Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade? Here’s What Morris and Sussex County Homeowners Should Know
It all begins with an idea.
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 But like any part of a home, panels don’t last forever—and an outdated one can become a safety risk.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If you live in older, well-established towns like Chester, Mendham, Basking Ridge, Sparta, or Hope, your panel might be outdated.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Removing your outdated panel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.
Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Local Electrician in Morris County (and Why It Matters)
It all begins with an idea.
When it comes to electrical work, you don’t want to take chances. Whether it’s a panel upgrade, lighting retrofit, or whole-home wiring, choosing the right electrician can make the difference between a smooth job and a long list of headaches.
At Szigeti Electric, we believe local matters. Since 2011, we’ve proudly served homeowners, businesses, and property managers across Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties, including towns like Mendham, Sparta, Tewksbury, and Chester.
So why hire a local, licensed electrician like us? Here are the top five reasons.
1. Faster Response Times
Local electricians know the area. We’re based in Succasunna, so when you call, you’re getting help from someone just down the road—not someone dispatching from 2 hours away or stuck in highway traffic.
Whether it’s a power loss at your home in Randolph or an urgent repair at your Hackettstown rental property, you’ll get faster service from a local team.
2. We Know New Jersey Building Codes Inside and Out
Every town in NJ is different. From Chester Township's inspection process to Sparta's permit requirements, we know the local ordinances and work directly with inspectors to get your job approved quickly and correctly.
This means fewer delays, no red tape, and peace of mind that your project is 100% code-compliant.
3. Personalized, Owner-Operated Service
At Szigeti Electric, you’re not dealing with a call center or sales rep. You’re working directly with Tom Szigeti, a retired firefighter and master electrician who has built his business on reputation, reliability, and honesty.
We don’t upsell. We don’t cut corners. We show up on time, treat your property with respect, and get the job done right the first time.
4. Supporting the Local Economy
Hiring a local electrician means supporting local jobs, families, and small businesses in your own community. We shop at the same supply houses, send our kids to the same schools, and care about our reputation because we live here too.
It’s easy to call a big company off Google—but when you hire local, you're building relationships that last.
5. We Stand Behind Our Work
We’ve worked in some of the most prestigious homes and developments in towns like Tewksbury, Bernardsville, and Califon—and we’re proud that most of our business comes from referrals.
We stand behind every job with:
Licensed and insured workmanship
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Long-term reliability and ongoing support
Clean, professional installations that add value to your property
FAQs
Q: Are you licensed in New Jersey?
A: Yes. Szigeti Electric is fully licensed and insured in the state of NJ, License # 17183.
Q: Do you service rural areas or just cities?
A: We proudly service rural and suburban towns across Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, and Morris Counties—including farmhouses, estates, and historic homes.
Q: What if I just need a small job done?
A: No problem! We take on everything from simple fixture installs to full rewiring projects.
Ready to Work With a Trusted Local Electrician?
If you're looking for reliable electrical work backed by experience, safety, and a hometown reputation, Szigeti Electric is here to help.
📞 Call us today at (973) 477-3516
🌐 Get a free quote at SzigetiElectric.com
📍 Serving Chester, Mendham, Sparta, Hackettstown, Tewksbury & Surrounding Areas
Quality. Trust. Local Experience.
That’s the Szigeti Electric difference.
Emergency Lighting for NJ Properties: Code Compliance and Safety You Can Count On
It all begins with an idea.
Emergency Lighting Is Not Optional—It’s the Law
If you manage an apartment complex, condo development, or commercial building in Northern or Western New Jersey, emergency lighting is required by code and essential for life safety.
At Szigeti Electric, we specialize in the installation, repair, and testing of emergency lighting systems that meet both NJ building codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. We serve clients across Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties, including Mendham, Hackettstown, Blairstown, and Flemington.
What Is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting refers to battery-backed lights that automatically turn on during a power outage, fire, or evacuation. These systems include:
✅ Illuminated exit signs
✅ Pathway lights in stairwells and corridors
✅ Exterior emergency flood lights
✅ Backup lighting for lobbies, hallways, and common areas
If these systems fail, tenants and occupants are left in the dark—literally and legally. That's why regular testing and proper installation are critical.
Common Problems We Fix
Many properties throughout NJ fail inspections due to neglected emergency lighting. Common issues we address include:
❌ Non-functioning exit signs
❌ Burnt-out backup batteries
❌ Fixtures not wired correctly to emergency circuits
❌ Missing or outdated lighting in stairwells and basements
❌ Inadequate coverage in parking garages or exterior pathways
We help property managers, condo boards, HOAs, and landlords stay ahead of code and liability issues.
Who Needs Emergency Lighting?
Under the NJ Building Code and NFPA Life Safety Code, emergency lighting is required in:
Apartment buildings (3+ units)
Multi-level condo developments
Hotels and motels
Schools and daycare centers
Office and retail buildings
Warehouses and industrial sites
If you’re located in a town like Long Valley, Sparta, Bernardsville, Boonton or Chester, we can ensure your property meets both state and municipal safety standards.
Why Property Managers Trust Szigeti Electric
Szigeti Electric has been a trusted name in Northern NJ since 2011. Founded by Tom Szigeti, a retired firefighter, our company brings a deep commitment to life safety systems. We understand how critical emergency lighting is—not just to pass inspection, but to protect lives.
We offer:
⚡ Fast-response troubleshooting and repairs
🛠️ Full system installations for new and existing properties
🔋 Battery testing and replacements
📋 Annual inspection and maintenance packages
📞 24/7 emergency service for urgent repairs
We serve properties in:
Chester
Randolph
Mendham
Sparta
Franklin
Tewksbury
Hackettstown
Flemington
Washington
Rockaway
Boonton
And surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should emergency lighting be tested?
A: NFPA recommends monthly testing of all emergency lighting systems and annual 90-minute duration tests for battery backup units.
Q: What happens if I fail an inspection?
A: Fines can be issued, and you’ll need to correct the problem quickly. We offer rapid repairs and certifications to help you pass re-inspection.
Q: Do you offer service contracts?
A: Yes, we offer annual service agreements for apartment complexes and commercial clients to stay ahead of compliance issues.
Schedule Your Emergency Lighting Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a fire inspector—or worse, a power outage—to find out your emergency lights aren’t working. Get peace of mind now with Szigeti Electric.
📞 Call (973) 477-3516
🌐 Request a Free Inspection at SzigetiElectric.com
📍 Serving Morris, Sussex, Warren & Hunterdon Counties
Safe properties are well-lit properties.
Let Szigeti Electric protect your tenants—and your liability—with code-compliant emergency lighting.
Why LED Retrofits Are a Smart Investment for North Jersey Property Managers
It all begins with an idea.
Lower Energy Costs, Brighter Properties
For apartment complexes, condo developments, and commercial buildings across North Jersey, lighting is one of the biggest operational costs. Traditional lighting—such as incandescent or fluorescent fixtures—not only burns more energy but also requires more frequent maintenance. That’s where LED retrofits come in.
At Szigeti Electric, we specialize in upgrading outdated lighting systems to energy-efficient LED solutions. Whether you manage a multi-unit residential property or own a small commercial plaza, we can help you save money, meet code, and keep your tenants safe.
What Is an LED Retrofit?
An LED retrofit involves replacing older lighting components with modern LED technology. Depending on your building’s needs, this may include:
Swapping fluorescent tubes with LED tubes
Installing new LED wall packs or floodlights
Upgrading can lights or ceiling fixtures
Retrofitting exit signs and emergency lighting
LEDs use up to 80% less energy and can last over 50,000 hours, reducing both utility bills and the need for constant bulb changes.
Benefits for Property Managers and Owners
If you're managing multiple units or common areas, you know lighting issues lead to tenant complaints and safety concerns. Upgrading to LED offers multiple advantages:
✅ Energy Savings
LEDs reduce monthly electric costs, especially in 24/7-lit areas like hallways, garages, and stairwells.
✅ Lower Maintenance
Fewer outages mean fewer service calls and less hassle for you and your staff.
✅ Safety & Compliance
Well-lit properties reduce the risk of trips, falls, or vandalism—and help you stay code-compliant with local regulations.
✅ Enhanced Appearance
Modern LED lighting improves curb appeal, making your property look more professional and attractive to tenants.
Serving North Jersey Communities Since 2011
Based in Succasunna, we proudly service towns across Morris, Sussex, Warren, Union, and Somerset Counties, including:
Morristown
Parsippany
Hackettstown
Morris Township
Chester
Boonton
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and led by retired firefighter Tom Szigeti, who founded Szigeti Electric in 2011. His commitment to safety, service, and integrity is reflected in every job we complete.
What Sets Us Apart
Many electricians can install lights—but few specialize in property-wide retrofit solutions. We coordinate with your property manager or HOA, assess your current systems, and recommend a plan that balances cost, efficiency, and code compliance.
We also handle:
Timers and motion sensors
Emergency egress lighting
Exterior pole lights and wall packs
Occupancy sensors for energy savings
FAQs: LED Retrofits for Property Managers
Q: How quickly can you upgrade our property?
A: Most jobs are completed in 1–3 days, depending on size. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption.
Q: Do you offer free estimates?
A: Yes, we’ll assess your current lighting and provide a detailed quote at no charge.
Q: Will LED lighting meet code requirements?
A: Absolutely. We install lighting that meets or exceeds all NJ building and fire codes.
Request a Free Estimate Today
Lighting upgrades don’t have to be a hassle. With Szigeti Electric, you’ll get fast, reliable service and professional results that last.
📞 Call us today at (973) 477-3516
🌐 Visit us at SzigetiElectric.com
📍 Proudly serving Northern NJ since 2011
Need help with stairwell lighting, parking lot fixtures, or exit signs?
Let’s get your property up to date with energy-efficient, code-compliant lighting. Contact Szigeti Electric today.