Electrical Panel Services
Upgrade Your Breaker Box & Increase Capacity in Columbia & Lexington, SC
Your electrical panel (breaker box) is the heart of your home. It controls every watt of electricity that flows to your lights, appliances, and HVAC system.
However, many homes in Lexington and Columbia were built decades ago, back when we didn't have high-powered computers, multiple flatscreen TVs, or EV chargers. If your panel is outdated, it isn't just inconvenient—it is a fire hazard.
At Carolina Conditions, our licensed electricians specialize in Electrical Panel Upgrades and "Heavy Ups" (increasing your service from 100 to 200 Amps). We ensure your home has the safe, reliable power capacity it needs for modern life.
When you consider how many things we plug in these days, your electrical panel is an essential part of your home’s comfort and functionality.
5 Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs to Be Replaced
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not ignore them. They are warning signs that your system is overloaded or failing.
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Flickering Lights: especially when the AC or refrigerator kicks on.
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Tripping Breakers: If you have to reset a breaker constantly, it is worn out or overloaded.
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Buzzing Sounds: A panel should be silent. Buzzing indicates loose wiring or arcing (a major fire risk).
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Warm to the Touch: Put your hand on the metal cover. If it feels hot, call us immediately.
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Rust or Corrosion: Humidity in South Carolina can rust components, causing connections to fail.
The "Heavy Up": Upgrading to 200 Amp Service
Are you planning a home renovation or adding new appliances? Most older homes run on 100 Amp service, which is often insufficient for today's needs.
We recommend upgrading to 200 Amp Service if you are planning to install:
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A Whole-Home Generator: (See our Turnkey Generator Packages here).
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Tankless Water Heater: These units require significant dedicated amperage.
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EV Charger (Tesla/Electric Car): Level 2 chargers require a dedicated heavy-duty circuit.
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Hot Tub or Pool Pump: Outdoor high-voltage equipment requires a modern panel with GFCI protection.
Dangerous Panels: Do You Have One of These?
Between the 1950s and 1980s, millions of homes were installed with panels that are now known to be safety hazards. If you have a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, insurance companies may refuse to cover your home because the breakers often fail to trip during a short circuit.
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If you are unsure what brand you have, call us for a safety inspection. We can verify if your home is at risk.
Our Panel Upgrade Process
We handle everything from start to finish:
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Load Calculation: We determine exactly how much power your home needs.
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Permitting: We pull all necessary permits with the city of Columbia, Lexington, or West Columbia.
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Installation: We replace the box, breakers, and grounding system (often in a single day).
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Labeling: We clearly label every circuit so you know exactly what controls what.
Safety First
There are hundreds of house fires in our state every year that are caused by an electrical malfunction. Make sure you and your family are protected from faulty wiring or improperly installed circuits with the professional services from Carolina Conditions. Our electricians are not only certified but come with years of training and experience. Partnering with us is the best of both worlds, as we provide quality service at reasonable prices.
Connect with us online today to schedule a consultation on your electrical panel upgrade. Or call us anytime at 803-233-7172 to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The cost of replacing an electrical panel can range from $530 to $1,962, with most households spending about $1,174. The cost of replacing electrical panel items such as wires and breakers is determined by the type of replacement or repair required. The cost is also affected by the kind of breaker box, its size, and its position within the property. The job's complexity largely determines the overall cost.
Here are the top three indicators that your electrical panel should be changed.
- Your electrical panel has been in service for more than 25 years.
While you should avoid replacing a functional panel, if it is more than 25 years old, you should get it evaluated by a competent electrician. Even if your home's electrical panel appears to be in good condition, modern houses have more electrical needs than in the past, so even if your panel does not need to be changed out, it may need to be brought up to date.
- Your panel is hot or has a burnt odor.
Overheating should cause your breaker to trip, safeguarding your house from fire. However, if your electrical panel is hot to the touch or smells burnt, this might show a considerable hazard.
- You've seen rust on your electrical panel.
Rust is a terrible indicator for your electrical panel since it indicates water damage. If you fear water damage to your panel or notice rust or corrosion on it, you should contact an electrician immediately to have it evaluated.
If you lack proper training and expertise, taking on this type of project on your own is not just a terrible idea; it might also be dangerous and end up costing you more money to resolve than if you had hired a professional to perform the work in the first place.
Also, depending on your region and insurance coverage, replacing the breaker box yourself might get you in hot water. For example, the city may need a permit and inspection, making a do-it-yourself project impossible.
