Electrical Panel Upgrade Services in Santa Fe, NM

Massively Improved Electrical Safety

Old panels, especially those with corroding parts or faulty breakers (like notorious Federal Pacific or Zinsco models), are a significant fire hazard. A new panel, installed correctly by a licensed electrician, virtually eliminates this risk. Modern panels also utilize new breaker technology, like Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which provide superior protection against electrical shock and fires.

Increased Capacity for Modern Life

The standard for new homes in Santa Fe is now often a 200-amp panel, whereas many older homes are still struggling with 60-amp or 100-amp service. A new, larger panel gives you the power you need for all your modern devices without overloading the system. This means you can run your air conditioner, dishwasher, and computer at the same time without a problem.

Future-Proof Your Home

Are you thinking about a future home renovation? Do you dream of adding a hot tub, a dedicated home office, a workshop in the garage, an EV charging station, or a whole-home generator? A panel upgrade is the first step. It provides the foundation and available circuits for all your future electrical needs.

Better Homeowner’s Insurance

Many insurance companies are aware of the risks associated with older panels and fuse boxes. They may charge higher premiums or even deny coverage for homes with outdated systems. For this reason, a breaker box replacement can often lead to lower insurance rates and easier insurability.

Increased Home Value

A new, code-compliant electrical panel is a strong selling point. It gives potential buyers peace of mind, assuring them that the home’s electrical system is safe, robust, and ready for the future.

Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Process

When you contact us for a home electrical panel installation, one of our electricians will visit your Santa Fe home to perform a thorough assessment of your current panel, electrical wiring, and overall system. We’ll discuss any potential electrical frustrations you have, as well as any future plans you are making for your home. Based on this information and our in-depth assessment, we’ll recommend an appropriately sized panel and provide a detailed estimate for the project.

Upon your approval, we will start gathering the necessary permits and coordinating with your utility company for the temporary disconnection and reconnection of service. On the scheduled day, our team will safely remove your old panel or fuse box and expertly install the new panel, making secure connections between each circuit and breaker and ensuring the entire system meets local electrical codes. We’ll even clearly label every breaker so you’ll know exactly which ones power what. With our electricians on the job, you can count on years of dependable service.

Do You Have a Fuse Box?

If your home was built before 1970 and hasn’t had a major electrical update, you might have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. These boxes use small, screw-in fuses that burn out when a circuit is overloaded and must be completely replaced.

If you have a fuse box, we strongly recommend an upgrade to reduce the risk of electrical fires, protect your home and devices from overloads and arc faults, and improve your home’s resale value.

Other Signs You Should Get a New Electrical Panel

Even if you don’t have a fuse box, you may need a breaker box replacement. Be on the lookout for these warning signs that your panel is failing:

• Flickering lights when an appliance is turned on.
• Needing to reset tripped breakers multiple times a month or year.
• A persistent burning smell or melted plastic odor near the panel.
• Scorch marks or discoloration on the breakers themselves.
• The panel feels warm or hot to the touch.
• Signs of rust or corrosion on the panel box or on the breakers.
• Relying on a tangle of extension cords and power strips to get power where you need it.
• Planning any major home renovation, addition, or installing a large new appliance like a central air conditioning unit, hot tub, or EV charger.