Electrical panel upgrades and replacement in Tampa
An old or undersized panel limits what your home can run and can stop an insurer from writing a policy. A replacement is permitted, inspected and coordinated with your utility, and most homes are done in a day.
When a panel needs replacing
- Federal Pacific, Zinsco or Challenger panels
- A fuse box or a 60 to 100 amp service
- An insurance company or inspector flagged the panel
- No room for new breakers, or lots of tandem breakers
- Adding an EV charger, pool, addition or generator
- Rust, scorch marks or a panel that's warm
Panel work we do
Panel replacement
Swapping a failing or recalled-brand panel for a new one with new breakers.
Service upgrades
Moving from 100 or 150 amps to 200 amps, with a new meter base where needed.
Subpanels
Adding capacity for a garage, workshop, addition or outbuilding.
Load calculations
Working out whether your service can carry an EV charger, pool or new AC.
Surge protection
Adding a whole-home surge protector at the new panel.
How a panel replacement goes
- Assessment. Checking the existing panel, service size, grounding and what you plan to add.
- Permit and utility. Your electrician pulls the permit and schedules the disconnect with your utility if the service is being upgraded.
- Replacement. Power is off for most of the day while the panel is swapped and circuits are reconnected and labeled.
- Inspection. The county or city inspects the work, and the utility restores service.
What affects the price
- Panel size and whether the service is being upgraded.
- Meter base or service entrance replacement.
- Grounding and bonding updates required by current code.
- Location: outdoor, garage or interior wall.
- Permit fees.
You get the price for your job before any work starts.
Panels and Florida insurance
Many Florida insurers ask for a 4-point inspection on older homes, and Federal Pacific, Zinsco and Challenger panels, fuse boxes and undersized services are some of the most common reasons a home gets flagged. Replacing the panel and keeping the permit paperwork usually clears it. See insurance inspection repairs.
Common questions
How long does a panel replacement take?
Most are done in one day, with power off for several hours. Service upgrades depend on the utility's schedule for the disconnect and reconnect.
Do I need 200 amps?
Not always. A load calculation shows whether your current service can handle what you want to add. Many homes adding an EV charger, pool or larger AC do need the upgrade.
Are Federal Pacific panels really dangerous?
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers have a long record of failing to trip under overload. Most electricians and many insurers recommend replacing them.
Will a new panel fix my insurance problem?
If the panel was the reason the home was flagged, yes in most cases. Keep the permit and final inspection for your insurer.
Related services
Areas we serve
Panel upgrades across Tampa and these nearby communities: