Southwest Washington
Panel Upgrades
Take a closer look at aging panel equipment, with panel upgrades explained clearly before the work begins.
A clear plan for your electrical panel.
An aging panel, outdated equipment, or a planned property improvement can be a reason to take a closer look at your electrical system. Tane Electric handles panel replacement for homes and businesses across Southwest Washington.
A panel replacement and a service upgrade solve different needs. Replacing a panel addresses the equipment that distributes power to your circuits. A service upgrade addresses the electrical capacity supplied to the property. Colt can review your existing system and planned additions, explain the proposed work, and help you understand which improvements your project calls for.
Feeders from the main disconnect to your panels and outbuildings.
The utility service and a feeder are different parts of the installation. A feeder carries power from service equipment to another panel, such as an indoor distribution panel, garage subpanel, or workshop panel. An outdoor meter/main upgrade may therefore also require evaluation of the feeder supplying the existing indoor panel.
Overhead and underground feeder routes need equipment and wiring suited to their location. Capacity, distance, grounding and bonding, building disconnects, and the condition of existing conductors all affect the work. Tell Colt which buildings and equipment you want to supply. A larger service at the meter does not automatically increase the capacity of an existing feeder or subpanel.
Include circuit protection in your panel plans.
AFCI and GFCI protection address different electrical hazards. When planning service or panel work, ask Colt to review the protection suited to your existing circuits and planned changes.
Planning your project
Plan around the property, not just the panel.
When you reach out, share the property location, what prompted the project, and any electrical additions you’re considering. A photo of the closed panel and its label can help describe what’s already there. Do not remove covers to take photos. Include model details for new equipment, your intended schedule, and any other trades involved. Start with a free estimate and a clear discussion of the work.
See our service area →Frequently asked questions
Before you get started.
Is a panel replacement the same as a service upgrade?
No. A panel replacement changes the equipment distributing power to your circuits. A service upgrade changes the electrical capacity supplied to your property and may involve panel and other service equipment changes. The proposed work depends on your existing system and your plans.
Does adding an EV charger or new equipment always require a service upgrade?
Not necessarily. The existing service capacity and the electrical demands of the planned equipment need to be considered together. Discuss the equipment with Colt before assuming you need a larger service or a replacement panel.
Will the power need to be turned off?
Service and panel work can require a planned power interruption. Discuss the expected downtime and scheduling before work begins, particularly if you have equipment that needs continuous power.
Can service and panel work be part of an older-home update?
Yes. Tane Electric works on electrical updates in older homes, including service, panels, and related wiring needs. Tell us what you want to change so the work can be considered together.
Do I need an electrical permit?
Permit requirements depend on the electrical work and your property’s location. Talk directly to Colt about your project, and see our guide for local permitting authorities and inspection information. View Permits & Inspections →
Talk directly to Colt
Let’s talk about your project.
Tell us what needs attention and where you’re located. Start with a free estimate.
Request an Estimate