Your electrical panel is basically the heart of your home’s electrical system. And honestly, most Miami homeowners don’t think about it until something goes wrong. That panel takes power from FPL and distributes it throughout your home.
But here’s the thing – breaker boxes don’t last forever. Especially in Miami’s humid climate where salt air accelerates corrosion. Most panels need replacement after 25-40 years depending on the make and environmental conditions. Federal Pacific panels? Those need to go immediately. They’re a known fire hazard.
Request Electrical Panel Upgrade / Replacement Service
Why Is it Important to Replace an Outdated Electrical Panel?
An outdated panel isn’t just inconvenient – it’s dangerous. We see house fires in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove every year from overloaded panels. Your 1960s-era 100-amp panel wasn’t designed for today’s power demands. Think about it. Back then, nobody had three TVs, a home office, electric car charger, and pool equipment running simultaneously.
Modern electrical panel upgrades bring your home up to current safety standards. And they’ll handle the load. A new 200-amp panel provides enough capacity for all your devices, plus future additions. Insurance companies love updated panels too. Some won’t even insure homes with Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels anymore.
Aging Panel
If your panel’s pushing 25 years old, it’s time for an inspection. Panels in beachside Miami neighborhoods deteriorate faster than those inland. Salt air’s brutal on electrical components. You might notice rust, corrosion, or breakers that feel loose when you flip them.
Undersized Panel
Got a 100-amp panel? That’s undersized for most Miami homes today. Even modest homes near Kendall or Homestead need at least 150 amps. And if you’re adding a pool, hot tub, or electric vehicle charger, you’ll definitely need an electrical panel upgrade to 200 amps minimum.
Outdated System
Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic – these brands are outdated and dangerous. Federal Pacific panels have a 25% failure rate when tripping. That means one in four times your breaker won’t shut off during an overload. Not worth the risk.
Breaker Trips
Breakers tripping occasionally? Normal. But if you’re resetting breakers weekly (or daily), that’s a problem. Your panel’s telling you it can’t handle the electrical load. Don’t just keep flipping the breaker – that’s asking for trouble.
High Power Use
Running multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously shouldn’t be an issue. But if your lights dim when the AC kicks on, or you can’t run the microwave and toaster together, your panel needs an upgrade. Modern life requires modern electrical capacity.
Brownouts
Lights flickering? Dimming without reason? That’s a brownout, and it means your electrical system’s struggling. Sometimes it’s FPL’s issue (especially during Miami summer storms), but often it’s your panel failing to distribute power properly.
Sparks and Smells
Any sparks, burning smells, or unusual sounds from your panel require immediate attention. Don’t wait. Call an electrician near you right away. We’ve seen panels in Aventura and Miami Beach literally melt from overheating.
Rusted Panel
Miami’s humidity is rough on metal. And electrical panels near the coast get it worse. Surface rust might seem cosmetic, but it indicates moisture intrusion. Water and electricity don’t mix. A rusted panel needs replacement before corrosion compromises the internal components.
Why Us?
We’ve handled electrical panel replacement projects across Miami-Dade for years. From historic homes in Coral Gables to new construction in Doral, we know local codes and permit requirements. Our electricians are licensed, insured, and actually show up on time.
Every electrical panel upgrade starts with a thorough inspection. We’ll check your current setup, calculate your home’s electrical needs, and recommend the right amp service. Most Miami homes do well with 200-amp panels, but larger properties might need 400-amp service.
Labor costs vary depending on complexity, but we provide upfront pricing. No surprises. Panel replacement typically takes 4-6 hours, and we handle all permit paperwork with Miami-Dade County.
FAQ
Electrical panel upgrade VS replacement?
Depends on your home’s needs. An electrical panel upgrade might work if you just need more amps – maybe going from 100 to 200. But if panels are old or damaged, full breaker box replacement is the way to go. Costs vary in Miami depending on labor and installation complexity. Most electricians provide free estimates for either service. And here’s the thing: upgrading isn’t always cheaper than replacement. Sometimes it’s one step away from needing a complete replace anyway. Main panels near 30+ years? Time for replacement.
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel in Miami?
Costs range from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on amp rating and installation complexity. A basic 200-amp panel upgrade runs about $2,500 including labor and permits.
Do I need a permit to replace my electrical panel?
Yes. Miami-Dade requires permits for panel replacements. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our service.
How long does panel replacement take?
Most residential panel replacements take 4-6 hours. FPL will shut off power during installation, so plan accordingly.
Can I upgrade my panel myself?
No. Florida law requires licensed electricians for panel work. It’s also extremely dangerous. This isn’t a DIY project.
Will my insurance rates decrease after upgrading?
Often yes. Many insurers offer discounts for updated electrical systems. Some won’t insure homes with outdated panels at all.
Contact Us for Electrical Panel Services
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? We provide free estimates for homeowners across Miami. Whether you’re near Brickell or out in West Kendall, our electricians can assess your current panel and recommend the right replacement option.
Don’t wait for a failure. Electrical problems don’t fix themselves. And panel issues tend to worsen over time. Call today to schedule your inspection. We’ll check your panel, explain your options, and provide a detailed quote for any necessary upgrades or replacement work.
Alexcom Engineering
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Tel: 747-474-28-00
Areas we serve:
