Electrical Panel Upgrade
Gragg Electrical Services provides safe and efficient electrical panel upgrades for your home. Our East Canton, OH electricians replace outdated panels to increase your home’s capacity and safety.

Top Electrical Panel Upgrade Service in East Canton, OH
Upgrading your electrical panel is one of the most important investments you can make in the safety and functionality of your home. Gragg Electrical Services specializes in professional electrical panel upgrades. We replace old, undersized, or hazardous breaker boxes with modern, high-capacity load centers. This is essential if you are adding major appliances, renovating your kitchen, or have a panel that is over 40 years old. An upgrade increases your home’s electrical capacity and brings it up to the latest safety codes. Our licensed electricians in East Canton handle the entire process with precision and care. Trust our team to enhance your home’s safety and prepare it for the future. We ensure your electrical system’s heart is strong and reliable.
Financing Available For
Electrical Panel Upgrade
We offer flexible financing options to make your electrical panel upgrade more affordable. Spread the cost over manageable monthly payments without delaying the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Ask us about our quick approval process and competitive rates today.
FREE ESTIMATES
We provide free estimates with clear pricing and honest recommendations to help you make informed decisions.
24/7 EMERGENCY ELECTRICIAN
Our team is available for emergency electrical repairs any time, day or night, to restore safety and power for your family / business.
lIFETIME GUARANTEE
Our work is backed by a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee to give you long-term peace of mind and reliable performance.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade, often called a heavy-up or a service upgrade, is the process of replacing your home’s main breaker box. This is much more than just swapping out a piece of equipment; it is a major enhancement of your home’s electrical infrastructure. The experts at Gragg Electrical Services perform these upgrades to increase the home’s total electrical capacity and to replace outdated, dangerous technology. This upgrade is a critical project for ensuring your home can safely meet the power demands of modern life. It is a foundational investment in the safety, capability, and value of your property. We are committed to providing seamless and safe panel upgrades for our clients.
One of the most common reasons for a panel upgrade is to increase electrical capacity. Many older homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp electrical services, which were sufficient for the time. However, these smaller services are often inadequate for a modern household with central air conditioning, electric ranges, and countless electronic devices. If your lights flicker when an appliance turns on or your breakers trip frequently, it is a clear sign your panel is struggling to keep up. Upgrading to a modern 150-amp or 200-amp service provides the robust power supply you need. This eliminates overloading issues and provides plenty of room for future additions like an EV charger or a hot tub.
Another critical reason for an upgrade is to remove a known hazardous panel. Certain brands of electrical panels installed in the mid to late 20th century are now known to be major fire hazards. Brands such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco-GTE have a documented history of their circuit breakers failing to trip during an overload or short circuit, leading to countless house fires. If your home has one of these obsolete panels, it does not meet modern safety standards and your family is at risk. Our electricians can identify these dangerous panels and will strongly recommend an immediate upgrade to a modern, safe load center from a reputable brand.
The process of a panel upgrade is a complex job that should only be performed by a licensed electrician. The project involves coordinating with your local utility company to have the power to your home temporarily disconnected at the service drop. Once the power is safely off, our electricians will remove your old meter base and electrical panel. We then install a new meter base and a new, larger-capacity main breaker panel. We meticulously rewire all of your existing home circuits into the new circuit breakers in the new panel, ensuring every connection is tight and secure. We also install a new grounding electrode system to meet current code requirements.
When we perform a panel upgrade, we focus on quality and organization. We use high-quality panels from trusted manufacturers like Square D, Eaton, or Siemens. As we connect your home’s circuits into the new panel, we take the time to organize the wiring neatly and create a new, legible circuit directory. This makes it easy for you to identify breakers in the future and makes any subsequent electrical work safer and more efficient. We believe that professional workmanship should be evident in every detail of the job, especially in the heart of your electrical system. A neat, well-labeled panel is the mark of a true professional.
A panel upgrade is a significant electrical project that requires a permit and inspection from your local building authority. Gragg Electrical Services handles this entire process for you. We file the necessary permit applications with the city or county before the work begins. After the upgrade is complete, a local electrical inspector will visit to conduct a thorough review of our work. They will verify that the new panel, service conductors, and grounding system all meet the stringent requirements of the National Electrical Code. Passing this inspection is the final step in ensuring your new electrical service is officially certified as safe and compliant.
Investing in an electrical panel upgrade offers numerous benefits. It dramatically increases the safety of your home by replacing old components and bringing your system up to modern codes. It provides the power you need for a major kitchen remodel or the installation of new high-demand appliances. It increases the functionality of your home by eliminating frustrating issues like flickering lights and tripped breakers. Finally, it can significantly increase the value and desirability of your property, as a modern electrical service is a major selling point for potential buyers. It is one of the smartest home improvement projects you can undertake.a lifetime.
Mike W. Was so kind and was very concerned of our needs. We had a gfi box where the wire had croaded. And it was installed 30 yrs ago. Gragg electric was referred by our neighbor Nate Bergert they was here in 24 hours
Gragg Electric came through for us on our FULL GRIP Store Project in downtown Akron. The building was built in 1930 and Gragg took on the challenge. Great work guys!
This was a residential job to rewire (completely) a 70 year old house, so not an easy task. It took the amount of time I expected. I also expected my house to look like swiss cheese after the work was done. That was not the case at all. They found ways to fish wire that resulted in about 30% of the holes I expected. A new panel replaced a 10 year old panel put in by JENNINGS which was full of water, rust & damage. They replaced the service drop and weather-head. It was a lot of work and I am happy with the completed job. I would call them again for future work. Ask for Sean!
Solid choice for local electrical work. Highly recommend if you are in need of a quality electrician. Handles both residential and commercial.
A top notch company that is willing to do anything and everything to make you happy. The field team is great to work with, and the communication with the office staff is the best I've come across in a very long time. I build homes for a living, and Gragg hasn't missed a deadline yet and are always one of the neatest sub contractors I deal with. If you're looking for an electrical contractor, this is where you want to be.
Solid choice for local electrical work. Highly recommend if you are in need of a quality electrician. Handles both residential and commercial.
Gragg electrical services has been nothing but great for all of our requests. They are timely on services and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommended for any electrical work needed.
Absolutely the best! Best price, most professional & friendliest ever. From the 1st initial phone call, to our tech Don who was outstanding. Will continue to use them in the future & would highly recommend them.
We had quit a few things that needed done at the house the crew that came out was very respectful! Explained everything they were doing, answered all questions we had, and did an amazing job at everything that needed done . I Will definitely recommend this company to everyone I know.
We had quit a few things that needed done at the house the crew that came out was very respectful! Explained everything they were doing, answered all questions we had, and did an amazing job at everything that needed done . I Will definitely recommend this company to everyone I know.
Gragg Electrical Services: They helped us out in a pinch. We had an issue where we need someone out the same day to deal with a parking lot lighting issue. Not only did they come out same day and diagnose the issue. They were able to provide a solution and come out the next day to resolve it. Mind you we had other vendors on this who could not provide the same level of service Gragg Electrical did. I will be using them again for any electrical needs we have. Thank you so much for hard work on this for us.
Don was exceptional! Very quick response time, professional, knowledgeable and super friendly. Our new go-to electrician!
I had an electrical emergency! Gragg Electrical sent Don out the same day I called! He handled my emergency, explained everything, and answered all my questions! The cost was reasonable, actually less than expected! I have already referred them to my family and friends and will use them in the future!
A very professional trustworthy company Faith based with true Christian values Technicians able to resolve problems and make recommendations A true customer service oriented company Thank you for a very good repair job
Don came out to diagnose my outlet outage in the kitchens. He reset them and checked the breaker box. He assured me everything was fine. I will definitely use Bragg again and highly recommend Bragg Electric in East Canton OH.
Quick responses to any of my questions and cut out to give the estimate the very next day
Gragg is Best co, I’ve had several electric companies in my home and none of them could resolve my issues! Very intelligent/ knowledgeable! Gragg is now my electricians for life!
This company is amazing and actually cared that I wasn't able to come home until work was done and rushed to get me scheduled. Truly the best company around. Out of 14 that I called I'm confident I received the best price and service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!
I had an issue and they were able to come right out. 150 for the service charge. But it was a power company problem, it's fixed. But appreciated Gragg electrical for being so flexible and professional. Also the technician explained everything to me in a way I understood.
This company is amazing and actually cared that I wasn't able to come home until work was done and rushed to get me scheduled. Truly the best company around. Out of 14 that I called I'm confident I received the best price and service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!
I called them to install a kitchen light, and add light switches, as well as to install some plugs in my basement. While he was there, he also fixed the issue with my outside motion light in the process (as it tied into the same switch plate). The customer service and professionalism for this company is phenomenal. They answer your call and/ or call you back quickly. They communicate exactly when they are coming as they set up an appointment, and called the day of to let me know he was on his way. I strongly recommend this company and will be sure to use them for future electrical needs.
Gragg Electric was courteous, fast, efficient and very reasonably priced. Someone you can appreciate when you need electrical work done. Will definitely call them if needed again.
Brandon came right away and provided a quote for work I needed done. David and Zach did the inside work for me and they were very professional and super nice guys. We had a little adventure when they had to enter to attic which unfortunately had a quite large number of winged rats to fight off. These guys are great electricians, but they are pretty brave too 🙂
Brandon and his team were great! I called them when I was in a pinch. He provided fast, detailed service, and kept me informed every step of the way! Definitely recommending Gragg to everyone I know and meet in the future:) Thanks for the help!!
Gragg's service was first class from their timely estimate to the last inspection! David was very knowledgeable, friendly and got the job done.
Extremely professional from start to finish. Very clear precise plan that was followed through without any issues. Quality work. Gragg will be my go to electricians.
We have utilized Gragg Electrical for many years!! Would not go anywhere else. They are trustworthy and excellent electricians and genuinely good people!
Brandon, David and his crew are great!!! They arrived on time and completed my long list of electrical work that needed to be done... this is the 4th time we have used Gragg electric... the prices are very fair as well ! we will never go anywhere else!!! Next comes the inground pool 🙂
Professional. Arrived timely. Explained issues. Nice guys. Reasonable price. We will call them in future for electrical work. Recommend them to anyone looking for an electrician.
I highly recommend this company. They arrived on time very professional and you got done in a timely manner. This is the second time I’ve used this company and I will be using them again in the future !!
Gragg electric was a blessing to have do the work for our new construction home. Very trustworthy and did a wonderful job!
I just want to say what a joy it was to have Gragg Electrical Services, LLC work on my house today. The electricians were very knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. They cleaned up after when they were done. Everything went great. They took care of all my wants and needs and I had a long list of wishes that they took care of. I highly recommend them. I will be a returning customer. 😀 Thank you Brandon, David and the entire team who made my dreams a reality.
Years in business
5-Star Reviews
satisfied clients
Jobs Completed
Most Common Electrical Panel Upgrade Questions
Upgrading your electrical panel is a significant project that enhances your home’s safety and capacity. Homeowners understandably have many questions about this important process. Here are the answers to the most common questions regarding electrical panel upgrades.
There are several clear signs that indicate your home is a candidate for an electrical panel upgrade. One of the most obvious signs is the age of your system. If your home is more than 40 years old and still has its original electrical panel, it is likely outdated and should be evaluated for replacement. You should also check the brand of your panel. If you have a panel made by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco, these are widely known to be hazardous and should be replaced immediately, regardless of their performance. Their breakers often fail to trip, creating a severe fire risk.
Performance issues are another major indicator. Do your lights frequently flicker or dim, especially when a large appliance like your air conditioner or microwave turns on? Do your circuit breakers trip on a regular basis, even with normal electrical usage? These are classic symptoms of an electrical system that is overloaded and struggling to keep up with demand. You might also notice that you do not have enough space in your panel to add a new circuit for a desired project, like a hot tub or a new workshop. A full panel with no empty slots is a clear sign that an upgrade is needed for any expansion.
Other physical warning signs should prompt an immediate call to an electrician. If you notice a persistent burning smell coming from your electrical panel, or if you see any signs of rust or corrosion from water damage, it is a critical safety issue. Similarly, if the breakers themselves feel hot to the touch, it indicates dangerous overheating within the panel. Any of these symptoms mean your panel is actively failing and needs to be upgraded as soon as possible to prevent a fire. Do not wait for a problem to escalate; a proactive upgrade is the safest choice.
The difference between a 100-amp and a 200-amp service is the total amount of electrical power that can be delivered to your home at any given time. Amperage, or amps, is a measure of electrical current. A 200-amp service has the capacity to deliver twice as much power as a 100-amp service. This capacity is determined by the size of the main service entrance conductors running from the utility to your home, the rating of your electric meter and meter base, and the size of the main breaker in your electrical panel. Upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps involves replacing all of these core components.
A 100-amp service was the standard for many homes built in the mid to late 20th century. At the time, it was generally sufficient to power the lights and basic appliances of the era. However, it is often considered the bare minimum for a modern home and can be easily overwhelmed. A family with central air conditioning, an electric range, an electric dryer, and other common appliances can push a 100-amp service to its limit. This can result in performance issues and can make it impossible to add any new major electrical loads, like an EV charger.
A 200-amp service is the new standard for most new home construction and is the most common size for panel upgrades. It provides a robust amount of power that can comfortably handle the needs of a typical modern family and all of their electronics and appliances. A 200-amp service also provides significant capacity for future expansion. It ensures you will have enough power to add that hot tub, finish your basement with an electric heater, or install a powerful charger for an electric vehicle down the road. Upgrading to 200 amps is a way of future-proofing your home’s electrical system.
A standard electrical panel upgrade in an occupied home is typically a full-day project. The process usually takes between eight to ten hours to complete from start to finish. This is because it is a complex job with several steps that must be done carefully and sequentially. A significant portion of the day involves coordinating with your local utility provider. We will schedule a “disconnect/reconnect” appointment with them. A utility worker will come to your home in the morning to shut off the power at the pole or transformer, and they will return in the afternoon after our work is done and has passed inspection to turn the power back on.
During the power outage, our electricians work efficiently to perform the upgrade. We will remove your old meter base and electrical panel. Then, we install the new, larger equipment in its place. The most time-consuming part of the job is carefully removing each circuit from the old panel and re-installing it into the correct new breaker in the new panel. We take great care to ensure every one of these connections is clean, tight, and secure. We also use this opportunity to organize the wiring and create a neat, professional-looking installation. We also install the new grounding system during this time.
Because your home will be without power for most of the day, we advise homeowners to plan accordingly. You may want to make arrangements to work from another location or have activities planned outside the home, especially if you have young children. Make sure your phones and laptops are fully charged beforehand. We will communicate a clear timeline with you, and we work diligently to complete the job and get your power restored by the end of the workday. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and undisruptive as possible while performing this critical safety upgrade.
No, in most cases, a main panel upgrade does not require you to replace the existing wiring throughout your house. The panel upgrade focuses on the core service equipment: the panel itself, the meter base, and the service entrance conductors. The individual branch circuit wires that run from the panel to your outlets and lights are separate from this. As long as that existing wiring is in good condition and is of the correct type (i.e., copper, not old aluminum wiring), it can be safely reconnected to the new breakers in your new panel. The new panel will actually make your existing wiring safer by providing it with modern, reliable circuit breaker protection.
There are, however, some situations where an electrician might recommend some rewiring in conjunction with a panel upgrade. If your home has dangerous, outdated wiring systems like knob-and-tube or ungrounded two-wire circuits, the panel upgrade is the perfect opportunity to begin the process of replacing it. While you may not have to do the whole house at once, you could start with critical areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. If your home has old aluminum branch circuit wiring, which is a known fire hazard, an electrician will strongly recommend a plan for remediation or replacement.
A panel upgrade can also reveal previously hidden problems. When the electrician is working with the old circuits, they may find a wire that has been damaged or has brittle insulation near the panel. In these cases, they would need to repair that specific section of wire before connecting it to the new breaker. Essentially, the panel upgrade itself does not force a whole-house rewire, but it is the logical time to address any other known wiring deficiencies you may have to create a truly safe and modern electrical system.
A Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel is a specific brand of electrical panel that was widely installed in millions of homes across North America from the 1950s through the 1980s. These panels are now known to be extremely dangerous due to a major design flaw in their circuit breakers. Numerous studies and tests have shown that FPE Stab-Lok breakers have an unacceptably high failure rate. They frequently fail to trip during an overload or short-circuit condition. This failure allows the electricity to continue flowing, which can cause the circuit wiring to overheat and start a fire. They are one of the most notorious hazards in residential electrical systems.
The internal problems with FPE breakers are well-documented. In some cases, the breaker will become stuck in the “on” position and will not trip no matter how overloaded the circuit gets. In other situations, the breaker may trip internally, but the handle on the outside will not move, giving the homeowner a false impression that the circuit is still on when it is not. The bus bar system in the panels is also prone to loose connections with the breakers, which can cause arcing and burning. For these reasons, FPE panels are considered a latent fire hazard by most electricians and safety experts.
If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel in your home, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. You can identify it by looking for the FPE logo or the “Stab-Lok” name on the panel cover or breakers. The breakers are often red-tipped. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security if you have never had a problem with it. The danger is that the panel will fail to operate when you need it most, during a short circuit. Many insurance companies will not write a new policy on a home with an FPE panel. A panel upgrade is the only safe solution.
Zinsco, and its successor brand Zinsco-GTE, was another popular manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers, primarily installed in homes in the 1960s and 1970s. Similar to FPE panels, Zinsco panels have been identified as a significant safety hazard due to serious design flaws. The primary issue with Zinsco panels is that the circuit breakers can become loose on the aluminum bus bar over time. This poor connection leads to arcing and overheating, which can cause the breaker to permanently fuse to the bus bar. When this happens, the breaker can no longer be removed and, more importantly, it may no longer be able to trip.
A breaker that is fused to the bus bar may appear to be functioning, but it will not trip even under a severe overload or direct short circuit. This allows the circuit wiring to get dangerously hot, creating a high risk of an electrical fire. Even if the breaker does not fuse, the design has been shown to allow power to continue flowing to the circuit even when the breaker handle is in the “off” position. This creates a severe shock hazard for anyone working on the circuit who believes they have turned the power off. The breakers are also known for melting and burning without ever tripping.
You can often identify a Zinsco panel by its unique, brightly colored breaker handles, which can be red, green, blue, and yellow. The brand name Zinsco or Zinsco-GTE might also be visible on the panel’s label. Like FPE panels, a Zinsco panel is a ticking time bomb. It may seem to work fine for years, but its inherent flaws mean it cannot be trusted to provide the safety protection it was designed for. If an electrician identifies a Zinsco panel in your home, they will universally recommend a complete panel upgrade as the only responsible and safe course of action.
Yes, a permit from your local city or county building department is absolutely required for an electrical panel upgrade. This type of project is considered a major alteration to your home’s electrical system, not a minor repair. The permitting process ensures that the work is performed by a qualified, licensed electrical contractor and that the entire installation is done in strict compliance with the current National Electrical Code. The permit is a legal requirement that is in place to protect you, the homeowner, from unsafe electrical work. Any contractor who suggests doing a panel upgrade without a permit is not a professional and should be avoided.
The process of upgrading your panel involves close coordination with both the local building department and your electric utility company. As your contractor, Gragg Electrical Services will handle all of this for you. We will submit the permit application and all required documentation before we begin the work. We will also schedule the necessary “disconnect/reconnect” service with the utility. After the new panel is installed, the work must be inspected by a certified electrical inspector from your municipality. This inspection is a mandatory step that is triggered by the permit. The inspector will verify that all aspects of the new installation, from the panel itself to the new grounding system, are code-compliant.
Once the installation successfully passes the inspection, the inspector will notify the utility company that it is safe to restore power to the home. The permit is then officially closed out. This process provides a complete, documented record that your new electrical service was installed professionally and has been certified as safe by a third-party authority. This documentation can be very important for your homeowner’s insurance and for the future sale of your home. It is the ultimate assurance that this critical safety upgrade was done correctly.
The cost of a typical electrical panel upgrade can vary, but it is a significant investment in your home’s infrastructure. The total price depends on the size of the new service you are upgrading to, with a 200-amp upgrade being more expensive than a 150-amp upgrade due to the larger wire and equipment required. The complexity of the installation also plays a role. For example, if the existing service mast on your roof needs to be replaced to handle the new, heavier wires, that will add to the cost. The current market price of copper, which is used in the large service entrance wires, can also cause the total price to fluctuate.
The quote you receive from a licensed electrical contractor for a panel upgrade should be comprehensive and include all aspects of the job. This includes the cost of all the new equipment, such as the new meter base, the new electrical panel, the main breaker, and all the individual circuit breakers for your home’s circuits. The price also includes the significant amount of labor required to perform the installation. Furthermore, it should include the cost of the electrical permit fee and any fees associated with coordinating the disconnect and reconnect with the local utility company.
When you get a quote from Gragg Electrical Services, it will be a firm, upfront price that covers the entire project from start to finish. There will be no hidden fees or surprise charges. While a panel upgrade is not an inexpensive project, it is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your home. It resolves dangerous safety issues, increases the functionality of your home, and adds to its resale value. We offer transparent pricing to help you budget for this essential home improvement project.
Work With The Top Electrical Panel Upgrade Service Near You
Contact Gragg Electrical Services today to schedule your professional electrical panel upgrade. Our East Canton electricians are ready to provide the safe, modern electrical service your home needs.
