Electrical Panel Upgrades in Ann Arbor, MI

Electrical Panel Upgrades in Ann Arbor

If your breakers trip every time the dryer and microwave run together, or you're adding an EV charger, heat pump or finished basement, your panel may be the bottleneck. We replace and upgrade electrical panels across Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, with the permit, inspection and DTE scheduling handled for you.

Panel replacements and 100 to 200 amp upgrades

Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel swaps

Permit, inspection and DTE coordination handled

Load check before EV chargers and heat pumps

Why Ann Arbor Homes Outgrow Their Panels

A lot of Ann Arbor homes were built long before anyone plugged in an electric car. Houses in neighborhoods like Burns Park, the Old West Side and Water Hill often started with 60 or 100 amp service, and many still have their original panel or a fuse box that was patched over the years.

Today’s homes ask a lot more of that panel. EV chargers, heat pumps, induction ranges, hot tubs and finished basements all add load. When the panel can’t keep up, you notice it as tripped breakers, dimming lights and outlets you’ve learned not to use together.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs Attention

Call us for a panel inspection if you notice any of these:

Breakers that trip often, or a breaker that won’t stay reset
Lights that flicker or dim when the furnace, dryer or microwave kicks on
A panel door that feels warm, or a buzzing or humming sound
A burning smell, scorch marks or rust inside the panel
A fuse box, or a panel made by Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) or Zinsco
No open spaces left for new circuits, or a panel full of doubled-up breakers

Any of these deserve a look from a licensed electrician. A warm panel or burning smell is urgent, so call us right away.

Panel Replacement vs. Service Upgrade

These two jobs often get mixed up, so here’s the difference.

A panel replacement swaps the breaker box itself for a new one at the same amperage. It’s the right fix when the panel is worn out, recalled or unsafe, but your home’s power needs haven’t changed.

A service upgrade increases how much power your home can draw, usually from 100 to 200 amps. It includes a new panel plus a new meter base and service entrance wires, and DTE reconnects your home at the higher capacity. It’s the right fix when you’re adding big loads. Learn more on our 200 amp service upgrade page.

How a Panel Upgrade Works With Us

Walkthrough. We look at your current panel, service and future plans, then give you an honest estimate of the time and materials involved.
Permit and scheduling. We pull the electrical permit and coordinate the shut-off with DTE when the job needs it.
Installation day. Our union electricians install the new panel, label every circuit and add arc-fault and ground-fault protection where code calls for it.
Inspection. We meet the inspector and make sure the job passes, then walk you through your new panel.

Planning Ahead for an EV Charger, Heat Pump or Generator

If you’re replacing your panel anyway, it’s the best time to plan for what’s next. We’ll leave room for an EV charger circuit, a heat pump or a standby generator transfer switch so you’re not paying for a second upgrade later.

We also recommend adding a whole-house surge protector at the new panel. It’s a small add-on that protects every appliance and electronic device in the house.

Why Homeowners Choose Current Electrical Systems

We’ve been doing electrical work in Ann Arbor since 1994, and our electricians are union trained through IBEW Local 252. Panel work is one of the jobs we do most, and we treat your home the way we’d want ours treated: clean work areas, neat wiring and clear answers to your questions.

Electrical Panel Upgrades FAQs

How Do I Know If My Electrical Panel Needs to Be Upgraded?

The common signs are breakers that trip often, lights that dim when a big appliance starts, a panel that feels warm or hums, scorch marks, or a burning smell. An upgrade also makes sense if you still have 60 or 100 amp service and you're adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or addition.

How Long Does a Panel Replacement Take?

A straight panel swap usually takes most of one day. A service upgrade that also changes the meter base and service entrance can take longer because DTE has to disconnect and reconnect power. We'll give you the expected timeline with your estimate.

Do I Need a Permit to Replace an Electrical Panel in Ann Arbor?

Yes. Panel replacements and service upgrades need an electrical permit and an inspection in Ann Arbor and the surrounding townships. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection and coordinate with DTE, so you don't have to.

Is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panel Dangerous?

Both brands have a long record of breakers that can fail to trip during an overload or short. If your home still has one, we recommend replacing it, even if it seems to be working. We cover this in detail on our Federal Pacific and Zinsco replacement page.

Can I Add an EV Charger Without Upgrading My Panel?

Often, yes. We run a load calculation on your home first. Many 100 amp homes can support a charger with the right circuit size or a load management device. If the math doesn't work, we'll explain your options, including a 200 amp upgrade.