CHASE ELECTRIC

Electrical Panel Upgrades in Southern Maine

If your home still runs on a fuse box, an undersized 100 amp panel, or a panel showing rust, scorch marks, it is time for an electrical panel upgrade. Chase Electric handles complete panel and service upgrades across Windham, Portland, and Southern Maine. Owner-operated by a master electrician, every job is permitted, coordinated with CMP, and built to current code.

When to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

A panel upgrade is not just about adding more breakers. It is about making sure your home can safely handle the way you actually live today. Heat pumps, EV chargers, hot tubs, induction ranges, and solar systems all draw far more current than the loads most older Maine homes were wired for. Common signs you are due for a 200 amp upgrade:

  • Fuses or breakers that trip regularly

  • A 100 amp service or smaller, which is undersized for most modern Maine homes

  • An original fuse box instead of circuit breakers

  • Visible rust, scorch marks, or a burning smell at the panel

  • Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Challenger panels, all of which have known safety issues

  • Plans to add solar, an EV charger, a heat pump, or a hot tub

What's Included in a 200 Amp Panel Upgrade

We handle the entire job from quote to final inspection so you are not chasing contractors or permits on your own. A standard 200 amp panel upgrade includes:

  • On-site load calculation and condition assessment

  • Permit pulled with your town

  • Coordination with Central Maine Power for the disconnect and reconnect

  • New 200 amp service entrance cable and meter base

  • New 200 amp main breaker panel

  • Re-termination of every existing circuit

  • AFCI and GFCI protection added where current code requires it

  • Final inspection scheduled with your local code enforcement officer

Electrical Service Upgrades and CMP Meter Base Work

Almost every electrical service upgrade in Southern Maine involves coordinating with Central Maine Power. We handle it: the permit, the disconnect appointment, the new meter base if the old one is damaged or undersized, and the reconnect. You stay informed at every step, but you do not have to make the phone calls.

If your main service has spare capacity, an electrical sub panel can be a smart way to add circuits for a garage, finished basement, workshop, or pool equipment, without doing a full service upgrade. We size and install sub panels with the right feeder cable and dedicated ground rod, and we coordinate the permit and inspection.

Sub Panel Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a panel upgrade cost in Maine?

1

Most residential 100 to 200 amp panel upgrades fall between $3,500 and $6,000. The final price depends on the condition of the existing service, whether the meter base needs to be relocated, the panel location, and any code corrections required. We provide a fixed quote after an on-site visit.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

2

The physical install is typically a single day. There is a power-off window of four to eight hours while we cut over to the new panel. The full timeline from quote to inspection is usually two to four weeks, mostly driven by permit and CMP scheduling.

Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?

3

We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

Should I upgrade my panel or just add a sub panel?

4

Depends on your existing service capacity and what you are trying to power. If your main is already maxed out, you need a service upgrade. If you have headroom, a sub panel is faster and cheaper. We will tell you honestly which option fits your situation after the load calculation.

Ready for a quote?

Texting is one of the easiest and fastest ways to reach us. Text or call (207) 239-2231 or email ChaseElectric207@gmail.com to get started. Chase Electric proudly serves Windham, Portland, and all of Southern Maine.