wife’s mixer no longer hesitates, and the electrician even fixed a squeaky attic hatch.

Zachary Esparza April 28, 2025
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Charles Thurman April 7, 2025
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Just got some recessed lights installed in my kitchen. Loved how neat and fast the work was. My kitchen feels brighter and way more cozy now. Good stuff.

Martin Johnston April 3, 2025
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Sharon Kent March 29, 2025
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To my surprise, what I thought was just a minor flickering light issue turned out to be an outdated wiring problem. They not only fixed it but also checked my entire electrical system to ensure everything was safe. The best part? No mess left behind, and they explained everything in simple terms. If I had to describe their service in one word? Awesome!

Omar Ashley March 25, 2025
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If I'm honest, I was worried about getting my wiring upgraded, but they made it stress-free. Everything works perfectly now. Highly recommend them!

Johnny Church March 15, 2025
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There ain’t no election better in Greenville, NC! Electrical in my family home was a situation Brad took on and came out feeling unburdened and safe. Thanks Whiting Electrical Services!

Yoljr March 15, 2025
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Thanks for the great service and patience!

Jay Shelton March 15, 2025
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Spider - Guy March 12, 2025
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Merissa Ramdat March 12, 2025
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Team NHM March 12, 2025
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Sudharsan March 11, 2025
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5/5

Ștefan Radu March 10, 2025
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Marcel Ngongang March 10, 2025
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I recently had the pleasure of working with Whiting Electrical, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received! Brad and his team were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They arrived on time, assessed the situation quickly, and provided a clear explanation of the work that needed to be done. I truly appreciate their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. If you're looking for a reliable and skilled electrical company, I highly recommend Whiting Electrical. Thank you, Brad, for your excellent service! I will definitely be calling you again for any future electrical needs.

Joshua Bunner March 8, 2025
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sanny Kumar March 8, 2025
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Guess what? My generator wouldn't start for weeks, and I almost gave up. Called them, and they got it running in no time! Showed me what went wrong and how to maintain it properly. Now I'm ready for any power outage. You might find this interesting—top-tier service!

Kirk Meyer March 7, 2025
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Came did the job in a timely fashion was completely professional one of the best in the trade from wat I seen would recommend him for anyone's home or business

Anthony Englert March 6, 2025

Where We Offer Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Service

We proudly offer Electrical Panel Upgrade services headquartered in Greenville, NC. Our team travels within a 50-mile radius to deliver expert, code-compliant installations backed by a lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

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Electrical Panel Upgrade Service in Greenville, NC

The process of an electrical panel upgrade is comprehensive. It involves more than just swapping out the breaker box. To truly upgrade your service capacity, we must also replace the main electrical cable that runs from the utility’s connection point to your meter, as well as the cable that runs from the meter into the new panel. The electrical meter base, the socket that holds the meter, must also be replaced with one rated for the higher amperage. This ensures that every component of your main service is capable of safely handling the increased electrical load. We also upgrade the main grounding and bonding system to meet modern code requirements.

Our licensed electricians at Whiting Electrical Services manage the entire upgrade process for you. This begins with a thorough assessment of your current system and a load calculation to confirm that a 200 amp service is the right choice for your home. We then handle all the necessary paperwork, including obtaining the required permits from your local municipality. We coordinate directly with the utility company to schedule the temporary disconnection and subsequent reconnection of your power. This comprehensive project management ensures a smooth and hassle free experience for you as the homeowner.

On the day of the upgrade, your home will be without power for several hours. Our team works efficiently to minimize this downtime. We will safely remove your old panel and service entrance components and install the new, higher capacity equipment. Each of your home’s existing circuits will be carefully transferred to new breakers in the new panel. We ensure all connections are torqued to the proper specifications and that the wiring is neat and organized. After the installation is complete and has passed the municipal inspection, the utility company will restore your power.

An electrical panel upgrade is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. It dramatically increases the safety of your electrical system by eliminating the risks associated with an overloaded panel. It provides the power and reliability you need for a modern, technology driven lifestyle. It also increases the value of your home, as an updated electrical system is a major selling point for potential buyers. They gain the peace of mind that the home is safe and ready for their needs, without the worry of an immediate and costly electrical project.

Trust the experts at Whiting Electrical Services to perform this critical upgrade. As a veteran owned business, we bring a level of discipline, integrity, and attention to detail that is unmatched. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty demonstrate our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We have the expertise to ensure your new electrical service will provide safe and dependable power for your family for many decades to come. Let us help you bring your home’s electrical system up to the standards of the 21st century.

Easy Financing For Your Electrical Panel Upgrade

Whiting Electrical Services uses Wisetack Financing to make your Electrical Panel Upgrade seamless. Easily prequalify below or call our office at (252) 576-6105 for assistance.

  • Break large projects into smaller monthly payments
  • Choose from multiple term lengths that fit your budget
  • Fast approval process with no hidden fees
  • No impact on credit score to check your options
  • Get the work done now and pay over time with confidence
Prequalify Here Call (252) 576-6105

Common Electrical Panel Upgrade Questions

Upgrading your home’s electrical panel is a significant project that often comes with many questions. From understanding the benefits to knowing the costs, Greenville homeowners want to be fully informed. Here are detailed answers to the most common questions about electrical panel upgrades.

Upgrading your electrical panel offers numerous significant benefits, with the most important being a dramatic improvement in electrical safety. An older, undersized panel is constantly at risk of being overloaded by the demands of modern appliances. This overloading can cause wires to overheat, creating a serious fire hazard. A new, upgraded panel with a higher amperage capacity ensures that your system can safely handle your home’s electrical load without the risk of overheating. Furthermore, a modern panel allows for the installation of advanced safety devices like Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers, which protect against fire causing electrical arcs, and GFCI breakers, which protect against shock, providing layers of protection that old panels simply cannot offer.

Another major benefit is increased electrical capacity and reliability. With an upgraded panel, you will no longer have to worry about tripping breakers when you run the microwave and the air conditioner at the same time. You will have ample power for all your existing devices and plenty of room to grow. An upgrade gives you the freedom to add new appliances, renovate your kitchen, build a home addition, or install features like an EV charger or a hot tub without having to worry if your electrical system can handle it. This eliminates the frustrations of an underpowered home and provides a stable, reliable power supply that is essential for a modern lifestyle.

Finally, upgrading your electrical panel is a smart financial investment that increases the value of your home. A new, 200 amp panel is a major selling point that makes your property more attractive to potential buyers. It gives them confidence that the home is safe, well maintained, and ready for their modern needs, which can help your home sell faster and for a better price. Many homeowner’s insurance companies also recognize the reduced risk associated with an upgraded electrical system and may offer lower premiums. The combination of enhanced safety, increased capacity, and improved home value makes a panel upgrade one of the most worthwhile home improvement projects you can undertake.

Determining whether you need a 100 amp or 200 amp service depends on the size of your home, your current electrical usage, and your future plans. A 100 amp service may be sufficient for smaller homes, typically under 2,000 square feet, that do not have central air conditioning or electric heat and use natural gas for major appliances like the stove, water heater, and dryer. If your power needs are modest and you do not plan on adding any large electrical loads in the future, a 100 amp panel might be adequate. However, it is important to note that a 100 amp service provides very little room for expansion and can be easily taxed by the addition of even a few new devices.

A 200 amp service has become the standard for most new home construction for a good reason; it provides the robust capacity needed for the typical modern family. You will almost certainly need a 200 amp service if your home is larger than 2,000 square feet, has central air conditioning, or uses electricity for heating, cooking, or water heating. A 200 amp service is also a necessity if you plan to install any high demand items, such as an electric vehicle charger, a hot tub or spa, a swimming pool heater, or an electric tankless water heater. Even if you do not need the full capacity right away, choosing a 200 amp service is a wise decision that “future proofs” your home, ensuring you will have the power you need for any new technologies or additions down the road.

The most accurate way to determine the right service size for your home is to have a professional electrician perform a load calculation. This is a standardized calculation that takes into account your home’s square footage, the number and type of appliances, your heating and cooling systems, and other electrical loads. An expert from Whiting Electrical Services can perform this calculation for you. We will assess your current and projected electrical needs and provide a clear recommendation. In the vast majority of cases, upgrading to a 200 amp service is the best long term investment, providing the safety, capacity, and flexibility that modern life demands.

No, you absolutely cannot and should not attempt to upgrade your electrical panel yourself. This is one of the most complex and dangerous electrical projects in a home, and it should only be performed by a qualified, licensed, and insured electrician. The primary danger is the risk of electrocution. Even if you turn off the main breaker in your panel, the main service lugs where the power enters from the utility company remain live with a fatal amount of voltage. A single accidental touch of these components can result in severe injury or death. Professional electricians are extensively trained to work around these hazards safely, using specialized equipment and safety protocols that a homeowner simply does not have.

Beyond the immediate risk to your personal safety, there is a very high risk of causing a fire or significant damage to your property if the upgrade is done incorrectly. The electrical code has hundreds of detailed rules governing panel installations, including proper wire sizing, grounding and bonding requirements, and correct torque specifications for connections. A single mistake, such as a loose connection, can create arcing and overheating inside the panel, which can lead to a devastating fire days, weeks, or even months later. An improperly installed panel can also damage your sensitive electronics and major appliances. The technical knowledge required to perform this work correctly is extensive and is not something that can be learned from online videos.

Finally, a DIY electrical panel upgrade is illegal in most places. This type of work requires an electrical permit from your local municipality, and permits are typically only issued to licensed electrical contractors. After the work is completed, it must be inspected by a city or county inspector to ensure it is code compliant. An unpermitted, uninspected panel installation will cause major problems when you try to sell your home. Furthermore, if a fire occurs as a result of your unpermitted work, your homeowner’s insurance company will almost certainly deny your claim, leaving you with catastrophic financial losses. For your safety, your home’s integrity, and your financial protection, always hire a professional like Whiting Electrical Services for a panel upgrade.

Yes, your home will be without power for the majority of the day during an electrical panel upgrade. This is a necessary and unavoidable part of the process for the safety of the electricians performing the work. The project begins with a scheduled appointment with your utility company to have them come to your home and disconnect the power supply from the outside. They will typically pull the electrical meter from its socket, which de energizes the main service lines coming into your home. It is only after the utility company has confirmed that the power is off that our electricians can safely begin their work. This means your entire home will be without electricity from the start of the workday.

The power will remain off for the entire duration of the installation process. Our electricians will work diligently to remove your old panel, install the new one, and transfer all the circuits, but this is a meticulous job that takes several hours to complete correctly. The total time for the installation itself typically ranges from six to eight hours. During this period, none of your lights, outlets, or appliances will have power. It is important to plan ahead for this outage. Make sure your cell phones are fully charged, make arrangements for any home based work or online schooling, and avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer to keep them cold for as long as possible.

Once our electricians have completed the new panel installation, the work must be inspected by the local building inspector. After the inspection is approved, we will coordinate with the utility company for them to return to your property to reinstall the meter and restore power. The power will not be turned back on until the work has been officially passed by the inspector. We strive to schedule everything as efficiently as possible to minimize the outage time, but you should realistically plan to be without power for a full business day, typically from around 8 AM to 5 PM. We will communicate the expected timeline with you clearly so you can be prepared.

A “heavy up” is a colloquial term that is often used in the electrical trade to describe a specific type of electrical panel upgrade; namely, a full electrical service upgrade. It means the same thing as upgrading your service capacity, typically from an older 60 or 100 amp service to a modern 200 amp service. The term “heavy up” refers to the fact that the project involves installing “heavier,” or larger gauge, service entrance wires that are capable of carrying the higher electrical current. It implies a complete overhaul of your main electrical service components, not just a simple replacement of the panel box itself.

A heavy up is a comprehensive project that addresses every component from the utility’s connection point down to your new panel. It includes the installation of a new, higher amperage electrical panel with all new circuit breakers. It also involves replacing the weather head (the protective cap where the overhead wires enter your home), the service entrance conductors (the main wires running down the side of your house), and the meter base (the socket that holds your electric meter). All of these components must be upgraded to be rated for the new, higher amperage. Finally, a heavy up includes bringing the home’s main grounding and bonding system up to the latest electrical code standards to ensure safety.

You would need a heavy up for the same reasons you would need a service upgrade. If your current system is undersized for your needs, you are planning a major addition or renovation, or you want to install high power appliances like an EV charger or a hot tub, a heavy up is the necessary solution. It is the most complete and robust way to modernize your home’s electrical foundation, providing the safety and capacity needed for a 21st century lifestyle. When you contact Whiting Electrical Services for an electrical panel upgrade, we will determine if a full heavy up is required to meet your goals and ensure the long term safety and reliability of your system.

An old electrical panel does not, in and of itself, use more electricity. The panel itself is a distribution and safety device; it does not consume a significant amount of power. It simply acts as a hub to direct power to the various circuits in your home. The amount of electricity your home consumes, which is what you are billed for on your utility statement, is determined by the appliances and devices you use, not by the age of your panel. Turning on a light or running your air conditioner will consume the same amount of power regardless of whether it is fed through a new panel or an old one. Therefore, simply replacing an old panel with a new one of the same amperage will not directly lower your electricity bill.

However, an old electrical panel can be associated with conditions that lead to wasted energy and higher bills. One of the most common issues in an old panel is loose electrical connections. Over time, the connections where the circuit wires attach to the breakers can loosen due to thermal expansion and contraction. A loose connection creates resistance, and this resistance generates heat. This heat represents wasted energy, as some of the electricity is being converted to heat instead of being used to power your devices. While the amount of waste from a single loose connection may be small, multiple loose connections throughout an old panel can add up, contributing to a slightly higher energy bill.

More significantly, an old, undersized panel can prevent you from upgrading to more energy efficient appliances, which is where the real savings are found. For example, you may want to replace an old, inefficient air conditioner with a new, high efficiency model, but the new unit might require a larger circuit than your old panel can accommodate. In this way, the old panel indirectly keeps your energy bills higher by preventing you from making money saving upgrades. During a panel upgrade from Whiting Electrical Services, all connections are torqued to precise specifications, eliminating energy waste from loose connections and giving you the capacity you need to install modern, energy efficient appliances that can significantly lower your utility costs over time.

You can usually determine the size, or amperage capacity, of your electrical panel by looking at the main circuit breaker. Open the door of your electrical panel, and you will see rows of individual circuit breakers with small switches. At the top or bottom of these rows, you should find one larger breaker that is separate from the others. This is the main breaker, which controls the power to the entire panel. This main breaker will have a number stamped on its switch, which indicates its amperage rating. The most common numbers you will see are 60, 100, 125, 150, or 200. This number represents the total amperage capacity of your electrical panel and your home’s electrical service.

If your panel is very old and does not have a single main breaker but instead has a main fuse block, the process is slightly different. An old fuse box may have a main pull out block with two large cartridge fuses. The amperage rating should be stamped on the end of these fuses or on the pull out block itself. In some older “split bus” panels, there may not be a single main breaker but rather a group of up to six breakers that turn off all the power. In these more complex or older situations, it may be more difficult for a homeowner to confidently identify the service size.

If you are unable to find the main breaker or are unsure about what you are looking at, it is always best to have a licensed electrician from Whiting Electrical Services take a look. We can quickly and safely identify your service size and the type and condition of your panel. This is often one of the first things we do when we arrive for any service call. Knowing your panel’s capacity is the first step in understanding your home’s electrical capabilities and limitations, and it is crucial information for planning any future upgrades or additions.

Whether a 100 amp service is up to code depends on the specific context. For new home construction, a 100 amp service is generally no longer considered sufficient and does not meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) for most new single family homes. The NEC mandates that the electrical service for a new home must be large enough to handle the calculated electrical load of the home. With the proliferation of modern appliances, central air conditioning, and other electrical devices, the calculated load for even a modest new home almost always exceeds 100 amps. For this reason, a 200 amp service has become the minimum standard and requirement for virtually all new home construction today.

However, for an existing home that was originally built with a 100 amp service, the situation is different. The electrical code is generally not retroactive, meaning you are not required to upgrade your existing systems every time the code changes. If your 100 amp service was installed correctly and was code compliant at the time it was built, it is likely still considered “legal” or “grandfathered in.” As long as you are not making significant changes to your home or adding major electrical loads, you are not typically forced to upgrade. The system is considered adequate as long as it is not being overloaded.

The critical point is that while an existing 100 amp service may be “up to code” in a legal sense, it may no longer be adequate or safe for your actual usage. If your family’s electrical demands are consistently pushing the limits of your 100 amp service, causing breakers to trip or lights to flicker, then it is no longer a safe or practical situation, regardless of its grandfathered status. The licensed electricians at Whiting Electrical Services can evaluate your 100 amp service and your power usage to determine if it is still a safe and viable system for your needs, or if an upgrade to a 200 amp service is the responsible choice for your family’s safety and modern lifestyle.

Get The Best Electrical Panel Upgrade Near You

Schedule your professional Electrical Panel Upgrade in the Greenville area by using our 24/7 online booking system or by calling (252) 576-6105 today.