Increase Power Capacity Without Overloading Circuits

First Class Electric provides electrical panel upgrades and maintenance for homes in Atlanta, Georgia that need more power or safer circuit protection.

Older electrical panels in Atlanta often lack the capacity to support modern appliances, electric vehicle chargers, and home additions, which leads to frequent breaker trips and overheating. Upgrading your panel from 100 amps to 200 amps or higher increases the amount of power your home can safely draw and eliminates the need to avoid using multiple devices at the same time.

First Class Electric replaces outdated panels, installs subpanels for additions and remodels, and performs circuit breaker replacement and load balancing to prevent overheating and breaker failures. Panel upgrades meet current electrical codes and provide the capacity needed for EV chargers, HVAC systems, and smart home technology. Regular maintenance services address corrosion, loose connections, and aging components before they cause outages or safety hazards.

If your home in Atlanta needs more electrical capacity or your panel is outdated, contact First Class Electric to schedule an inspection and discuss upgrade options.

What an Upgrade Involves and What It Solves

Your electrician evaluates your current panel's condition, capacity, and circuit configuration to determine whether a full replacement or a subpanel installation is needed. In Atlanta homes undergoing remodels or adding high-draw appliances, a subpanel may be installed to distribute load without replacing the main panel. For older homes with insufficient amperage, a complete service upgrade is typically required.

After the upgrade, you will notice breakers stop tripping when multiple appliances run at the same time, and you can add circuits for new equipment without worrying about exceeding your panel's capacity. Lights no longer dim when the air conditioner starts, and your system handles heavy electrical loads without generating excessive heat inside the panel box.

The new panel includes modern circuit breakers that respond faster to overloads and provide better protection against electrical fires. All wiring is reconnected and labeled clearly, and the installation includes grounding upgrades if your existing system does not meet current standards. If your panel requires routine maintenance instead of replacement, your electrician tightens connections, replaces worn breakers, and checks for signs of corrosion or overheating that could lead to failure.

Questions That Come Up During Panel Evaluations

Homeowners often ask how to tell if their panel needs an upgrade, what the process involves, and how long the work takes. These questions help clarify whether your home needs a full replacement or targeted maintenance to keep your electrical system running safely.

What are the signs that my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
Frequent breaker trips, dimming lights when appliances start, a burning smell near the panel, or rust and corrosion inside the box are common indicators. If your panel is over twenty years old or you are adding high-power devices such as an EV charger, an upgrade is usually necessary.
How long does it take to replace an electrical panel?

Most panel replacements in Atlanta take six to ten hours, depending on the complexity of your wiring and whether service lines need to be upgraded. Your power will be off during part of the installation, so planning around that outage helps avoid disruption.

What is the difference between a panel upgrade and a subpanel installation?
A panel upgrade replaces your main electrical panel and increases your home's total power capacity, while a subpanel adds circuits for a specific area without changing your main service amperage. Subpanels are often used for home additions, workshops, or detached garages.
Why do circuit breakers need to be replaced during maintenance?
Breakers wear out over time and may fail to trip when circuits overload, which creates fire hazards. Replacing aging breakers ensures your panel responds correctly to faults and protects your wiring from damage.
What happens if I add new appliances without upgrading my panel?
Your panel may not have enough capacity to support the additional load, which causes breakers to trip repeatedly or forces you to turn off other devices before using new equipment. In some cases, overloading an undersized panel can overheat wiring and create safety risks.

First Class Electric performs electrical panel upgrades and maintenance throughout Atlanta for homes that need more power, safer breaker protection, or updated electrical infrastructure. If your panel is outdated or your home requires additional capacity for new appliances or systems, get in touch to schedule an evaluation and discuss your options.