# Electrical Panel Upgrades & Breaker Panel Replacement in Dallas-Fort Worth

> Clements Electric — Veteran-owned licensed electrical contractor serving DFW since 1982. Call 817-803-4444 for panel evaluations and quotes.

## Overview

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. Every outlet, light, appliance, and device draws power through it. Homes with a 100-amp panel, a fuse box, or a dangerous Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel are running an outdated and potentially hazardous electrical system. Clements Electric is the DFW leader in electrical panel upgrades and breaker panel replacements — thousands of panels replaced across Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Arlington, and every suburb in between. All work is fully permitted, inspected, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

## When Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?

Most Dallas–Fort Worth homes built before 1990 have electrical panels that are undersized for modern life. Here are the clear signs it is time to upgrade:

- Your panel is rated for 100 amps or less and your home is over 2,000 sq ft
- You have a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel — documented fire hazard
- You have a Zinsco or Sylvania-Zinsco panel — breakers can melt onto the bus bar
- You still have an old fuse box with screw-in fuses instead of breakers
- Your breakers trip when you run the microwave and toaster oven simultaneously
- You are adding a hot tub, pool, workshop, or home addition and need more capacity
- You are installing a standby generator and need a generator-ready panel
- Your home inspector flagged the panel during a sale or refinance
- You smell burning near the panel or see scorch marks on breakers
- You want to install a Level 2 charger and your panel cannot support the load

## Our Panel Upgrade Services

Every aspect of panel upgrades from diagnosis to final inspection is handled in-house:

- 100-amp to 200-amp service upgrades with new meter base, service entrance cable, and grounding system
- 200-amp to 400-amp upgrades for large estates, home workshops, and properties with multiple structures
- Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel replacement — full removal and safe disposal of hazardous panels
- Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco panel replacement with modern Square D, Siemens, or Eaton panels
- Fuse box to breaker panel conversion with modern AFCI and GFCI protection
- Sub-panel installation for garages, workshops, additions, and pool equipment
- Generator-ready panel installation with manual or automatic transfer switch provisions
- Smart panel installation (Leviton Load Center) with Wi-Fi monitoring, circuit-level energy tracking, and remote breaker control
- Aluminum wiring remediation when discovered during panel replacement
- Whole-home surge protector installation at the panel to protect all circuits

## Panel Upgrade Process: What to Expect

A panel upgrade is a significant project, but we minimize disruption and handle every detail:

- **Step 1 – On-site evaluation**: We inspect your current panel, load calculation, wiring condition, and service entrance. We determine the correct amperage and panel model for your home's needs.
- **Step 2 – Written quote**: A written, itemized quote with no hidden fees is provided. Quotes include the panel, breakers, permit, inspection, labor, and any necessary auxiliary work (meter base, grounding, etc.).
- **Step 3 – Permit pulling**: We apply for the electrical permit with your city (Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, etc.). Most permits are approved within 24–72 hours.
- **Step 4 – Utility coordination**: We schedule a temporary power disconnect with Oncor, TNMP, or CoServ. Power is typically off for 4–8 hours during the swap.
- **Step 5 – Installation day**: Our two-person crew removes the old panel, installs the new panel with all new breakers, upgrades the grounding system, and reconnects every circuit with fresh wire landing.
- **Step 6 – Inspection**: The city electrical inspector verifies code compliance. Clements Electric maintains a 99%+ first-pass rate.
- **Step 7 – Utility reconnect and testing**: Power is restored, every circuit is tested, and we walk you through your new panel's features and labeling.

## Panel Brands We Trust

Panels and breakers are sourced from the industry's most reliable manufacturers. Each brand has strengths depending on your priorities:

- **Square D QO** — Industry standard for residential. Excellent breaker reliability, widely available, and inspectors know them well. Best overall value.
- **Square D Homeline** — Budget-friendly residential line. Slightly lighter-duty than QO but perfectly adequate for most DFW homes.
- **Siemens** — Robust engineering with excellent bus bar design. Great for homes with high harmonic loads (electronics, variable-speed HVAC).
- **Eaton CH** — Premium residential panel with copper bus bars and the tightest breaker connection. Best for longevity and heavy loads.
- **Eaton BR** — Budget-friendly alternative to CH with good reliability. Common in production home builds.
- **Leviton Load Center** — The smart panel option. Wi-Fi connected, circuit-level energy monitoring, remote breaker control via app. Ideal for tech-forward DFW homeowners.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day (4–8 hours). Complex upgrades involving service mast replacement, meter relocation, or 400-amp service may take 1–2 days. Power is off during the swap, but we coordinate with your utility to minimize downtime.

### Do I need to be home during the panel upgrade?
Yes, someone over 18 needs to be present to provide access and sign off on the completed work. We also do a walkthrough with you after installation to explain the new panel, breaker labels, and any new features like surge protection.

### Will upgrading my panel lower my electric bill?
Not directly — a new panel does not use less electricity. However, a modern panel enables energy-efficient upgrades (lighting upgrades, high-efficiency HVAC, smart thermostats) that do lower your bill. The real value is safety, capacity for future additions, and insurance compliance.

### Can you upgrade a panel in an apartment or condo?
Yes, but the process differs from single-family homes. Multi-family buildings often have master meters and limited electrical rooms. Clements Electric coordinates with property management, HOAs, and the building's master electrician when applicable. Panel upgrades have been completed in condos across Uptown Dallas, Addison, and Fort Worth's Museum District.

## Service Areas

Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Arlington, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Allen, Mansfield, Denton, Flower Mound, North Richland Hills, Rowlett, Wylie

## Related Services

- Surge Protection: https://clementselectric.com/service/surge-protection
- Electrical Repairs: https://clementselectric.com/service/electrical-repairs
- LED Lighting: https://clementselectric.com/service/led-lighting
- Outlets & GFIs: https://clementselectric.com/service/outlets-and-gfis

## Company Information

- **Business:** Clements Electric (Clements Electric Service)
- **Phone:** 817-803-4444 (24/7 emergency)
- **Email:** info@clementselectric.com
- **Headquarters:** 2100 S Great Southwest Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
- **License:** TECL Licensed & Insured
- **Rating:** 4.9 stars from 847+ reviews
- **Website:** https://clementselectric.com