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Licensed electricians • Same-day service available • No obligation
Don’t wait for a dangerous electrical emergency. These warning signs mean your electrical panel needs immediate attention from a professional electrician.
If you smell burning or see black marks around your electrical panel, this is a serious fire hazard that needs immediate attention.
EMERGENCY: Call immediately if you notice burning smells or see scorch marks around your panel.
If your circuit breakers trip frequently, your panel can't handle your home's electrical demand. This causes inconvenience and potential safety issues.
Action Needed: Frequent trips mean your panel is overloaded and needs upgrading.
Lights that dim when you turn on appliances indicate your electrical panel can't provide stable power to your home.
Warning Sign: Your panel isn’t keeping up with your electrical needs.
If you're using extension cords and power strips everywhere, your panel likely doesn't have enough circuits for modern electrical needs.
Safety Risk: Overloading outlets with extension cords increases fire risk.
Homes built before 1990 often have outdated panels that can't safely handle modern appliances and electronics.
Upgrade Needed: Old panels lack modern safety features and capacity.
Electrical panels should never feel warm to the touch. A hot panel indicates dangerous electrical problems.
EMERGENCY: A hot panel is a fire hazard requiring immediate professional attention.
Understanding when and why to replace your electrical panel can save your family from danger and save you money in the long run.
Most homes built before 1990 have electrical panels designed for a different time. Back then, families had fewer electronics, no electric vehicle chargers, and appliances that used less power. Today’s homes need much more electrical capacity to safely run modern appliances, computers, smart home devices, and charging stations.
If your panel was installed more than 25 years ago, it’s likely undersized for your current needs. This doesn’t just cause inconvenience when breakers trip – it creates real safety risks when people overload circuits or use too many extension cords.
The biggest difference is safety. Modern panels have Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) that detect dangerous electrical arcs and shut off power before a fire starts. They also have better surge protection and can handle the electrical load of today’s homes without overheating.
Some electrical panels become dangerous and need immediate replacement. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels are known fire hazards because their breakers often fail to trip during electrical overloads. This means dangerous electrical currents can continue flowing even when they should be shut off.
Insurance companies know about these risks. Many won’t provide coverage for homes with FPE or Zinsco panels, and some require immediate replacement for continued coverage. If you have one of these panels, replacement isn’t just recommended – it’s essential for your family’s safety.
Beyond these specific brands, any panel showing signs of overheating, corrosion, or physical damage should be replaced immediately. Electrical fires often start in the panel, so addressing problems early can literally save your home.
Understanding the panel replacement process helps you prepare and know what questions to ask your electrician.
A complete electrical panel replacement typically takes 4-8 hours and involves several important steps. First, we’ll shut off power at the main breaker and coordinate with your utility company to safely disconnect the power supply. This means your home will be without electricity during the installation, so we recommend planning accordingly.
We’ll remove your old panel carefully, taking photos of the existing wiring configuration to ensure proper reconnection. The new panel is mounted and all circuits are reconnected one by one. Each circuit is tested to ensure proper operation before we restore power to your home.
After installation, a city inspector will verify that all work meets current electrical codes. We handle all permit paperwork and coordinate the inspection for you. Most inspections are routine, but if any issues arise, we’ll address them at no additional cost.
Most homeowners wonder whether they need 200-amp or 400-amp service. For most homes under 3,000 square feet, 200-amp service provides plenty of capacity for modern appliances, HVAC systems, and even electric vehicle charging. However, larger homes or homes with electric heating, multiple air conditioning units, or plans for multiple EV chargers may benefit from 400-amp service.
We’ll calculate your home’s electrical load during our free assessment. This involves adding up the power requirements of your major appliances, heating and cooling systems, and factoring in future needs like electric vehicle chargers or home additions.
The good news is that upgrading to a larger panel now costs only slightly more than installing a smaller one, but gives you much more flexibility for the future. It’s much more expensive to upgrade later than to install the right size panel from the beginning.
Panel replacement costs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on several factors. The size of the new panel, complexity of the installation, and any necessary electrical updates all affect the final price. However, this investment pays for itself through increased safety, home value, and often insurance discounts.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their insurance company offers discounts for modern electrical panels. These discounts can save you $200-500 annually on insurance premiums. Over time, these savings can offset a significant portion of the panel replacement cost.
We provide detailed, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Our estimates include all permits, materials, labor, and cleanup. There are never any surprise charges or hidden fees.
When getting panel replacement quotes, make sure to ask: Are they licensed and insured? Do they handle permits and inspections? What warranty do they provide? Will they upgrade your panel to current codes? Do they have experience with your panel type?
At Saiyan Electric, we answer all these questions upfront. We’re fully licensed and insured, handle all permits, provide a 3-year warranty, ensure full code compliance, and have experience with all panel types including problem panels like FPE and Zinsco.
A modern electrical panel upgrade provides immediate and long-term benefits that go far beyond just having more power in your home.
Modern electrical panels prevent electrical fires through advanced circuit protection. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) detect dangerous electrical arcs that can start fires inside walls. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) prevent electrocution in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
These safety features simply don’t exist in older panels. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical problems cause over 13% of home fires. A modern panel dramatically reduces this risk for your family.
AFCI protection detects dangerous arcs and prevents electrical fires before they start
Many homeowners don’t realize that a modern electrical panel can actually save money. Insurance companies often provide discounts of $200-500 annually for homes with updated electrical systems. Over 10 years, this can save you thousands of dollars.
A modern panel also increases your home’s value. Real estate appraisers consider updated electrical systems a major selling point, often adding $3,000-5,000 to your home’s value. If you’re planning to sell within the next few years, a panel upgrade often pays for itself.
Insurance discounts, increased home value, and avoided emergency repair costs
Modern life demands more electrical capacity than ever before. A 200-amp panel can handle multiple large appliances running simultaneously, electric vehicle charging, and future additions like hot tubs or home offices without overloading circuits.
Run multiple appliances without tripping breakers or dimming lights
Support electric vehicle charging without expensive upgrades later
Ready for smart home technology and automated systems
Add new circuits and outlets without panel limitations
Many homeowners wait until their electrical panel fails or causes problems before upgrading. This often means paying emergency rates and dealing with the inconvenience of power outages. Planning your panel upgrade ahead of time saves money and stress.
If your panel is over 25 years old, showing any warning signs, or you’re planning major appliance purchases, now is the time to upgrade. It’s much easier and less expensive to upgrade on your schedule rather than during an emergency.
From panel upgrades to emergency repairs, our licensed electricians handle all your electrical panel needs with the highest standards of safety and craftsmanship.
Upgrade from old 100-amp service to modern 200-amp or 400-amp panels that can handle today’s electrical demands.
24/7 emergency service for dangerous panel problems including sparking, burning smells, or complete power loss.
Complete electrical panel installation for new construction, additions, or complete electrical system replacements.
Specialized replacement of dangerous Federal Pacific Electric and Zinsco panels that pose serious safety risks.
Comprehensive electrical panel inspections to identify safety issues and recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.
Circuit breaker replacement, upgrades, and repairs to ensure reliable protection for your electrical circuits.
Comprehensive electrical panel inspections to identify safety issues and recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.
“I started Saiyan Electric because I believe every family deserves safe, reliable electrical service. We don’t just replace panels – we take the time to understand your home’s needs and provide honest recommendations. Our Christian values guide everything we do, from treating your home with respect to standing behind our work with integrity.”
– Owner, Saiyan Electric
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– Aimee., Downey
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“Michael and his crew really came through. These men have done a few different jobs for me over the past two years and I’ll certainly be calling them again if the need ever arises. If you are looking to get some electrical work done by licensed bonded and clean cut professionals that do a great job, give Saiyan Electric the opportunity to serve you, I think you’ll be happy you did. Cheers.”
– Donald., Cerritos
Get answers to the most common questions about electrical panel replacement, upgrades, and repairs.
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500, depending on the size of the panel, complexity of the installation, and any necessary electrical updates. We provide free estimates with upfront pricing so you’ll know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
Most electrical panel replacements can be completed in one day, typically 4-8 hours depending on the complexity. Your power will be temporarily shut off during the installation, but we work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
Yes, electrical panel replacements and upgrades require permits and inspections in Downey and surrounding areas. We handle all permit applications and coordinate with inspectors to ensure your work meets all local codes and regulations.
100-amp service was standard in older homes but often can’t handle modern electrical needs. 200-amp service provides twice the capacity, allowing you to run multiple appliances, charge electric vehicles, and add new circuits without overloading your system.
Yes, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels have known safety defects that can cause breakers to fail to trip during overloads, increasing fire risk. Many insurance companies won’t cover homes with these panels, and they should be replaced immediately.
Absolutely. A modern electrical panel is a valuable home improvement that increases safety, functionality, and resale value. It’s also often required for insurance coverage and can qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance.
We provide a 3-year guarantee on all electrical panel installation and repair work. This covers both parts and labor, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Manufacturer warranties on equipment may be longer.
Yes, we frequently upgrade electrical panels to support EV chargers. Most Level 2 EV chargers require 240-volt, 40-50 amp circuits. We can assess your current panel capacity and upgrade if needed to safely support EV charging.
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? Schedule your free assessment and get an honest evaluation of your electrical system’s safety and capacity.
Our licensed electricians will assess your current panel, explain your options, and provide upfront pricing for any recommended work. No obligation, just honest advice.
(310) 780-0191
info@saiyanelectric.com
Downey, Cerritos, Whittier & surrounding areas
Available for urgent panel issues
At Saiyan Electric, we are committed to seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in all that we do. We strive to provide exceptional electrical services with integrity, professionalism, and a heart of service.