Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade? Here’s What Morris and Sussex County Homeowners Should Know
What Is an Electrical Panel, and Why Does It Matter?
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity from the utility line to the circuits throughout your house or building. But like any part of a home, panels don’t last forever—and an outdated one can become a safety risk.
At Szigeti Electric, we help homeowners and property managers across Morris County and the surrounding areas identify when it’s time to upgrade and why it’s worth the investment.
Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
If you live in older, well-established towns like Chester, Mendham, Basking Ridge, Sparta, or Hope, your panel might be outdated. Watch for these warning signs:
🧯 Frequent breaker trips
🔌 Flickering lights
🔥 Burning smell or heat around the panel
💻 You’ve added high-load appliances (EV charger, HVAC, hot tub)
🏠 Remodeling or adding space to your home
🧲 Your panel is rated under 200 amps
If your home still runs on an old fuse box or has a panel from before 1990, it’s time for an upgrade—not just for convenience, but for safety and insurance compliance.
The Safety Risks of an Old Electrical Panel
Older panels—especially brands like Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco—are known fire hazards. These panels often fail to trip when circuits are overloaded, increasing the risk of electrical fires, especially in high-load homes with electric stoves, car chargers, and central air systems.
Don’t wait for a problem to arise. A modern panel keeps your family, tenants, or investment property safe and up to code.
What’s Included in a Panel Upgrade?
When you hire Szigeti Electric, we handle the entire upgrade process, including:
Removing your outdated panel
Installing a new 200-amp or 400-amp panel
Upgrading the service entrance cables
Coordinating with your utility company (JCP&L or PSE&G)
Grounding and bonding to code
Handling permits and inspections
We also offer whole-home surge protection, which is often recommended during panel upgrades, especially in areas like Long Valley, Tewksbury, and Bernardsville, where larger homes have more electronics.
Why Local Homeowners Trust Szigeti Electric
We’re not a big corporate outfit or fly-by-night operation. Szigeti Electric was founded in 2011 by Tom Szigeti, a retired firefighter who built this business on trust, safety, and quality craftsmanship. We're proud to be a locally owned and operated company, serving some of the most desirable communities in Northern and Western NJ, including:
Chester
Mendham
Randolph
Sparta
Blairstown
Tewksbury
Califon
Washington Township
Hardyston
Mount Olive
We’re fully licensed, insured, and code-savvy, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done right.
Common Questions About Electrical Panel Upgrades
Q: How much does a panel upgrade cost in NJ?
A: Costs range from $2,000–$6,500+ depending on the size of the service and the condition of your wiring. We provide free, detailed estimates.
Q: How long does it take to upgrade a panel?
A: Most upgrades take 1 day, with minimal disruption to your power.
Q: Will this increase my home value?
A: Yes. A modern, properly sized electrical panel is a big selling point, especially in high-end markets.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
If you’re unsure whether your panel is safe or capable of handling your electrical load, don’t guess—call a licensed professional. Szigeti Electric is proud to help protect homes and investments across Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties.
📞 Call us today at (973) 477-3516
🌐 Request your free panel inspection at SzigetiElectric.com
📍 Serving Chester, Mendham, Sparta, Tewksbury, and surrounding towns
Safe, code-compliant, and future-ready. That’s what you get with a panel upgrade from Szigeti Electric.