Our Services
Panel & Service Upgrades in Pittsburgh, PA
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. If it is outdated, undersized, or showing signs of wear, it may not be able to safely handle modern electrical loads. Okot Electric specializes in panel upgrades for Pittsburgh-area homeowners.
What Is a Panel Upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade replaces your home's existing breaker panel with a new, higher-capacity panel that can safely handle modern electrical demands. Most older Pittsburgh homes were built with 100-amp or 150-amp panels — enough for the era they were built in, but often insufficient for today's appliances, electric vehicles, home offices, and HVAC systems.
A panel upgrade typically involves replacing the panel itself, upgrading the service entrance cable, replacing the meter base if needed, and ensuring your grounding system meets current code. The result is a safer, more reliable electrical system with room to grow.
Signs You May Need a Panel Upgrade
Why Panel Upgrades Matter
An outdated electrical panel is more than an inconvenience — it is a safety concern. Panels that cannot handle modern loads are more likely to overheat, trip repeatedly, or in worst cases, contribute to electrical fires. Obsolete panels like Federal Pacific and Zinsco have well-documented safety issues and are no longer considered safe by most electrical professionals.
Beyond safety, a panel upgrade gives your home the electrical capacity it needs for modern living. Whether you are adding an EV charger, upgrading your HVAC system, or simply running your home without constant breaker trips, a properly sized panel is the foundation of a reliable electrical system.
Why Homeowners Choose Okot Electric for Panel Upgrades
Honest Assessment
We evaluate your panel and tell you exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less. If your panel does not need replacing, we will tell you.
Clear Communication
You will understand every step of the process, from the initial evaluation to the final inspection. No jargon, no surprises.
Permit and Inspection Handled
We coordinate all permits, utility notifications, and inspections so you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Code-Compliant Workmanship
Every panel we install meets or exceeds current NEC and local code requirements. We label every circuit and leave your system organized and documented.
Respect for Your Home
We protect your floors, walls, and belongings during the work. We clean up thoroughly before we leave.
What to Expect
Panel Evaluation
We inspect your current panel, assess your home's electrical needs, and discuss your plans for the future. This helps us recommend the right upgrade path.
Detailed Proposal
You receive a clear, written proposal with scope of work, timeline, and pricing. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Permit and Coordination
We handle all permits, schedule the utility disconnect, and coordinate the inspection timeline so you do not have to.
Professional Installation
Our team installs your new panel to code, labels all circuits clearly, and ensures everything is working properly before we leave.
Final Inspection and Walkthrough
We walk you through your new panel, explain what was done, and make sure you are completely comfortable with the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, a panel over 25 years old, visible rust or damage, use of fuses instead of breakers, or plans to add major appliances like an EV charger or generator. We can evaluate your panel and give you an honest recommendation.
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day. More complex service upgrades — such as going from 100A to 200A with a new meter base — may take two days depending on the scope of work and utility coordination.
Yes, power will be temporarily disconnected during the installation. We minimize downtime and will let you know the expected duration in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Yes, panel upgrades require an electrical permit and inspection in Pennsylvania. We handle all permitting and coordinate the inspection for you as part of the project.
Costs vary depending on the scope of work — a straightforward 200A panel swap is different from a full service upgrade with a new meter base. We provide clear, upfront pricing after evaluating your specific situation.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels have well-documented safety concerns. Their breakers have been shown to fail to trip under overload conditions, which increases the risk of electrical fire. We strongly recommend replacing FPE panels.
Need Help With Your Electrical Panel?
We will assess your panel, explain your options clearly, and help you make the right decision for your home — with no pressure and no obligation.
Okot Electric LLC · PA HIC #PA173588 · Licensed & Insured