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Safe. Reliable. Ready for Todayβs Power Demands.
Serving Perry Hall, White Marsh, Nottingham, Towson & Baltimore County
Panel Upgrades
Your homeβs electrical panel is the brain of your electrical system. Itβs where the main power line from the utility company enters your home and gets distributed throughout the property. But like any critical system in a house, it has a lifespanβand eventually, it may need to be replaced or upgraded to meet the growing electrical demands of modern living.
At White Marsh Power & Electric, we specialize in residential and commercial panel upgrades in Perry Hall, White Marsh, and across Baltimore County. Whether your panel is outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of failure, we offer expert solutions to ensure your property remains safe, efficient, and up to code.
Electrical panels are designed to last 25β40 years. However, the technology and load requirements from even 20 years ago donβt come close to what the average home uses today. With electric vehicles, solar panels, high-powered HVAC systems, and an ever-increasing number of electronics and appliances, your old panel might be dangerously undersized for your current lifestyle.
Hereβs why upgrading your panel is more than just a home improvementβit's a necessity:
Safety: Outdated or overloaded panels are a leading cause of electrical fires.
Reliability: Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and warm panel surfaces are all red flags.
Expansion: Adding a kitchen, bathroom, EV charger, or hot tub? Youβll likely need more circuits and a higher capacity panel.
Property Value: A modern 200-amp panel adds real value to your home and makes it more attractive to buyers.
If your home was built before the early 1990s and still has the original panel, you may be dealing with one of the following outdated or unsafe brands:
Federal Pacific (FPE)
These panels are infamous for failing to trip during overloads, leading to fires. Many insurance companies will not cover homes with FPE panels.
Zinsco (Sylvania)
Known for melting or fusing to the bus bar, rendering breakers inoperable and highly dangerous.
Split Bus Panels
No main breaker, making it harder to shut off power in emergencies and not compliant with current NEC standards.
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes canβt handle modern loads and replacing fuses is inconvenient and risky for homeowners.
If your panel is one of these, you should strongly consider a full replacementβnot just for performance, but for safety and compliance.
Not sure if your electrical panel is ready for retirement? Here are some common signs:
β Frequent breaker tripsβ¨β¨
β Flickering or dimming lightsβ¨β¨
β Burn marks or scorch smells near the panelβ¨β¨
β Crackling or buzzing sounds from breakersβ¨β¨
β Panel is warm or hot to the touchβ¨β¨
β You use multiple extension cords or power stripsβ¨β¨
β You have added appliances like HVAC units, washers, dryers, or EV chargersβ¨β¨
β Your panel is rated below 100 or 150 ampsβ¨β¨
β Youβre planning a renovation or additionβ¨β¨
β Your insurance company has flagged your panel as outdatedβ¨
If any of these apply, itβs time to schedule a professional evaluation.
If your home was built before the early 1990s and still has the original panel, you may be dealing with one of the following outdated or unsafe brands:
Free On-Site Assessment
We begin with a detailed on-site inspection of your existing panel, meter base, grounding system, and the rest of your electrical infrastructure.
Weβll ask about any upgrades youβre planning (like hot tubs, additions, or EVs) to ensure proper sizing.
Detailed Estimate
Youβll receive a transparent, itemized estimate for your panel upgrade.
Weβll explain every componentβincluding the panel itself, breakers, grounding rods, bonding, service cable, meter socket, and permitting fees.
Permits & Inspections
We handle all necessary permits and coordinate inspections with your local Baltimore County or Harford County electrical authority. Weβll ensure your upgrade is 100% code-compliant.We handle all necessary permits and coordinate inspections with your local Baltimore County or Harford County electrical authority. Weβll ensure your upgrade is 100% code-compliant.
Installation
Our licensed electricians will arrive on time and complete the upgrade efficiently. We use only top-quality equipmentβtypically Siemens, Square D, or Eaton panels with copper bus bars and full-lifetime breakers.
Final Inspection & Power Restoration
Once the final inspection is complete, weβll coordinate with BGE to restore full service. Most panel upgrades are completed in one working day, minimizing downtime for your home or business.
Warranty & Support
We stand by our work with a full 1-year labor warranty and manufacturer warranties up to 10 years or more depending on equipment.
We follow all local and national electrical codes (NEC 2023) and coordinate directly with:
Baltimore County Permitting & Inspections
Harford County Permitting Office
BGE (Baltimore Gas & Electric)
This includes:
Ground rod and water bonding
Proper labeling of all circuits
Load calculations (when required)
GFCI and AFCI protection (as applicable)
Surge protection (optional)
Panel labeling and documentation for inspection
We do the paperwork so you donβt have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size panel do I need?
A: Most modern homes require a 200-amp panel, especially if you plan to add central AC, an EV charger, or finish your basement. Some smaller homes may only need 150 amps, but weβll calculate the exact load.
Q: How long does it take to upgrade a panel?
A: The majority of panel upgrades are completed in one day. Power will typically be off for 4β8 hours.
Q: Do I need to be home during the upgrade?
A: Yes, someone must be present to provide access. Weβll also need to walk through the home to label circuits and verify loads.
Q: Is a permit required?
A: Yes. Electrical panel upgrades require permits and inspections in all jurisdictions in Maryland. We handle all of this for you.
Q: Can I upgrade my panel without upgrading the entire house wiring?
A: Yes. The panel can be upgraded independently, though if your wiring is extremely outdated (e.g., knob-and-tube or aluminum), we may recommend additional safety upgrades.
Q: Will my homeowners insurance go up or down after an upgrade?
A: Most insurers prefer modern panels and may even offer reduced premiums for removing fire-prone brands like FPE or Zinsco.
Why Choose White Marsh Power & Electric?
π οΈ Licensed Maryland Master Electricianβ¨β¨
β‘ Hundreds of Panels Upgraded Across Baltimore Countyβ¨
π Specialized in Fast, Safe Panel Replacementsβ¨β¨
π Code-Compliant Installations with Full Permittingβ¨β¨
π¬ Transparent Estimates, No Hidden Feesβ¨β¨