PANEL UPGRADES
& REPLACEMENTS.

The panel is the heart of a building's electrical system, and a lot of panels in the Roanoke Valley are past their working life. Covenant Electrical upgrades and replaces panels for homes and businesses — permitted, inspected, and quoted flat-rate before work begins.

When a panel needs replacing

Breakers that trip repeatedly, a fuse box still in service, planned additions like an EV charger, heat pump, or hot tub that exceed existing capacity, or a panel brand with a documented failure history. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels in particular have known defect records and are worth replacing regardless of how they seem to perform. Not sure? A load calculation gives a yes-or-no answer instead of a sales pitch — here's what upgrades cost in Roanoke and why.

What the job includes

The panel and breakers, service entrance equipment where needed (meter base, mast), grounding brought up to current code, the permit, coordination with Appalachian Power for disconnect and reconnect, and the final inspection. Most straightforward swaps are done in a day.

Commercial panel and gear work

Panelboard and switchgear replacement for commercial buildings, including discontinued brands where replacement breakers are no longer economical, three-phase equipment, and distribution upgrades planned around tenant operations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a panel upgrade cost in Roanoke?
Most 100-amp to 200-amp residential upgrades in the Roanoke Valley run between $1,800 and $4,500, depending on the condition of the service entrance and grounding. Every job is quoted flat-rate up front — photos of your panel and meter are usually enough for a tight estimate.

How long is the power off?
Most of one working day for a standard swap. Jobs requiring a new meter base or mast can extend to two days due to utility coordination, which is scheduled in advance to keep downtime minimal.

Do I really need a permit for panel work?
Yes — Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and Botetourt County all require permits for panel replacement, and the inspection record matters when you sell. Every Covenant panel job is permitted and inspected.

Do you replace Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels?
Regularly. Both brands have documented failure problems, and replacing them is one of the most worthwhile electrical investments an owner of an older home can make.