The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s the central hub that safely distributes power to every light, outlet, and appliance you rely on daily. However, as the electrical demands of modern life in Myrtle Beach grow—with smart home technology, electric vehicle chargers, and high-efficiency appliances—an outdated or undersized panel can become a significant safety hazard and a bottleneck to your home's performance. At ServiceWorks Mechanical Solutions, LLC, we specialize in professional panel replacement services to keep your home safe, reliable, and ready for modern energy needs.
An electric panel replacement is a critical investment in your home's safety, capacity, and future readiness. It involves removing your old, potentially dangerous breaker box and installing a new, modern panel that meets current electrical codes and is properly sized to handle your family’s power needs safely and reliably.
Signs It's Time for an Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel won't always fail suddenly. Often, it provides clear warning signs that it’s struggling to keep up or is nearing the end of its safe operational life. If you notice any of the following issues in your Myrtle Beach home, it's time to schedule a professional inspection.
- Frequent Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers trip regularly, it’s a sign that your circuits are overloaded and your panel can't handle the demand.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: When lights flicker or dim, especially when a large appliance like an air conditioner or microwave turns on, it indicates an overloaded system.
- Outdated Fuse Box: If your home still uses an old-fashioned fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker panel, it is dangerously outdated and should be replaced immediately.
- Smell of Burning or Scorch Marks: Any signs of burning, melting, or discoloration on or around your panel are urgent red flags indicating a severe fire hazard.
- Buzzing or Crackling Sounds: Your electrical panel should operate silently. Strange noises often point to faulty wiring or a failing breaker.
- Known Problematic Panels: Certain brands, such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco, are known to have significant design flaws that make them unsafe. If you have one of these panels, replacement is highly recommended.
- Planning a Major Renovation or Appliance Purchase: Adding a new room, a hot tub, an EV charger, or a modern HVAC system will significantly increase your power usage, often requiring a panel with greater capacity.
- Your Panel is Over 25 Years Old: Like any component in your home, electrical panels have a finite lifespan. Older panels were not designed for today’s electrical loads and may lack modern safety features.
The Lasting Benefits of a Modern Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel is more than just a repair; it’s a proactive step that delivers significant, long-term advantages for your home and family.
- Enhanced Safety and Fire Prevention: This is the most critical benefit. A new panel with modern Arc Fault (AFCI) and Ground Fault (GFCI) circuit breakers provides superior protection against electrical shocks and is designed to stop electrical fires before they can start.
- Increased Electrical Capacity: A panel upgrade, often from 100 amps to 200 amps, gives you the power you need for today’s and tomorrow’s technology. You can run multiple appliances simultaneously without worrying about overloads.
- Future-Proof Your Home: With a robust new panel, your home is ready for future innovations. You'll have the capacity to easily add an electric vehicle charger, integrate a solar panel system, or expand your smart home ecosystem.
- Ensure Code Compliance: Electrical codes are regularly updated to improve safety. A professional panel replacement ensures your home’s electrical system is fully compliant with all current local Myrtle Beach and national regulations.
- Increase Your Home’s Value: A modern, high-capacity electrical system is a significant selling point for potential buyers, demonstrating that your home is safe, updated, and well-maintained.
Our Professional Electrical Panel Replacement Process
We believe in making your electrical panel replacement a smooth, transparent, and stress-free experience. Our process is designed to ensure safety and quality at every stage.
- Thorough On-Site Assessment: Our licensed electrician will visit your home to inspect your current panel, assess your wiring, and discuss your current and future electrical needs.
- Customized Solution and Transparent Quote: Based on the assessment, we will recommend the right panel size and type for your home and provide a detailed, upfront quote with no hidden fees.
- Permitting and Coordination: We handle all the necessary permitting with the City of Myrtle Beach or Horry County, ensuring your project is fully compliant with local codes from the start.
- Safe and Efficient Installation: On installation day, our certified electricians will safely disconnect power, remove your old panel, and meticulously install the new one. We use high-quality materials and adhere to the strictest safety protocols throughout the process.
- System Testing and Final Inspection: Once the installation is complete, we thoroughly test every circuit to ensure everything is working perfectly. We then coordinate the final inspection with the local authorities to certify the work.
- Final Walkthrough: We won't consider the job done until we’ve walked you through your new panel, explained its features, and answered all of your questions to your complete satisfaction.
Upgrade Your Home’s Safety with Professional Service
An outdated electrical panel isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. By investing in a modern replacement, you protect your home from electrical fires, boost efficiency, and prepare your property for future technology. For homeowners in Myrtle Beach, trust ServiceWorks Mechanical Solutions, LLC to deliver expert electrical panel replacement with safety, precision, and long-term reliability in mind. Contact our team today to schedule your inspection and get started on upgrading your home’s electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panel Replacements
How long does an electrical panel replacement take?
Most standard panel replacements can be completed in a single day, typically within 4 to 8 hours. The power to your home will be off during this time, and we will work efficiently to minimize disruption.
Do I need a permit to replace my electrical panel in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, a permit is required for an electrical panel replacement in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. This ensures the work is performed to code by a licensed professional and is inspected for safety. We handle the entire permitting process for you.
What is the difference between a breaker and a fuse?
Fuses are single-use devices that melt to break a circuit during an overload and must be replaced. Circuit breakers are switches that "trip" (turn off) during an overload and can simply be reset, making them safer and more convenient. If you have a fuse box, you should upgrade to a breaker panel.
Can I replace my own electrical panel?
No. Replacing an electrical panel is a complex and dangerous job that involves working with high-voltage service lines. It should only be performed by a licensed, insured, and qualified electrician to ensure safety and code compliance.
