Electrical Panel Upgrades in Western Montana
406 Electrical provides professional electrical panel upgrades for homes and businesses throughout Missoula and Ravalli counties. Our licensed electricians ensure your electrical panel meets modern safety standards and has the capacity to handle your power needs.
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing sounds from outlets or panel
- Warm or discolored outlets
- Need for multiple power strips and extension cords
- Panel older than 25 years
- Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
- Adding major appliances or home additions
- Installing EV charging station
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels (known safety hazards)
WARNING: Hazardous Panel Types
If your home has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel with Stab-Lok breakers or a Zinsco panel, these have been identified as serious fire hazards. These panels often fail to trip when they should, creating significant fire risks. We recommend immediate replacement of these panel types.
Benefits of a Panel Upgrade
Improved Safety
Modern electrical panels include advanced safety features that significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires and shocks. Upgraded panels provide better circuit protection and are built to current safety standards.
Increased Capacity
New panels can handle more circuits and higher amperage, allowing you to safely power more devices and appliances simultaneously without overloading your system.
Updated Technology
Modern panels can accommodate AFCI/GFCI protection, which detects dangerous arcing faults and ground faults that could cause fires or electrical shocks.
Home Value
An upgraded electrical panel increases your home's value and is an attractive selling point for potential buyers. It also helps your home pass inspection during the selling process.
Code Compliance
Older panels often don't meet current electrical codes. Upgrading ensures your home's electrical system complies with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Energy Efficiency
Modern panels can help you better manage electricity usage and support energy-efficient appliances, potentially reducing your utility bills over time.
Types of Panel Upgrades We Offer
- Full Panel Replacement - Complete replacement of outdated or unsafe electrical panels with new, modern panels
- Service Upgrade - Increasing your electrical service capacity from 100A to 200A or higher
- Panel Relocation - Moving your electrical panel to a more accessible or code-compliant location
- Sub-Panel Installation - Adding a sub-panel to distribute power to a specific area of your home
- Fuse Box to Circuit Breaker Conversion - Replacing outdated fuse boxes with modern circuit breaker panels
- AFCI/GFCI Integration - Adding advanced circuit protection to existing panels where possible
Our Panel Upgrade Process
- Free Consultation - We'll assess your current panel and discuss your electrical needs to determine the right upgrade solution.
- Custom Plan - We'll create a detailed plan for your panel upgrade that meets code requirements and addresses your specific needs.
- Permit Acquisition - We handle all required permits for your project, ensuring everything is done legally and to code.
- Utility Coordination - We'll coordinate with your power company for any necessary service disconnects during the upgrade process.
- Professional Installation - Our licensed electricians perform the upgrade safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime for your home or business.
- Inspection - We coordinate with local inspectors to ensure everything is up to code after installation.
- Clean Completion - We leave your home clean and provide instruction on your new panel's operation and circuit labeling.
Common Panel Upgrade Questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades can be completed in a single day, though larger or more complex installations may take 1-2 days. We always aim to minimize power disruption to your home or business.
Will I need to be without power during the upgrade?
Yes, power will need to be shut off during the panel replacement. We work efficiently to minimize downtime and can schedule the work at a time that's most convenient for you.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Panel upgrade costs vary based on your current setup, the new panel size, and any additional work required. We provide detailed, upfront estimates after our initial assessment. Typical residential panel upgrades in Western Montana range from $2,500-$4,500.
Do I need permits for a panel upgrade?
Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits in all Montana jurisdictions. 406 Electrical handles the entire permitting process for you, ensuring all work is code-compliant and legally documented.
Why Choose 406 Electrical for Your Panel Upgrade
- Licensed Professionals - Our electricians are fully licensed, insured, and experienced in all types of panel upgrades.
- Code Expertise - We stay current with NEC and local code requirements to ensure compliant installations.
- Quality Materials - We use only high-quality, UL-listed panels and components from trusted manufacturers.
- Transparent Pricing - Receive detailed, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
- Warranty Protection - Our workmanship comes with a satisfaction guarantee, in addition to manufacturer warranties on equipment.
- Local Expertise - As a Western Montana company, we understand local building practices and electrical needs specific to our region.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE MANY ELECTRICAL SERVICES THAT WE OFFER:
- Emergency Repairs
- All Electrical Repairs
- Electrical Inspections & Code Compliance
- Circuit Breakers
- Wiring & Installations
- Electrical Panels
- Generators Repair & Installations
- Ceiling Fans Repair & Installations
- Whole House Surge Protectors
- Smoke Detectors
- Electrical Switches & Outlets
- Indoor Lighting Installations
- Outdoor Lighting Installation
- Smart Home Service
- EV Charger Installation
- New Construction
- Special Systems Installations
- General Service Work
- Electrical Project Management
- 24-HOUR Emergency Service
Contact Us
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel for improved safety and capacity? Contact 406 Electrical today for a free consultation and estimate. Our team of licensed electricians is ready to help modernize your electrical system.
406 Electrical
Missoula and Ravalli Counties, Montana
Direct: (406) 396-9936