Electrical Subpanel Repair

Gragg Electrical Services provides expert electrical subpanel repair to ensure your distributed power is safe. Our licensed electricians in East Canton, OH troubleshoot and fix all subpanel issues correctly.

Top Electrical Subpanel Repair Service in East Canton, OH

A subpanel is a smaller, secondary electrical panel that requires the same professional attention as your main service. Gragg Electrical Services offers specialized repair services for all types of electrical subpanels. Whether your subpanel is in a detached garage, a workshop, or a large home addition, our electricians can resolve any issue. We handle problems like tripping breakers, signs of overheating, or faulty wiring connections. Our team understands the specific code requirements for subpanels, such as the separation of grounds and neutrals. We ensure all repairs are performed safely and correctly to restore proper function. For any subpanel problem in East Canton, rely on our expertise. We are committed to the safety and integrity of every part of your electrical system.

Financing Available For
Electrical Subpanel Repair

We offer flexible financing options to make your electrical subpanel repair more affordable. Spread the cost over manageable monthly payments without delaying the reliability of your electrical system. Ask us about our quick approval process and competitive rates today.

Electrical Subpanel Repair

Like any electrical panel, the circuit breakers within a subpanel can also fail. They can wear out over time, become weak, and start to trip unnecessarily. Conversely, they can fail to trip during an overload, creating a fire hazard. We can test the breakers in your subpanel and replace any that are found to be faulty. We will replace them with the correct type and brand of breaker specified for your particular subpanel, ensuring a safe and reliable fit. We can also troubleshoot the branch circuits leaving the subpanel to determine if frequent trips are being caused by a wiring fault rather than a bad breaker.

Another common repair involves upgrading a subpanel that has run out of space. If a subpanel was installed years ago for a small workshop, but you have since added more tools and circuits, you may find that the panel is completely full. In some cases, we can free up space by using space-saver or tandem breakers, if the panel is listed for them. If not, the best solution is often to replace the small subpanel with a new, larger one that has more circuit capacity. This provides the space you need for your current loads and for any future expansion.

Physical damage or corrosion can also necessitate a subpanel repair. A subpanel located in a damp basement or an outbuilding can be susceptible to moisture intrusion. This can cause rust and corrosion on the bus bars and breaker connections, leading to poor conductivity and overheating. We can replace a damaged or corroded subpanel with a new enclosure that is properly rated for the environment it is in, such as a weather-resistant NEMA 3R panel for outdoor or damp locations. This ensures the long-term durability and safety of the installation.

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Patti B
June 1, 2026

absolutely wonderful experience. very helpful, explanatory and went above and beyond to get us up and running again!

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Rise Haver
May 29, 2026

You will never find a more polite, respectful person than Cory Boosz. We had massive problems that we never could have fixed and within a short amount of time everything was done! We will never go to anyone else for any electrical problems. We also appreciate the fact that after we called late on a Friday he still came to our house that day, thanks again for everything Cory!

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Tonia Averette
May 28, 2026

Mike was quite thorough and worked with us on multiple projects

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joshua getz
May 28, 2026
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Dan Hall
May 27, 2026

I've been very happy with Gragg. So far I've used them for 2 projects and anticipate more. The staff is knowledgeable, thorough, and courteous.

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Theresa Masalko
May 27, 2026
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Carlene Pullman
May 27, 2026

Mike was amazing!!

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Andrew Hale
May 26, 2026

Mike was great. He answered all my questions, explained everything that he was doing, and cleaned everything up when he was done

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Angelique Osborne
May 26, 2026

Working with Mike was an absolute gold‑standard experience. His professionalism, deep education in his field, and commitment to safety were evident from the moment he arrived. He came prepared with creative solutions, fair pricing, and a level of thoroughness that ensured every party understood the codes, the safety considerations, and the work being performed. Mike doesn’t just fix a problem — he teaches, protects, and earns your trust in the process. He treats your home with the same care he’d give his own, even bringing his own shoe covers without being asked. That level of respect and attention to detail gave our family real peace of mind. We knew we were safe, we weren’t being overcharged, and we weren’t being sold anything unnecessary. His expertise, execution, and integrity are unmatched. Because of the experience we had with Mike, I will be a loyal customer for life. I can’t speak highly enough of him, his skill set, or the way he conducts his work. I recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone who wants a true professional who delivers excellence every single time.

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Paul Byers
May 22, 2026

Gragg Electric is the best! They saved our Memorial Day Weekend! Corey was the best! Highly recommend this company!

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Jim Vardon
May 22, 2026

Amazing service! Gragg managed to fit us in on a busy holiday weekend Friday. Corey was fantastic—he diagnosed and fixed the problem in no time at all.

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K.A.G
May 19, 2026

Mike was phenomenal. Highly recommend this company. Great pricing and very prompt. I would give it 10 stars if I could .

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Paul Kelley
May 19, 2026

Corey came after hours and handled business and he was phenomenal- didn't upsell me - just solved my problem and got me power again. Can't thank him enough

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Skie Brooks
May 18, 2026

Came in and fixed our problem in less than 20 minutes. VERY THANKFULLY FOR COREY!!

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Chandra Wells
May 18, 2026

Professional company and great service! Mike was awesome!

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James Lowe
May 18, 2026

Friendly very knowledgeable

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Kerri Fernandez
May 18, 2026

Update….Used Gragg again on 5/15/26. Still same great service. They are our go to for electrical work always! 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.

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William Rodgers
May 15, 2026

I was selling my house and the buyers home inspection listed a few electrical items that they wanted to repair with our close date coming up I reached out to Gragg electrical they came out same day to give an estimate and did all the work a few days later. They were polite cleaned up and worked and acted very professional. Next the city inspector came out and said they did a good job but he wanted a couple things changed Gragg came back and met the inspector at the house they told me prior to the inspector arriving they would do anything they need to do to make everything right however they wanted to talk to the inspector because they didn’t agree with his list well they when over everything with the inspector and in the end Gragg Electrical was right and no repairs were needed. Very happy with the work and the crew and they would be the first place I would call if I need a electrician again

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Kirk Reed
May 15, 2026

Just received an estimate from these guys. Very informative.

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Jerry Beall
May 14, 2026

BRO! Gragg electrical services, and this guy here is awesome!!! If I ever have an electrical issue again I know who I'm calling. I thought he was going to be here after hours so I was prepared for the after hours dispatch fee. He got here before after hours so the dispatch fee was greatly reduced. I believe it only did take him maybe 15-20 minutes and he figured out the problem got her fixed. I don't think I've ever done a review for a company. But if it helps y'all and it helps him I'm down. Thank you so much again Mike. My daughter has power in her room again. I salute you dude.

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matilda54
May 14, 2026
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tim zwierlein
May 14, 2026

Corey was dead spot on! You're lucky to have him for an employee! I will use Craig electric for all my electrical needs from now on!

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justin mays
May 13, 2026

Fast, friendly service at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend their services

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Don McDonald
May 13, 2026
Michelle Wilsbach
Michelle Wilsbach
May 13, 2026

I needed an electrician to replace some loose outlet slots on my mom‘s Louisville, Ohio house. I’m listing it for sale after her passing, unfortunately. Gragg electric, from the woman who answers the phone and schedules the appointment to the actual electrician, Michael, were all very helpful, professional and personable. Michael was very communicative and would text me arrival times and actually showed up on that time and even before. He was very accommodating, even doing this job before he actually “clocked on” for work. He brought his own shoe/boot covers and was respectful of me and of my mom‘s home. He even labeled Mom‘s main breaker box which, for some reason was not previously labeled.  I would definitely recommend Gragg and Mike  Thank you for making this stressful time a little less so

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Amber Goodwin
May 11, 2026

Excellent service! Mike was very professional, called appropriately ahead of time to make sure someone was home. He was upfront about all estimates needed, providing good information the whole time. He answered my questions appropriately and made me feel at ease about my electrical work. Overall, would recommend!

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Bill Swinehart
May 11, 2026

Had them come out for a new home purchase box inspection. My mother in law was home and she said the gentleman was very polite. I had talked to the lady in the office twice and she was very helpful and was able to save me some money! I would recommend this company for sure!

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Brandon Lillie
May 7, 2026

My technician was very informative, was great at breaking down what was going on, explaining how and why. Very very great experience 10/10 would recommend highly.

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Ashley Mccartney
May 7, 2026

Mike was great! He called when he was in route, showed up on time and completed the work in a very timely fashion. I felt the cost was reasonable too!

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JOHN Stamps
May 7, 2026

The gentleman (Mike) very professional person, he also explained in detail what had to be done, he sat up everything that had to be done financing and everything. Put us on the schedule as quick as possible. A professional company. Thanks Mike for all you have done for us. Barb Stamps and John T Stamps. I highly recommend this company to anyone.

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Bill Fayen
May 6, 2026

Mike carefully inspected my house and thoroughly explained the repairs I need. I would highly recommend this company.

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Jeff Diss
May 5, 2026

Mike was absolutely wonderful to work with. He took time to explain the process to me and made sure I understood everything which actually ended up being very simple. I would HIGHLY recommend Gragg Electric because of Mike.

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pepper arndt
May 5, 2026

We would highly recommend this Company. Besides doing excellent work, they treated us extremely well. We felt as if everyone that works there had our best interest in mind.

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Tim Knisely
May 4, 2026

I setup an appointment online over the weekend for a service call and received a phone call first thing Monday morning. They were able to have a technician out that morning. Mike W. came out and reviewed our problem with a breaker and was able to diagnose some of the issues that caused it. He also explained everything that was found and why it could cause a problem. Very professional and I thought the cost was reasonable.

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Iris Mulcahy
May 4, 2026

They explained what needed fixing. Quick and easy fix.

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Henrry Nasser
May 1, 2026
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Amanda Phillips
May 1, 2026

Excellent service. We had a few outlets in our kitchen go out and lights were flickering. Mike came out so fast and not only got them working but also checked the whole house to make sure everything was working. He was very thorough and made sure we knew what was going on.

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Darryl Klehm
May 1, 2026

Mike did an excellent job diagnosing the issue and solved the problem despite adverse weather conditions. He was courteous and polite and very respectful.

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Denise Drake
April 29, 2026

Mike was very cordial, clear in his explanations of the work/estimate that would have to be done and the options that I have. I look forward to having them fix my electrical needs.

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Josh Carrick
April 29, 2026
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Aaron Dunn
April 28, 2026
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Eric Bergmeyer
April 27, 2026

Great local company in East Canton. Very knowledgeable and skilled crews. I would highly recommend for your next electrical job!

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Paula Robinson
April 27, 2026

The technician who came out was thorough and very pleasant. He determined what the issue was with malfunctioning landscape lighting and provided a reasonable quote for repair. Parts needed to be ordered and I’m expecting the same outstanding service when replacement parts are installed.

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Theodore Brown
April 24, 2026

This was my first time using this company. Response time was great. There was no charge for coming and making an estimate for the work. The electrician was friendly and explained everything. I think this is a great company. Rates were reasonable and I am very pleased with their work.

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Mark Daniels
April 24, 2026

I could not be happier with my experience, prompt, efficient, clean and diagnosed the problem quickly. I would highly recommend Gragg Electrc

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Greg Smith
April 23, 2026
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daniel brown
April 22, 2026

Gragg Electric workmanship is top-notch. Their service and expertise are unmatched, but most importantly, especially in today's economy, they are HONEST and fair priced. I highly recommend them for any electrical work that you may need.

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Heather Leininger
April 22, 2026

Great experience! Mike was very knowledgeable.Helped me understand all the details of my project without being pushy with sales! Definitely recommend him!

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Jerry Smith
April 20, 2026
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Zaviona Fountain
April 20, 2026

I called Gragg Electrical Services, LLC to come out regarding my dryer outlet not getting enough power. They were able to get me on the schedule the next day at no additional charge! Cory Boosz came out timely and found the issue. He kindly explained what was going on and some potential solutions. Cory did a great job fixing the problem and didn’t even have to turn the power off so I could continue working. He also cleaned up after he was finished. Thank you Cory and Gragg for providing us with kindness and relief during a difficult time. I will definitely be using this company again.

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Sharon Besserman
April 16, 2026

Our technician Corey was the best

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Rosie Calligaro
April 13, 2026

We just finished a detached garage build and needed the whole structure wired from the subpanel to the outlets and lighting. The electrician from Gragg was efficient, clearly experienced with this type of work, and the finished product looks exactly like what I had pictured. Everything is properly grounded, the circuits are sensibly distributed, and it passed the electrical inspection without a single correction. For a project I was a little nervous about managing it went about as smoothly as possible.

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Tanner Simmons
April 13, 2026

The lights in my living room had been flickering intermittently for months and two different electricians had looked at it without finding the cause. Gragg Electrical spent the time to actually trace the issue back to a loose neutral connection at the panel that had been creating voltage fluctuations throughout the circuit. Problem solved on the first real diagnosis. Sometimes you just need someone who is willing to look harder and these guys did exactly that.

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Jose Familia
April 13, 2026

Our kitchen renovation required running new circuits for a double oven and an island with dedicated outlet circuits and Gragg Electrical coordinated seamlessly with the rest of our contractors. The rough in work was done on schedule, the inspector had zero notes, and the finish work after drywall was clean and precise. My contractor told me they were the easiest sub on the whole job and that kind of professionalism ripples through an entire project.

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Sean Bugno
April 12, 2026

We had an issue where we lost power due to the neutral wire breaking on the side of the house. I called Gragg Electric and they were able to send someone out within a few hours. We ended up needing to have not only the wire replaced, but the meter box and additional grounding installed to bring it up to current code. Everyone at Gragg Electric was very kind and professional and worked quickly to get our power restored. I would highly recommend them.

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Brenda Schiltz
April 11, 2026

Corey was awesome. He did the job quickly and efficiently. He also answered all my questions.

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robyn Kidwell
April 10, 2026

Cory was so nice, respectful and knowledgeable. He had my problem solved within 15 minutes! I would definitely recommend Gragg in the future and will be working with them again to wire my She-shed!! So excited. A+++++

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Scott Lambert
April 10, 2026

Great job! quick and easy! 🙂

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Gulkesh Gill
April 9, 2026
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Julie Blemler
April 8, 2026

We had a very large tree fall between the power pole and the house tearing the wires from the house. Gragg is one of the nicest companies I've worked with. Mike W. was our Electrician for the hurry up job. He is professional and helpful, not to mention that he is very nice. I'm glad I picked Gragg Electrical Services and I will happily recommend them!

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Barry Shannon
April 8, 2026

He was professional and very knowledgeable about the electrical work done.I would highly recommend.

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Eric zamudio
April 8, 2026

They are quick, professional, and nice to work with. I would definitely recommend them and plan to work with them again.

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Heather Brady
April 6, 2026

Friendly company. Fast service.

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Mick Shamus
April 6, 2026
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Korbin Merrick
April 3, 2026

Great service and people Mike was a pleasure to talk to and work with great company.

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Adrienn Anderson
April 3, 2026

Urgent issue. Arrived on time and resolved the issue quickly and ensured everything was safe thank you

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Rebecca McKinnon
April 3, 2026

Awesome team. Very professional and friendly

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Patty Giacomini
April 3, 2026

We had a recurring problem with loss of power to part of our house that was all on the same circuit. We had a subscription with another company, but when we called they couldn’t get us an appointment for several weeks. We called Gragg and they came out in 3 days. We had a technician name Cory, who was very knowledgeable and diagnosed and fixed the problem very quickly. He explained the problem in terms I could understand. He was competent and friendly to boot. You could tell he loved his job too.

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Ryan McCarthy
April 2, 2026

Family can now live in safety because of the awesome people at Gragg Electrical Services. We had 3 outlets with the loosest recepticles you've ever seen. None of our cell phone chargers would stay plugged in... Great electricians and a blessing to our family. Came over to the west side of Massillon for no extra travel fee. Awesome, affordable, and family-oriented.

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Rebecca Gyoker
April 1, 2026

Called in and spoke with Brittany about needing an estimate, she was so kind and thorough. Cory came out to provide the estimate and was incredibly nice and professional. He took the time to explain everything clearly and answer my questions. I really appreciated his honesty and how easy he was to talk to. Great experience overall!

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Michael Todaro
April 1, 2026

Quick easy, polite, no notes

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Tom L
March 31, 2026

Very satisfied with quality of service and work will use Gragg for any further electrical work.

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Erica K
March 31, 2026

Service was quick and complete. I will definitely use them again for my electrical needs.

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Doug Mcelroy
March 31, 2026

Great service on the generator

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Ms. Rasmussen
March 30, 2026

Excellent, friendly service. Fair price. Mike W. Did a great job!! Thank you

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Mel Lute
March 27, 2026

Mike was our technician and he did an outstanding job. He showed up on time, was diligent and solve our problem. I would highly recommend.

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Christine Pennel
March 27, 2026

Cory was very professional when he arrived. He was respectful of our home and explained the new safety requirements that are now included in their work. I feel very confident working with Gragg.

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Murphy White
March 26, 2026

Mike did an awesome job on our estimate! Was extremely thorough and helped me understand the whole process!

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Beverly Gooding
March 26, 2026

On time, super professional and very reasonable prices.

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Karl E
March 26, 2026

Cory was very knowledgeable and friendly about answering questions, I don’t know the ins and outs about home electricity. We went through the inspection in detail and gave an easy to understand explanation about what is needed. I recommend these folks to anyone looking for a home electrician.

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Angelique Hall
March 24, 2026
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Sheronda Brown
March 23, 2026

The website is amazing and user friendly! Customer service was outstanding and courteous. Corey was very informative, knowledgeable, polite and prompt. I will be calling Gragg for future electrical work and referring others.

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Rebecca McKinnon
March 20, 2026

Awesome service.

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Julie Weese
March 20, 2026

Dr. Frankenstein could take some notes from Kyle and Cam at Gragg Electric, who did an amazing job resurrecting our ancient generator from the dead. Kyle’s customer service was phenomenal. Brittany (hopefully that’s how it’s spelled; my apologies if it’s “Britneigh”) who scheduled the appointment was incredibly friendly and helpful. Cost was reasonable and what I would expect from the service rendered. I would definitely recommend Gragg Electric to others, and I will be having them back for my next electric project!

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Roger
March 18, 2026

Great service,honest ,courteous,very pleased

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Adam Rich
March 18, 2026

Friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

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Stephen Shoff
March 18, 2026

Great employee that came to our house. The gentleman told us exactly what we needed and why. Answered any questions we had. Great experience!

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Andrew Bernat
March 17, 2026

Kyle did a great job!!!

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Anthony
March 17, 2026

Mike and his team were able to finish a panel install and completed multiple fixes. Will definitely recommend to others.

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Cliff Johnson
March 16, 2026
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Christi Hodge
March 16, 2026

Fantastic service! Highly recommend Gragg Electric. Affordable and reliable! Thanks for providing the necessary upgrades we needed.

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Javier Eduar
March 13, 2026

Quick service work

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Reese Eichhorn
March 13, 2026

Mike came out and did great work

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Steve Leatherberry
March 13, 2026
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Samantha Hodik
March 13, 2026

Andrew and Harley put in an overhead light in my grandma’s living room. They were thorough, double checked and gave us options when something unexpected popped up, and were very kind to my grandma. Highly recommend for their timeliness, excellent communication and friendliness.

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Joshua Engle
March 13, 2026

These guys are awesome! Prompt, courteous, professional & fair.

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John Keoshian
March 11, 2026
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HH Direct Office
March 11, 2026

Great response time and service for HH Direct

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Andrew Ramirez
March 10, 2026

Cory did an awesome job! Very helpful and professional👍

Seth S.
Seth S.
February 11, 2025

Solid choice for local electrical work. Highly recommend if you are in need of a quality electrician. Handles both residential and commercial.

Alyssa Pimpas
Alyssa Pimpas
March 19, 2024

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.

Jeana Barnett
Jeana Barnett
January 3, 2022

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!!!!!!

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Most Common Electrical Subpanel Repair Questions

Subpanels are a common feature in larger homes and properties with outbuildings, but they can be a source of confusion. Understanding their function and potential issues is key to maintenance. Here are answers to the most common questions about electrical subpanel repair.

The primary purpose of a subpanel is to serve as a convenient, secondary point of power distribution for a specific area of your property that is located at a distance from your main electrical panel. Think of it as a satellite breaker box. For example, if you have a detached garage or workshop, it is much more practical and cost-effective to install a subpanel in that building. An electrician can run a single, large feeder cable from the main panel in your house to the subpanel in the garage. This single feeder then powers the subpanel, which in turn distributes power to multiple individual circuits for the lights, outlets, and tools in that building.

This approach is far more efficient than running numerous separate circuits all the way from the house to the outbuilding. It saves on wiring costs and simplifies the installation. Subpanels are also commonly used in very large houses. If a home has a large addition, a finished basement with a kitchen, or an in-law suite, a subpanel might be installed in that area. This makes it much more convenient to reset a tripped breaker, as you do not have to walk all the way back to the main panel which could be on a different floor or at the other end of the house.

Another key purpose of a subpanel is to expand the circuit capacity of your home when the main panel is full. If your main panel has no more physical slots for new breakers, but the overall service capacity is still sufficient, a subpanel can be installed right next to the main panel. A feeder from the main panel powers the subpanel, which then provides the additional breaker spaces needed for new circuits. This is often a more economical solution than replacing the entire main panel, assuming a load calculation permits it.

The separation of the ground and neutral conductors in a subpanel is a critical and non-negotiable safety rule in the National Electrical Code. In the main electrical service panel, and only in the main panel, the neutral bar and the ground bar are connected together with a screw or strap called the main bonding jumper. This is the single point in the entire system where these two conductors are bonded. Every panel downstream from the main panel, which includes all subpanels, must have its ground and neutral bars completely separate and isolated from one another. This is fundamental for the proper functioning of the grounding system.

The reason for this rule is to prevent objectionable and hazardous current from flowing on the equipment grounding conductors. The neutral wire is a normal current-carrying conductor; it is the return path for all the electricity used by your 120-volt appliances. The ground wire, on the other hand, is purely a safety wire. It should never carry any current during normal operation. If you were to improperly bond the neutral and ground bars together in a subpanel, you would create a parallel path for the neutral current to flow back to the main panel. This means that the metal grounding wires and the metal conduit of the subpanel’s feeder would become normal current-carrying conductors.

This is dangerous for two main reasons. First, it can create a shock hazard. The metal casings of appliances and fixtures are connected to the ground wire, and they could become energized with stray voltage. Second, it can interfere with the proper operation of safety devices like GFCIs and AFCIs, which rely on the separation of ground and neutral to detect faults. When our electricians repair or install a subpanel, one of the first and most important things we verify is that the grounds and neutrals are properly separated and that the neutral bar is not bonded to the panel’s enclosure.

It can be very difficult for a homeowner to know if a subpanel is wired incorrectly, as many of the most critical errors are internal to the panel. This is why you should always have a licensed electrician install or inspect a subpanel. However, there are some external warning signs that might indicate a problem. If the breakers in the subpanel trip frequently, or if the lights and outlets fed by the subpanel flicker or work intermittently, it could be a sign of a loose connection in the feeder wiring or improper connections within the panel itself. A buzzing sound coming from the subpanel is also a serious warning sign of arcing.

One of the most common DIY mistakes is the improper bonding of grounds and neutrals, as previously discussed. Another common error is using the wrong type of feeder cable. A subpanel requires a 4-wire feeder cable containing two hot wires, one neutral wire, and a separate equipment grounding wire. Some DIY installers improperly use a 3-wire cable (like one used for an old dryer circuit), which does not provide the necessary separate ground path. This creates an unsafe and ungrounded subpanel. The feeder breaker in the main panel and the feeder wire gauge must also be properly sized for the subpanel’s load.

The best way to know if your subpanel is wired correctly is to have it inspected by a qualified electrician from Gragg Electrical Services. We can safely open the panel and perform a thorough inspection. We will verify that the grounds and neutrals are separated, that a proper 4-wire feeder is used, that all connections are tight, and that the panel is properly grounded and bonded. If you have a subpanel in your home, especially if you suspect it was not installed by a professional, a safety inspection is a wise investment.

Yes, if the subpanel is located in a separate, detached building like a garage, workshop, or barn, then the National Electrical Code requires it to have its own grounding electrode system. This typically means installing one or two grounding rods at the detached building and connecting them to the ground bar inside the subpanel. The purpose of this local grounding electrode is to protect against potential differences in voltage between the two buildings, especially during a nearby lightning strike. It helps to keep the electrical potential of the two separate buildings equalized.

It is critical to understand that this local ground rod is a supplemental ground. It does not replace the need for the equipment grounding conductor that runs back to the main panel. The subpanel must still be fed with a 4-wire feeder cable that includes this equipment ground wire. The equipment ground wire is what provides the low-impedance path needed to clear a fault and trip a circuit breaker. The local ground rod at the detached building serves a different purpose related to lightning and voltage stabilization. Both are required for a safe and code-compliant installation.

If the subpanel is located within the same building as the main panel, such as in an upstairs addition or a basement, then it does not require its own separate ground rod. In this case, the subpanel relies on the main building’s grounding electrode system via the equipment ground wire that is part of the feeder cable. An electrician installing a subpanel will know these specific rules and will install a local grounding electrode system only when it is required by code for a detached building.

The feeder is the electrical cable that “feeds” power from the main electrical panel to the subpanel. It is a heavy-duty, multi-wire cable that acts as the umbilical cord between the two panels. The feeder originates at a large double-pole circuit breaker in the main panel. The size of this breaker determines the maximum power that the subpanel can draw. For example, a common garage subpanel might be fed from a 60-amp breaker in the main house panel. The feeder cable itself must be sized appropriately to handle this amperage, with 6-gauge copper wire being typical for a 60-amp feeder.

For any new subpanel installation, the feeder must be a 4-wire cable. This cable contains four separate conductors inside its sheath. There are two “hot” conductors, which provide the 240-volt power. There is one “neutral” conductor, which acts as the return path for 120-volt circuits. Finally, and most importantly, there is an “equipment grounding conductor,” which is the safety wire that connects the metal case of the subpanel back to the grounding system at the main panel. This 4-wire configuration is essential for a safe subpanel installation.

Repairing the feeder is a common subpanel issue. The connections at the breaker in the main panel or at the lugs in the subpanel can become loose over time, causing overheating or voltage problems. The cable itself can also be damaged. If the feeder runs underground to a detached building, it could be accidentally cut by digging. Our electricians can troubleshoot and repair feeder circuits, which may involve tightening connections, splicing a damaged section of cable in an approved junction box, or replacing the entire feeder if it is undersized or badly damaged.

No, installing or repairing a subpanel is a complex electrical task that should only be performed by a licensed electrician. This job involves working inside your main electrical panel, which contains live parts that can be fatal if touched. It also requires a deep understanding of the specific National Electrical Code rules that apply to subpanels, which are some of the most commonly misunderstood rules by amateurs. A mistake in a subpanel installation can create serious fire and shock hazards. The risks of a DIY installation far outweigh any potential cost savings.

One of the most critical errors a DIY installer makes is improperly handling the neutral and ground connections. As we’ve discussed, bonding the neutral and ground together in a subpanel is a dangerous code violation that can energize the grounding system. Another common mistake is using the wrong type of feeder cable, such as an old 3-wire range cable, which lacks the separate equipment ground conductor. Sizing the feeder breaker and wire incorrectly is another potential error. These are not simple mistakes; they are fundamental safety failures that can have severe consequences.

To ensure the safety of your home and family, always hire a professional for any work involving a subpanel. A licensed electrician will perform a load calculation to determine the correct size for the feeder, select the appropriate equipment, and install it in full compliance with all NEC requirements. The work will also require a permit and an inspection from your local building department, which a professional contractor will handle. This ensures the installation is independently verified as safe.

If the circuit breakers in your subpanel are tripping, the causes are the same as they would be in a main panel. The most common reason is a simple circuit overload. You may be running too many high-power devices, like space heaters or power tools, on a single circuit fed by the subpanel. The breaker is doing its job by tripping to prevent the wire from overheating. The solution is to redistribute your loads among different circuits or to have an electrician install a new, dedicated circuit for the high-draw equipment.

Another likely cause is a short circuit or a ground fault in the wiring or in an appliance connected to the subpanel circuit. A frayed cord on a tool or a damaged wire in an outdoor light fixture can cause a fault that will trip the breaker. If the breaker trips instantly with a snap, it is almost certainly a short circuit that needs to be located and repaired. Our electricians can troubleshoot the circuit to find the source of the fault. If the subpanel feeds outdoor circuits, a faulty GFCI breaker or outlet could also be the cause of the tripping.

It is also possible that the breaker in the subpanel itself is old or faulty and needs to be replaced. Or, less commonly, there could be an issue with the feeder supplying the subpanel from the main house, causing voltage problems that affect the circuits. If you are experiencing persistent tripping in a subpanel, it is best to have a qualified electrician investigate. We can systematically diagnose the issue to determine if it is an overload, a dangerous fault, or a problem with the panel itself, and then we can perform the appropriate repair.

Whether a subpanel needs its own main breaker depends on a few factors, primarily its location and the number of circuits it contains. If a subpanel is installed in the same building as the main service panel, it is not always required to have its own main breaker. The feeder breaker located in the main panel can serve as the disconnecting means for the entire subpanel. This is a common setup for subpanels installed right next to the main panel simply to add more circuit spaces.

However, if a subpanel contains more than six circuit breakers, the code often requires it to have a single main breaker to act as a master shut-off for that panel. This provides a quick and easy way to de-energize all the circuits fed by the subpanel at once. For this reason, most subpanels that you can buy come with a main breaker already installed. It is good practice to use a main breaker subpanel even when it is not strictly required, as it adds a layer of convenience and safety.

If the subpanel is located in a detached building, like a garage or a barn, then it is absolutely required to have a main breaker. This is a critical safety rule. It ensures that anyone in the detached building has a readily accessible means to shut off all the power to that building in an emergency without having to run back to the house. The feeder breaker back in the main house panel does not satisfy this requirement. Our electricians will always install a main breaker subpanel in any detached building to comply with this important safety code.

Work With The Top Electrical Subpanel Repair Service Near You

Contact Gragg Electrical Services for any issues with your electrical subpanel. Our licensed East Canton electricians will ensure your subpanel is repaired correctly and safely.