Based in the Phoenix Valley.

Licensed and bonded. Arizona ROC 326650BBB A+

Shawkes Electric
(602) 879-5489Get a free estimate

Panels and service

Panel upgrades in the Phoenix Valley

If the breakers trip when the AC and the dryer run together, or the panel is a Federal Pacific or a Zinsco, the panel is the job. Shane sizes the new service to the house you have and the loads you plan to add.

Get a free estimateor call (602) 879-5489
Common upgrade
100 to 200 amps
Install day
6 to 8 hours, power off
Permit
Required in every city we serve

Signs the panel is at its limit

  • The main breaker trips when the AC and the dryer run at the same time.
  • My panel label says Federal Pacific or Zinsco.
  • The panel door feels warm, or I can hear it buzz.
  • There is no empty slot left for another breaker.

What a panel upgrade involves

Many Phoenix Valley homes have the meter, the main breaker and the branch breakers in one outdoor cabinet. Upgrading the service usually means replacing that whole cabinet and the service wires that feed it. Homes with a second panel inside the garage may need one or both replaced, and Shane tells you which at the visit.

On install day the utility cuts the power, the old equipment comes out, and the new panel goes in with every circuit landed, torqued to the value on the label and named on the directory. Shane checks the grounding at the same time: the ground rods, the bond to the water pipe, and the rebar stub in the footing on newer homes.

Meter-main cabinet after a panel upgradeSide view of an outdoor meter-main cabinet with the meter, a 200 amp main breaker and labeled branch breakers including a surge protector. Two ground rods sit at least 6 feet apart below grade, and a bonding wire runs to the water pipe.Meter-main cabinetMeterMain 200 AKitchen 20 ALaundry 20 AAC 40 ADryer 30 ABedrooms 15 A AFCISurge protectorWater pipe bondGradeTwo ground rods, at least 6 ft apartUnderground service from the utility
A typical Phoenix Valley meter-main after an upgrade, with every breaker named and the grounding the inspector checks.

What a panel upgrade costs

Prices on these pages are typical ranges for Phoenix Valley homes. Shane gives you the real number in writing after he sees the job.

200 amp panel upgrade, installed

$2,800 to $4,800

What moves the price

Most 200 amp panel upgrades run $2,800 to $4,800 installed, permit and utility coordination included.

Moving the panel, replacing a corroded mast or going above 200 amps puts the job above $4,800.

What moves the number

Amperage
A 100 to 200 amp change is the common one. Going to 320 or 400 amps for a shop, a second AC or two EVs costs more in gear and in utility work.
Meter and mast
If the meter socket, mast or weatherhead are tired, they get replaced in the same visit. That is parts and about two more hours.
Utility work
SRP serves most of the area and ED3 serves Maricopa. Each has its own disconnect and reconnect process, and some jobs need a utility crew on site, which sets the date.

How the options compare

Panel swap, same amperageService upgrade to 200 amps
When it fitsOld or recalled panel, and the loads already fitAdding a spa, an EV charger, a second AC or solar
Meter and service wiresUsually stayMeter-main and service wires replaced
Utility involvementDisconnect and reconnectDisconnect, reconnect and a service change request
Where it lands in the rangeLower endMiddle to upper end

Get a written price for your panel upgrade.

Send the form with your panel brand if you know it, and Kai calls back the same business day to set a time for Shane to see it.

Get a free estimateor call (602) 879-5489

What the price includes

What is included

  • New main panel and breakers, labeled
  • Permit, inspection, and the utility disconnect and reconnect
  • Ground rods, bonding and surge protection where code calls for it
  • Haul-away of the old panel
  • Load calculation before the price

What is not included

  • Drywall patching and paint if the panel moves
  • Rewiring circuits that fail for reasons unrelated to the panel
  • Trenching for a new service lateral

How the job goes

  1. 1

    Visit and load count

    Within a few days of your call Shane opens the panel, checks the service and counts the loads.

  2. 2

    Permit and utility request

    About one to two weeks We file the permit with your city and request the disconnect from the utility.

  3. 3

    Install day

    6 to 8 hours, power off The old equipment comes out and the new panel goes in, every circuit landed and labeled.

  4. 4

    Inspection and reconnect

    Same day in most cases The inspector checks the work, the city releases it to the utility, and the power comes back on.

The number on the quote is the number on the invoice.

Permits, inspection and code

A panel or service change needs an electrical permit in every city we serve. Homes outside city limits file with Pinal County or Maricopa County.

The permit office and the utility change by city. We cover Ahwatukee, Maricopa, Mesa, Queen Creek and Apache Junction.

What code asks for

  • A panel needs clear working space 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep in front of it, with 6.5 feet of headroom.
  • Panels cannot go in bathrooms or clothes closets.
  • Every circuit on the panel directory has to be named for its specific use, such as kitchen counters or the hall bath.

Photos from our jobs

Tap a photo to see it larger.

What customers say

Quoted word for word.

★★★★★

We have used Shawkes Electric for over 10 years. Shane, the owner, has performed multiple electrical jobs at our home and has always done an outstanding job with good value. He is courteous, professional and extremely competent. We highly recommend his company and their work!

Jim R.Yelp review

The license and the record

Arizona ROC license
326650, class R-11
BBB rating
A+, zero complaints
In business
Since 2007
Estimates
Free, in writing

Look up ROC 326650 on the state site

Questions about panel upgrades

Anything else, call (602) 879-5489 or send the form below.

Do I need a panel upgrade or just a new breaker?

If one breaker trips on one circuit, it is probably that circuit. If the main trips, the panel is warm, or you are adding a spa, an EV charger or a second AC, you are at the limit of the service.

How long is the power off?

Most of the day. Plan on six to eight hours. We schedule the utility reconnect for the same day so you are not without power overnight.

Is 200 amps enough for my house?

For most Phoenix Valley homes, yes. A 200 amp service usually carries central AC, an electric range and dryer, a pool pump and one EV charger.

Will my insurance company care about the brand of panel?

Some insurers flag Federal Pacific, Zinsco and some Challenger panels. If yours is one of them, the inspection report after the swap is what they want to see.

Get a free estimate on panel upgrades.

Send the form and Kai calls or texts back to set a time. Shane looks at the actual job and writes the price. No charge for the visit.

What happens next

  1. Kai gets back to you the same day.
  2. Shane comes out and looks at the actual panel, circuit or roofline.
  3. You get the price and the install date in writing.

Rather talk? Call (602) 879-5489.

Step 1 of 4

What do you need done?

CallFree estimate