If your home was built before 1990 and still has its original electrical panel, it might be time for an upgrade. An outdated or overloaded panel isn’t just inconvenient—it can be a
fire hazard. At
Adam Santos Electric, we help homeowners across
Massachusetts, including Fall River, Taunton, and New Bedford,
upgrade their electrical panels quickly and safely to meet modern energy demands.
What Is an Electrical Panel and Why Does It Matter?
Your
electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to all your outlets, lights, and appliances. If your panel is outdated, overloaded, or damaged, it can cause:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering lights
- Insufficient power for large appliances
- Overheating or buzzing near the panel
- Increased risk of electrical fires
In some older Massachusetts homes, panels still use
fuses instead of breakers, or are rated too low for modern power needs.
Top Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
You should schedule an inspection or upgrade if:
- Your home still uses a
fuse box
- You hear
buzzing or clicking from the panel
- You’ve added major appliances like HVAC, hot tubs, or EV chargers
- The panel is
over 25–30 years old
- You’re constantly resetting breakers
- Outlets feel
warm or discolored
- You’ve experienced partial power outages in parts of your home
If you live in
Fall River, New Bedford, Brockton, or surrounding areas, and recognize any of these signs, contact Adam Santos Electric for a free evaluation.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
A modern panel isn’t just safer—it also improves functionality, home value, and future readiness. Here’s why Massachusetts homeowners choose to upgrade:
1. Safety
Outdated panels pose a serious
fire risk, especially those made by Federal Pacific or Zinsco, which have known safety issues.
2. Support More Devices
New panels can handle more circuits and
higher electrical loads, perfect for homes adding central A/C, solar panels, or EV chargers.
3. Prevent Frequent Breaker Trips
A correctly sized panel eliminates nuisance breaker trips when running multiple appliances.
4. Insurance Compliance
Some insurance providers may deny coverage or claims if your home still has an outdated panel.
5. Increased Property Value
Buyers prefer homes with updated systems that won’t require immediate investment or permit applications.
The Electrical Panel Upgrade Process
At Adam Santos Electric, we handle everything from inspection to installation, including permit coordination. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Free In-Home Assessment
We inspect your current panel and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
Step 2: Custom Quote
You receive a clear, upfront quote with no surprise costs.
Step 3: Permit and Utility Coordination
We handle permitting with your local municipality and coordinate with utility companies for shutoff/switch over.
Step 4: Professional Installation
Our licensed electricians install your new panel to
Massachusetts electrical code standards, typically within one day.
Step 5: Final Testing and Clean-Up
We test all circuits, label the panel, and ensure your home is safely back online.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Massachusetts?
In most areas of Massachusetts, panel upgrades range from
$1,500 to $3,500, depending on:
- Amperage (100 amp, 150 amp, 200 amp)
- Number of circuits
- Need for rewiring or meter socket upgrades
- Permit fees and local utility involvement
We offer
free, no-obligation quotes so you can plan confidently. Financing options may be available.
Areas We Serve for Panel Upgrades
Our team regularly handles panel upgrades in:
- Fall River
- New Bedford
- Taunton
- Brockton
- Somerset
- Dartmouth
- Attleboro
- Fairhaven
- Boston
If you're in any of these communities, we can typically complete your upgrade in 1–2 days, including permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most installations are completed in one business day. In cases with utility coordination, it may take up to 2 days.
Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade in Massachusetts?
Yes. We handle all permits and inspections required by local building departments.
Can I upgrade to 200 amps from 100 amps?
Yes, if your home requires more capacity. We’ll assess your electrical load and determine the right size.
What brands of panels do you install?
We use
Square D, Siemens, Eaton, and other
code-compliant, high-quality brands approved in Massachusetts.
Is it dangerous to delay upgrading an old panel?
Yes. Old panels can overheat, fail to trip during surges, or spark fires. Upgrading ensures your family’s safety and peace of mind.
Get a Free Electrical Panel Evaluation Today
If you're wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, let the pros at
Adam Santos Electric provide a no-obligation assessment. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Southeastern Massachusetts modernize their electrical systems safely, affordably, and to code.
Call today at
(508) 858-7722
Visit us online: https://asepremiereelectricalcontractors.com
Proudly serving
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Brockton, and surrounding towns
