"Brian installed the panel and ran wiring at our hunting cabin. He did a great job, and was a a good sport about it being such a remote location.
More recently, our lights and appliances were not working correctly. I called him and he was at our home in under 90 minutes, made sure everything was okay on our end, and stayed with me until the electric company arrived to fix the power lines outside our home.
I definitely would recommend this company! They are the best!"
"The problem turned out to be a burned out small electric door switch. I believe the price was way too expensive for the service performed and the price of the door switch. What more can I say? It got done."
I am a licensed electrician with 10 plus years in the field. I have taught at the Arkansas College of Electricity for the last 6 years so I am up to date on all the new rules and regulations.
Unless you’re a licensed electrician with extensive experience in upgrading electric panels, you must hire a professional for any electrical work. A licensed electrician will make sure your breaker is upgraded safely and in compliance with local codes. Your pro will also take care of any permits and inspections that are needed.
It’s important to ask an electrician a few questions before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you’re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:
Are you a full-time electrician?
Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?
What level of experience do you have as an electrician?
Can you please share three references?
Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?
What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?
Will any subcontractors be performing the work?
Are permits and inspections required?
Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?
What is your schedule?
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?
On average, replacing an electrical breaker panel, such as the Federal Pacific Electrical breaker panel, costs about $1,300. The price range for replacing electrical panels is between $550 and $2,100, depending on your location, the electrical panel’s location, and the extent of the work required to replace the panel. This kind of electrical work is dangerous and should only be done by a licensed electrician.
Most 200-amp panels have 40 to 42 slots, which can accommodate 40-42 single-pole breakers or 20 double-pole breakers. Some panels can accept even more circuits through the use of tandem breakers. The exact number of breakers allowed is determined by the panel manufacturer's rating, which you can find on the panel itself. It is important to avoid using all breakers at the same time; as a general rule, you should not use more than 160 amps of power at once to prevent overloading your 200-amp system. For specific guidance, it's best to check your panel's rating or consult with a qualified electrician.
Amps describe the amount of energy that can flow through a circuit breaker. Every electrical device that’s attached to the breaker requires about 1.5 amps. While that equates to roughly 13 receptacles per 20 amps, using slightly fewer ensures that your circuit will always have enough energy for sudden power surges instead of tripping when one occurs. In general, 10 to 12 receptacles is recommended for a 20 amp circuit.
The Coal Hill, AR homeowners’ guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
Is it time to upgrade your electrical panel? For the sake of safety, find out sooner than later by exploring our top signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
