The panel replacement itself usually takes most of a day, and your power is off for part of that day. A service upgrade that also changes the meter base or the wires from the utility can take longer. From your first estimate to the final inspection, the timeline mostly depends on the permit and on when the utility can disconnect and reconnect your power. At Eggers Electric in Loveland, we give you a timeline with your written price so you know what to expect.
A typical panel replacement takes most of a day, and your power is off for several hours while we work. Upgrades that change the service, like 100A to 200A, can take longer. Timing depends on scheduling the utility disconnect and reconnect, and on the inspection, which in some areas has to happen before power is restored. We confirm the schedule with you before the work day.
The steps, in order
- Estimate visit. An electrician looks at your panel, service and load and recommends what you need.
- Permit. We apply for the electrical permit with your city or county building department.
- Utility scheduling. The utility has to disconnect power at the meter. In Loveland that is Loveland Water and Power; elsewhere it depends on your address.
- Install day. We shut off power, replace the panel (and the meter base or service equipment if it is part of the job), move the circuits over, label them and restore power.
- Inspection. The building department inspects the work. If anything needs correcting, we fix it.
What makes it take longer
- Changing the service size (for example from 100 to 200 amps). That can mean a new meter base, service conductors and more utility coordination.
- Moving the panel. Relocating it, often to meet clearance rules, adds wiring work.
- Problems found along the way, such as damaged wiring, an undersized grounding system or aluminum branch wiring that needs attention.
- Adding circuits at the same time for an EV charger, a hot tub or a heat pump. It adds time on install day, but saves a second visit.
- Weather and season. Winter storms and outages can push utility schedules back across the Front Range.
Planning around the power-off window
- Your heat, refrigerator, internet and garage door opener will be off while the power is off. Plan the day.
- Food usually stays safe in a closed refrigerator for a few hours; keep the doors shut.
- Unplug sensitive electronics, or turn them off, before power is restored.
- Make sure we can get to the panel and the meter, and keep pets inside or away from the work area.
- If anyone in the home relies on powered medical equipment, tell us when you book so we can plan around it.
Signs you should not wait
If your panel is warm, buzzing, smells like burning or shows scorch marks, call an electrician right away instead of waiting for a planned upgrade. See electrical repair.
See also: panel upgrades.
Talk to a local electrician
Every Eggers Electric visit includes the repair, installation or service you called us for, plus the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection. A licensed electrician looks at your home and the work you need and gives you a written price before any work starts; the $89 is credited toward the job when you go ahead. We are locally owned in Loveland since 1973, rated 4.9 on Google with 400+ Google reviews, and every job is backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty. Call 7 days, 7am–8pm at 970-669-1883 or Schedule Service.
Frequently asked questions
Will my power be off all day?
Not usually all day. Power is off while the panel is being replaced and the circuits are moved over. We tell you the expected window before the job. Your power is off for several hours while we work, and we confirm the schedule with you before the work day.
Do I need to be home?
Someone should be home at the start and the end so we can review the work and restore power. Access to the panel and the meter is needed all day.
Does the inspection happen the same day?
Not always. The inspection is scheduled with the building department and may happen on a later day.
Can you upgrade the panel in winter?
Yes. Panels are replaced year-round. Your heat is off while the power is off, so keep doors and windows closed and ask us about timing when you book.