Electrical Subpanel Repair
A faulty subpanel can create localized power issues and safety hazards. Whiting Electrical Services offers prompt and reliable electrical subpanel repair in Greenville, NC to restore safe power distribution.
Professional Electrical Subpanel Repair in Greenville, NC
When a specific area of your home experiences electrical problems, the issue often lies with a faulty subpanel. Timely repairs are crucial to prevent safety risks and restore full functionality to your workshop, garage, or addition. At Whiting Electrical Services, our licensed electricians are skilled at diagnosing and repairing all types of subpanel issues. We handle everything from tripping breakers and loose connections to damage from moisture and incorrect wiring. As a veteran owned business, we approach every repair with a commitment to precision and integrity. We will restore your subpanel to safe and reliable working order. Our repair work is always guaranteed by our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty. Trust us to get your space powered correctly.
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!!
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.
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!!!
Absolutely recommend!! Brad was beyond helpful, reasonable and fair! We will definitely be using my him for future jobs 🙂
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 .
Great work and great service! Will be my first call for any electrical work going forward.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
Where We Offer Our Electrical Subpanel Repair Service
We proudly offer Electrical Subpanel Repair 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 Subpanel Repair Service in Greenville, NC
An electrical subpanel acts as a crucial satellite distribution point for your home’s power, serving specific areas like a detached garage, a basement, or a home addition. Just like your main electrical panel, a subpanel can develop problems over time that can compromise its safety and performance. These issues can range from minor annoyances like frequently tripping breakers to serious hazards like overheating and arcing. Ignoring problems with a subpanel can lead to power outages in that area, damage to your equipment, and even create a risk of electrical fire. Professional repair service is essential to address these issues correctly and safely, ensuring the continued reliable operation of your extended electrical system.
Our repair process always begins with a thorough and accurate diagnosis of the problem. Our licensed electricians use advanced testing equipment and a systematic approach to pinpoint the root cause of the subpanel issue. The problem may not always be what it seems. For example, a breaker that keeps tripping could be due to a faulty breaker, an overloaded circuit, or a dangerous short circuit somewhere in the wiring. We will test the breakers, inspect all the wiring connections, and check the feeder line from the main panel to ensure we identify the exact nature of the fault. This detailed diagnostic phase is key to providing an effective and lasting repair.
One of the most common repairs we perform on subpanels is addressing loose electrical connections. Over years of thermal expansion and contraction, the terminal screws that hold the circuit wires to the breakers can become loose. This creates a poor connection, which generates high resistance and significant heat. A loose connection is a major fire hazard. Our electricians will carefully inspect and torque all connections within the subpanel to the manufacturer’s specifications. We can also address issues with the main lugs where the large feeder wires connect to the subpanel’s bus bars, ensuring these critical connections are clean and secure.
Another frequent issue is the failure of an individual circuit breaker. Breakers can wear out over time, especially if they are subjected to frequent tripping. A faulty breaker might become weak and trip for no reason, or worse, it might fail to trip during an overload, creating a dangerous condition. We can test individual breakers and replace any that are found to be defective. We carry a wide variety of common breaker types, allowing us to complete most replacements in a single visit. We also ensure the replacement breaker is the correct type and amperage for the circuit it is protecting.
Subpanels, especially those in garages or sheds, can sometimes be exposed to moisture, which can lead to corrosion. Corrosion on the bus bars or breaker connections can impede the flow of electricity and cause dangerous overheating. In minor cases, we may be able to clean the corrosion and apply a special antioxidant compound to protect the connection. However, if the corrosion is severe and has compromised the integrity of the panel’s components, the only safe repair is to replace the subpanel entirely. We will always provide an honest assessment and recommend the solution that prioritizes your safety.
Sometimes, a subpanel issue stems from an improper original installation, a common problem with DIY work. One of the most critical errors we find is an incorrectly bonded neutral and ground. In a subpanel, these two systems must be kept separate. If they are bonded together, it can cause normal circuit current to flow on the grounding wires, which is a serious shock hazard. Our repair service includes correcting these types of code violations, reconfiguring the panel’s wiring to ensure it is safe, and separating the ground and neutral bars as required by the electrical code.
When you call Whiting Electrical Services for a subpanel repair, you are calling a team of dedicated professionals. As a U.S. Air Force veteran owned company, we believe in doing the job right the first time. We will explain our findings to you in clear terms and provide an upfront price for the necessary repairs before any work begins. Our goal is to restore the safety and functionality of your electrical system efficiently and effectively. All our repairs are performed by licensed electricians and are backed by our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty for your complete peace of mind.
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We answer calls quickly, return messages promptly, and schedule service without delays across the Greenville, NC area.
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Every job we complete is backed by a lifetime warranty that protects the workmanship on your electrical project.
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We’ve handled electrical projects for major names like Mr. Beast, local businesses, and countless residents in the Greenville, NC area.
Browse Our Electrician Services in Greenville, NC
We provide a complete range of residential and commercial electrical services throughout Greenville, NC and the surrounding area. No matter the size or type of project, our licensed team delivers safe, code-compliant work with attention to detail and long-term reliability.
Easy Financing For Your Electrical Subpanel Repair
Whiting Electrical Services uses Wisetack Financing to make your Electrical Subpanel Repair seamless. Easily prequalify below or call our office at (252) 576-6105 for assistance.
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Common Electrical Subpanel Repair Questions
A malfunctioning subpanel can be a source of both frustration and concern. Understanding the common problems and the repair process can help you address issues quickly and safely. Here are answers to some frequent questions Greenville homeowners have about electrical subpanel repair.
Several common problems can affect electrical subpanels, ranging in severity from inconvenient to highly dangerous. One of the most frequent issues is frequently tripping circuit breakers. This can be caused by a simple overload on one of the circuits, a more serious short circuit in the wiring, or a breaker that has become weak and faulty over time. Another common problem is a complete loss of power to the subpanel. This is often due to the main feeder breaker in the home’s main panel tripping, but it can also be caused by a failed connection on the main lugs inside the subpanel or a damaged feeder wire running between the two panels.
Physical damage and deterioration are also common, especially in subpanels located in garages, basements, or sheds. Moisture intrusion can lead to rust and corrosion on the panel’s metal enclosure and its internal bus bars, which can compromise electrical connections and create hot spots. Overheating is a critical issue to watch for. Signs of overheating include discoloration or scorch marks on breakers, a burning smell coming from the panel, or a panel that is warm to the touch. These symptoms often point to loose wire connections, which are a significant fire hazard due to electrical arcing.
Finally, incorrect installation is a surprisingly common problem, particularly with subpanels that were installed by a previous homeowner or an unqualified handyman. We often find major code violations during inspections and repairs. The most dangerous of these is an improper bond between the neutral and ground bars inside the subpanel. They must be kept separate. Other installation errors include using the wrong size feeder wire for the subpanel’s capacity or failing to install a proper grounding electrode system for a subpanel located in a detached building. These installation faults create hidden dangers that need to be corrected by a professional electrician.
Yes, problems with an electrical subpanel are absolutely dangerous and should be addressed with the utmost urgency. The subpanel, just like your main panel, handles significant amounts of electrical current, and any malfunction can create serious risks of fire, electric shock, and equipment damage. A subpanel with loose connections can lead to electrical arcing. This arcing generates intense heat, often thousands of degrees, which can easily melt wire insulation and ignite surrounding materials like the wooden studs in your wall, leading to a devastating electrical fire. Any signs of overheating, such as a burning smell or buzzing sounds from the panel, are immediate red flags for a fire hazard.
The risk of severe electric shock is also very real. A subpanel with a damaged casing or one that has been improperly wired can have energized components exposed. A common and critical wiring error in DIY subpanel installations is improperly connecting the neutral and ground systems. This can cause the grounding wires and the metal casings of all connected appliances and tools in that area to become energized with live current, creating a deadly shock hazard for anyone who touches them. Similarly, moisture inside a panel can create unintended paths for electricity, increasing the risk of both shock and short circuits.
Furthermore, a malfunctioning subpanel can cause damage to any electronics or equipment that are powered by its circuits. A faulty breaker that fails to trip can allow power surges to pass through to your devices, destroying their sensitive internal components. An unstable power supply caused by loose connections can also cause flickering and voltage drops that can shorten the lifespan of motors in power tools and appliances. Because of these significant dangers, you should never ignore any suspected problem with your subpanel. It is essential to have any issues diagnosed and repaired by a licensed electrician from Whiting Electrical Services to ensure the safety of your property and everyone in it.
If your subpanel has lost all power, meaning every outlet, light, and device connected to it is dead, the problem is almost always located “upstream” from the subpanel itself. The first and most likely cause is that the main circuit breaker that feeds the subpanel has tripped. Go to your home’s main electrical panel and look for a large, two pole breaker, often rated between 30 and 100 amps, that is in the “tripped” (center) or “off” position. This breaker is specifically dedicated to powering your subpanel. If it has tripped, it indicates an overload or a fault on one of the circuits within the subpanel. You can try to reset it once by flipping it fully off and then back on, but if it trips again immediately, there is a persistent fault that needs professional diagnosis.
Another potential cause for a complete power loss is a failure at the connection points of the heavy feeder cable that supplies power to the subpanel. The connections where this cable attaches to the breaker in the main panel, or where it connects to the main lugs inside the subpanel, can become loose or corroded over time. A failed connection at either of these points will completely cut off the flow of power to the subpanel. This is a hazardous situation that can generate a lot of heat and requires immediate repair by a qualified electrician who can safely de energize the system and remake the connections properly.
In rarer cases, the feeder wire itself may have been physically damaged. This is more common for subpanels in detached buildings where the feeder wire is buried underground. The wire could be accidentally severed by digging, or it could be damaged by shifting ground or burrowing animals. If you suspect the feeder wire itself is the problem, do not attempt to investigate it yourself, as it could still be energized. A professional electrician has the tools and knowledge to safely test the continuity of the feeder cable and locate any breaks. No matter the cause, a total loss of power to a subpanel warrants a call to a professional to ensure the problem is diagnosed and resolved safely.
Whether a subpanel can be repaired or must be replaced depends entirely on the nature and extent of the problem. Many common subpanel issues can be effectively repaired. For example, if the problem is a single faulty circuit breaker that keeps tripping, an electrician can simply replace that individual breaker without needing to replace the entire panel. Similarly, if the issue is a loose wire connection at one of the breakers or the main lugs, an electrician can safely tighten the connection to the proper torque specification, resolving the problem. These types of repairs are routine, cost effective, and can restore the subpanel to safe working order.
However, there are several situations where a full replacement is the only safe and appropriate course of action. If the subpanel has significant rust or corrosion due to moisture damage, it must be replaced. Corrosion can degrade the bus bars that distribute power to the breakers, creating poor connections that cannot be reliably repaired. A full replacement is also necessary if the subpanel itself is an obsolete and known hazardous brand, such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco. The inherent design flaws in these panels cannot be repaired; the entire unit must be removed for safety.
Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace will be based on a professional assessment by a licensed electrician. An expert from Whiting Electrical Services will conduct a thorough inspection of your subpanel. We will identify the root cause of the problem and evaluate the overall condition of the panel’s components. We will then provide you with an honest and clear recommendation based on our findings. If a simple repair can safely and reliably solve the problem, we will recommend that. If a full replacement is necessary for your long term safety and to comply with the electrical code, we will explain why and provide you with a detailed estimate for the upgrade.
The cost of a subpanel repair can vary significantly, as it is entirely dependent on what is wrong with the panel. For a minor and common issue, such as a single faulty circuit breaker that needs to be replaced, the repair is typically very affordable. The cost in this case would include the price of the new breaker and a small amount of labor for the electrician to diagnose the issue and perform the swap. If the problem is a loose connection that simply needs to be tightened, the cost would be mostly for the electrician’s service call and diagnostic time, which is also a relatively low cost repair. These types of straightforward fixes are common and do not represent a major expense.
The cost will increase if the problem is more complex or requires more materials and labor. For example, if the bus bar in the panel is corroded and needs to be cleaned and treated, or if the main lugs where the feeder wire connects are damaged and need to be replaced, the repair will be more involved and therefore more expensive. The cost can also increase if the repair uncovers a larger issue. If the reason a breaker is tripping is found to be a short circuit in the wiring somewhere in the room, the repair then involves tracing and fixing that wire, which is a separate and potentially more costly job than just a panel repair.
When you call Whiting Electrical Services, we provide transparent, upfront pricing for all repairs. Our process begins with a diagnostic service call, where a licensed electrician will thoroughly troubleshoot your subpanel and the related circuits to accurately identify the source of the problem. Once we know exactly what is wrong, we will explain the issue to you and provide a firm, upfront price for the necessary repairs. You will approve the cost before we perform any work. This approach ensures there are no surprises on your final bill, and you receive a safe, professional repair for a fair price.
A circuit breaker in a subpanel can overheat for several dangerous reasons, all of which require immediate attention. The most common cause of an overheating breaker is a loose electrical connection. The screw terminal that holds the circuit wire to the breaker must be tightened to a specific torque. If this connection becomes loose over time, it creates a point of high electrical resistance. As current flows through this poor connection, it generates a significant amount of heat, which can cause the breaker’s plastic casing to melt, create a burning smell, and pose a serious fire risk. A loose connection where the breaker stabs onto the panel’s bus bar can also cause the same overheating problem.
Another frequent cause is a simple circuit overload. Every circuit breaker has an amperage rating, and if the appliances on that circuit continuously draw more current than the breaker is rated for, the breaker will become hot. While the breaker is designed to trip in this situation, a breaker that is constantly operating at or near its maximum capacity will run hot and can wear out prematurely. This is a sign that the circuit is overloaded and that you may need to split the load onto a new, separate circuit to prevent the unsafe condition.
Finally, the circuit breaker itself could be failing internally, or it could be a very old breaker that is simply not designed as well as modern ones. An internal fault in the breaker can create resistance and cause it to overheat even under a normal load. Additionally, a bad connection from a neighboring breaker or corrosion on the bus bar can transfer heat to adjacent breakers, causing them to overheat as well. Regardless of the specific cause, a breaker that is hot to the touch is a critical warning sign. You should immediately turn that breaker off and call Whiting Electrical Services to have a licensed electrician diagnose and correct the dangerous situation.
Discovering water, moisture, or rust inside your electrical subpanel is a very serious and hazardous situation that needs to be addressed immediately. Electricity and water are a deadly combination, and moisture inside a panel can lead to short circuits, corrosion, and a significant risk of fire and electric shock. Water can enter a subpanel through several paths. For panels located in basements or crawlspaces, water can leak in during a flood or from a nearby plumbing leak. For panels in a garage or shed, a roof leak or water splashing from outside can be the source. The most common entry point, however, is often the electrical conduit that houses the feeder wire.
If the conduit running to the subpanel from the main panel is not sealed properly at both ends, condensation can form inside it due to temperature differences. This condensation can then drip directly into the top of the subpanel over time. Similarly, a poor seal at the weather head on the main house can allow rain to enter the main service conduit, and this water can sometimes travel through other conduits all the way to a subpanel. Once moisture is inside the panel, it will cause the metal components, including the panel’s enclosure and the critical bus bars, to rust and corrode.
The presence of rust is a clear sign that a water problem has existed for some time. This corrosion is not just a cosmetic issue; it can severely compromise the safety and functionality of the subpanel. Rust on the bus bars can prevent the circuit breakers from making a solid connection, which leads to overheating and arcing. The internal mechanisms of the breakers can also be damaged by corrosion, which may cause them to fail to trip when needed. If you see any signs of moisture or rust in your subpanel, you should contact Whiting Electrical Services right away. We can identify the source of the water intrusion, correct it, and replace the damaged electrical components to restore safety.
A feeder wire is the electrical cable that provides power to a subpanel. It “feeds” the subpanel with electricity from the main electrical service panel. This is a heavy duty cable that typically contains four separate conductors: two “hot” wires, one “neutral” wire, and one “ground” wire. The feeder wire connects to a large, two pole circuit breaker in the main panel. This breaker serves as the main disconnect for the subpanel and also provides overcurrent protection for the feeder wire itself, meaning it will trip if the subpanel tries to draw too much power. The other end of the feeder wire connects to the main input lugs at the top of the subpanel.
The size, or gauge, of the feeder wire is critically important. The wire must be thick enough to safely carry the maximum amperage that the subpanel is designed to handle. For example, a 100 amp subpanel must be fed by a wire that is rated to carry at least 100 amps. Using an undersized feeder wire is a serious fire hazard, as the wire would overheat when the subpanel is placed under a heavy load. A licensed electrician will use the National Electrical Code to determine the correct size for the feeder wire based on the amperage of the subpanel, the length of the wire run, and whether the wire is copper or aluminum.
The feeder wire is the lifeline of your subpanel, and its proper installation is key to the safety of the entire system. The connections at both the main panel breaker and the subpanel lugs must be torqued to the manufacturer’s exact specifications to prevent them from becoming loose. For long distances, especially to a detached building, the electrician must also perform a voltage drop calculation to ensure the wire is large enough to deliver the proper voltage. The professional electricians at Whiting Electrical Services are experts in correctly sizing and installing feeder wires, ensuring your subpanel receives a safe and reliable supply of power.
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Schedule your professional Electrical Subpanel Repair in the Greenville area by using our 24/7 online booking system or by calling (252) 576-6105 today.