Expert Electrical Panel Replacement & Upgrades in Bend, OR

Ensure Safety and Power Your Modern Needs with Alker Family Electric’s Panel Upgrade Services. Your electrical panel is the command center of your home or business’s electrical system. Trust Bend’s punctual, detailed professionals to keep it safe, reliable, and ready for today’s power demands.

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Is Your Electrical Panel Keeping Up?
Signs It's Time for an Upgrade in Bend

Your electrical panel, often called a breaker box or service panel, is the critical hub distributing power throughout your property and protecting your circuits from overloads. Like any vital component, it doesn’t last forever and can become insufficient or hazardous over time. In Bend, where homes range from historic properties to modern builds, ensuring your panel is up to the task is essential for safety and functionality. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to frustrating power disruptions, damaged appliances, or, worse, dangerous electrical situations like fires. Recognizing these common symptoms is the first step toward ensuring your Bend home or business benefits from a safe, reliable electrical system capable of meeting modern energy demands.

Frequent Breaker Tripping

Do you find yourself constantly heading to the panel to reset tripped breakers, especially when using common appliances like microwaves, hair dryers, or space heaters simultaneously? This is a classic sign that your circuits, or the entire panel itself, are overloaded. While breakers are designed to trip for safety, frequent occurrences indicate your panel simply can’t handle the cumulative electrical demand of your household or business operations in Bend. It’s more than an inconvenience; it’s a clear signal that an upgrade might be necessary to prevent persistent interruptions and potential circuit damage. Relying on extension cords or power strips to avoid tripping breakers is not a safe long-term solution.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Have you noticed your lights flicker, waver, or dim noticeably when a large appliance like your air conditioner, refrigerator, clothes dryer, or even a laser printer kicks on? This often points to loose connections within the panel or, more significantly, an electrical service that’s struggling to provide consistent voltage under heavy load. An outdated or undersized panel might not be equipped to manage these power surges effectively, leading to these visible fluctuations. While occasional minor flickering might occur, persistent or dramatic dimming warrants a professional inspection by a qualified Bend electrician.

Outdated Panel Technology (Fuse Boxes)

If your property still relies on an old-fashioned fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker panel, an upgrade isn’t just recommended – it’s essential for safety and practicality. Fuse boxes represent antiquated technology. Fuses offer less precise protection than breakers, and replacing blown fuses is inconvenient and sometimes confusing, potentially leading to homeowners inserting incorrectly sized fuses, which creates a serious fire hazard. Furthermore, fuse boxes were designed for the much lower electrical demands of past decades and often lack the capacity and safety features required by today’s standards and Bend electrical codes. A fuse box replacement in Bend is a critical safety upgrade.

Signs of Electrical Damage

Visibly inspect your electrical panel. Do you see any rust or corrosion, particularly around the breakers or bus bars? Are there any scorch marks, signs of melting plastic on breakers, or a distinct burning smell near the panel? These are urgent red flags indicating overheating, moisture intrusion, or internal faults. An unsafe electrical panel in Bend exhibiting these symptoms requires immediate attention from a licensed electrician. Ignoring such signs significantly increases the risk of electrical shock or fire. Never touch a panel that appears damaged or sounds like it’s crackling or buzzing.

Adding Major Appliances or Renovating

Planning significant upgrades or changes to your Bend property? Installing high-draw appliances like an EV charger, a hot tub, a sauna, central air conditioning, or undertaking a major kitchen remodel or home addition almost always necessitates evaluating your panel’s capacity. These additions place substantial demands on your electrical system. An older or smaller panel (like a 60 or 100-amp panel) likely won’t have the available capacity or physical space for the new, dedicated circuits required, making a service panel upgrade essential for safe operation. Alker Family Electric specializes in electrical work for EV charger hook ups, hot tub hook ups, sauna hook ups, and remodeling projects in Bend.

Panel is Over 25 Years Old

Even if your panel seems to be working without obvious issues, age itself is a factor. Electrical panels, like all equipment, have a finite lifespan, typically estimated at 25-40 years. Older panels may lack modern safety features like Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) required by current codes, internal components can degrade over time, and connections can loosen, potentially creating hazards. If your Bend home’s panel is several decades old, it’s wise to have it professionally inspected and consider a proactive replacement for enhanced safety and reliability.

Conclusion: If you recognize any of these signs in your Bend home or business, don’t wait for a serious problem to arise. Protect your property and ensure reliable power. Contact Alker Family Electric for a professional panel inspection and honest assessment.

Ready to Discuss Your Electrical Needs

Advantages of a Modern Electrical Panel Upgrade

Replacing an outdated, undersized, or potentially unsafe breaker box is far more than just a repair; it’s a proactive investment in the safety, capability, and overall value of your Bend property. A modern service panel upgrade, performed correctly by licensed professionals like Alker Family Electric, delivers substantial, long-lasting benefits for homeowners and businesses alike, ensuring your electrical system can handle the demands of today and tomorrow.

Enhanced Electrical Safety

This is the paramount benefit. Modern circuit breaker panels offer vastly superior protection compared to old fuse boxes or aging panels with worn-out breakers. Circuit breakers are designed to react quickly and reliably to overloads and short circuits, instantly cutting power to prevent overheating wires and potential electrical fires. Furthermore, modern panels easily accommodate crucial safety devices like Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which provide advanced protection against electrical arcs (a common cause of fires) and ground faults (protecting against shock), often required by current Bend electrical codes. Investing in a safe electrical panel upgrade brings invaluable peace of mind.

Increased Electrical Capacity

Today’s homes and businesses in Bend rely on more electricity than ever before. Computers, smart home devices, large-screen TVs, advanced kitchen appliances, power tools, and increasingly, electric vehicles and hot tubs, all contribute to a higher electrical load. A panel upgrade, often combined with a service upgrade to 150 or 200 amps (or even higher for large homes or commercial applications), provides the necessary capacity to safely power all these devices simultaneously without the risk of overloading circuits or tripping breakers. A 200 amp panel upgrade in Bend is becoming the standard for ensuring adequate power.

Reliable Power Delivery

Say goodbye to the annoyance of flickering lights when the AC turns on or the frustration of frequently tripped breakers interrupting your activities. An adequate, modern main electrical panel upgrade ensures a stable and consistent flow of power throughout your property. By properly balancing loads and providing sufficient amperage, a new panel eliminates many common electrical annoyances caused by an overburdened system, delivering the reliable performance expected in a modern home or efficient business. Choose a reliable electrician in Bend like Alker Family Electric for dependable results.

Support for Future Additions

Thinking about adding a home office, finishing the basement, building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), installing central air, or finally getting that workshop you’ve dreamed of? A panel upgrade performed now provides the electrical foundation needed for these future projects. Rather than facing limitations or needing another costly upgrade later, investing in sufficient capacity today ensures your electrical system is ready to accommodate your evolving needs, whether for new construction elements or extensive remodeling projects.

Increased Home Value

An updated and robust electrical system is a highly attractive feature for potential homebuyers in the competitive Bend real estate market. A modern, properly sized electrical panel signals that the home is safe, well-maintained, and capable of handling contemporary electrical loads. It can prevent issues during a home inspection (inspection corrections) and make your property more appealing compared to homes with outdated systems, potentially increasing its resale value and speeding up the sales process.

Code Compliance

Electrical codes are updated periodically to enhance safety standards. Major renovations, additions, or sometimes even the sale of a property can trigger the requirement to bring the electrical system, including the panel, up to current code. Upgrading your panel ensures compliance with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations as well as specific requirements mandated by the City of Bend and the State of Oregon. Alker Family Electric ensures all panel upgrades meet or exceed current electrical code compliance standards in Bend.

Conclusion: Invest in the safety, functionality, and value of your property. Future-proof your electrical system and gain peace of mind with a professional electrical panel upgrade from Alker Family Electric, your trusted Bend electrical contractor.

The Alker Family Electric Panel Replacement Process

We understand that having electrical work done, especially involving the main panel, can seem daunting. At Alker Family Electric, we are committed to making your electrical panel replacement in Bend a smooth, transparent, and safe experience. Our licensed electricians follow a meticulous process, focusing on quality workmanship, clear communication, and minimal disruption to your daily routine. Here’s what you can expect when you choose us for your panel upgrade:

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Our process begins when you contact us. We’ll schedule a convenient time to visit your Bend property. During this visit, our electrician will discuss your specific needs, concerns, and any electrical issues you’ve been experiencing (like frequent breakers tripping or flickering lights). We then conduct a thorough inspection of your current electrical panel, its components, the visible wiring connected to it, and your electrical meter base and service entrance (if accessible) to understand the existing system’s condition and capacity. This assessment is crucial for determining the correct size and type of upgrade required.

Detailed Quote & Planning

Following the assessment, we provide you with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand written quote. This estimate clearly details the scope of work for the electrical panel replacement or service panel upgrade, including the specific materials to be used (new panel, breakers, wiring, conduit, etc.), the total cost, and an estimated timeframe for completion. We encourage you to ask questions – our goal is for you to feel fully informed and comfortable before any work begins.

Permitting (If Required)

Most electrical panel replacements and virtually all service upgrades in Bend require an electrical permit from the relevant authority (City of Bend or Deschutes County). Alker Family Electric takes care of this process for you. We handle the application, submit the necessary documentation, and ensure your project complies with all local regulations and code requirements, saving you the hassle and ensuring the work is officially documented and approved.

Safe Power Disconnection & Old Panel Removal

On the scheduled installation day, our electricians arrive punctually. The first crucial step is safely de-energizing your electrical system. This may involve coordinating a temporary disconnect with the utility company (like Pacific Power, especially for service upgrades) or shutting off the power at the main breaker or disconnect switch. Once the system is confirmed to be safely powered down, we carefully disconnect the existing wiring and remove the old, unsafe electrical panel or outdated fuse box.

New Panel Installation

Your new, modern electrical panel, selected based on the initial assessment and your needs (e.g., a 200 amp panel upgrade), is then professionally mounted in the designated location. We ensure it is level, securely fastened, and meets all code requirements for working clearances. Proper mounting is essential for safety and accessibility. This is a key part of the electrical panel installation in Bend.

Wiring & Circuit Breaker Installation

This is the most detailed part of the installation. Our electricians meticulously connect each existing home circuit to the appropriate new circuit breaker within the new panel. We ensure all connections are tight and secure, using proper wiring techniques. Breakers, including any required AFCI or GFCI breakers for specific circuits, are installed correctly. We organize the wiring neatly within the panel and label each breaker clearly, identifying the area or appliances it controls (e.g., “Kitchen Outlets,” “Master Bedroom,” “Furnace”).

System Testing & Power Restoration

With the new panel fully wired, we conduct a series of tests before restoring power. We check for proper grounding and bonding, confirm correct voltage readings, and ensure all connections are sound. Once we are confident that the installation is safe and correct, we coordinate with the utility company to restore power (if disconnected) or switch the main breaker back on. We then test individual circuits to verify proper operation.

Final Inspection & Walkthrough

After power is restored and circuits are tested, we perform a final quality check. We then walk you through the new panel installation, explaining the layout, identifying key breakers (like the main breaker), and answering any questions you may have about its operation or maintenance. We ensure the work area is left as clean as, or cleaner than, we found it. Critically, we also schedule and coordinate the final electrical inspection with the city or county inspector to ensure the work officially passes code, providing you with documented proof of compliance for any inspection corrections needed.

Conclusion: Our thorough and systematic approach guarantees a safe, code-compliant, and reliable main electrical panel upgrade or replacement, providing lasting value and safety for your Bend property. Trust the detailed professionals at Alker Family Electric.

Understanding Electrical Service Upgrades in Bend

While replacing the electrical panel (breaker box) itself is a common upgrade, sometimes the issue lies not just with the panel but with the total amount of power being supplied to your property by the utility company. In these cases, simply installing a new panel isn’t sufficient; a full ‘electrical service upgrade’ is required. This involves increasing the amperage capacity of your entire electrical service entrance. Understanding when and why this is needed is crucial for Bend homeowners and businesses planning major electrical additions or dealing with significantly outdated systems.

What is Electrical Service Amperage?

Think of amperage (measured in Amps or ‘A’) as the volume or flow rate of electricity available to your property. Older homes in Bend might have been built with 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service, which was adequate decades ago. However, modern lifestyles demand much more power. Standard new homes today are typically built with at least 150-amp, and more commonly, 200-amp service. This higher electrical service capacity is necessary to safely power the multitude of devices we use daily – from HVAC systems and large appliances to computers, entertainment systems, and increasingly, high-draw items like EV chargers, hot tubs, and tankless water heaters.

When is a Service Upgrade Needed?

A complete service panel upgrade, including increasing the amperage, is generally necessary in several situations:

Low Existing Amperage: If your current service is rated below 100 amps, it's highly likely insufficient for modern needs and should be upgraded, especially if planning any renovations or additions.
Major Electrical Load Additions: Installing items that consume significant power, such as an EV charger (requiring a dedicated 40-60 amp circuit typically), a hot tub or spa, central air conditioning, electric furnaces, large workshop equipment, or undergoing a substantial kitchen remodel with multiple new appliances, will often exceed the capacity of a 100-amp service. A 200 amp panel upgrade in Bend is frequently required for these additions.
Major Renovations or Additions: Significant home expansions, adding an ADU, or extensive remodeling projects usually increase the overall electrical demand, necessitating a service upgrade to support the new circuits and loads.
Outdated/Damaged Service Entrance Equipment: If the components bringing power into your home – the meter base (where the utility meter sits), the service entrance cable (the main wires from the utility connection to the panel), or the weather head (where overhead lines connect) – are old, corroded, damaged, or don't meet current codes, they typically need to be replaced as part of a service upgrade.

What Does a Service Upgrade Involve?

A full electrical service upgrade is more involved than just swapping out the main electrical panel. It usually requires replacing multiple key components of the service entrance system:

New Main Electrical Panel: A new breaker box appropriately sized for the increased amperage (e.g., 200 amps).
New Meter Base: The enclosure holding the electric meter often needs to be replaced to match the new service rating and meet utility company requirements.
New Service Entrance Conductors: Larger gauge wires capable of carrying the higher amperage must be installed, running from the utility's connection point (usually the weather head for overhead service or a connection point for underground service) to the meter base, and then from the meter base to the new main panel.
New Weather Head (for overhead service): The protective fitting where utility lines connect to the house service wires might need replacement. This work must be done in strict accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), Oregon state codes, City of Bend regulations, and the specific requirements of the local utility provider (e.g., Pacific Power or Central Electric Cooperative). It necessitates careful planning and coordination, including scheduling power disconnection and reconnection with the utility.

Conclusion: Alker Family Electric possesses the expertise and licenses to perform complete electrical service upgrades in Bend safely and efficiently. We manage the entire process, from assessment and planning to permitting, installation, utility coordination, and final inspection, ensuring your property has the robust, reliable power capacity it needs for today’s technology and future demands.

Subpanel Installation: Extending Electrical Capacity

In many scenarios, your main electrical panel might have sufficient overall amperage capacity provided by the utility, but you might simply run out of physical space for new circuit breakers, or you need to supply power conveniently to a specific area of your Bend property. This is where installing a subpanel becomes an excellent solution. A subpanel acts as a secondary distribution point, extending your electrical system’s reach and organization without necessarily requiring a full main service upgrade.

What is a Subpanel?

Think of a subpanel as a smaller, secondary breaker box that receives its power supply directly from a large breaker in your main electrical panel via a feeder wire. It contains its own set of circuit breakers designed to protect and distribute power to circuits within a defined area or for specific equipment. Common applications in Bend include powering detached garages, workshops, home additions, basement apartments or suites, barns, pool equipment, or even a kitchen undergoing a remodel with numerous dedicated appliance circuits.

When is a Subpanel Installation Recommended?

Installing a subpanel is often the best approach when:

Main Panel is Full: Your main breaker box has no available physical slots for new breakers, but your overall electrical service (e.g., 150 or 200 amps) can handle the additional load you intend to add.
Powering Detached Structures: You need to run power to a separate building on your property like a garage, workshop, shed, or ADU. A subpanel provides a local point for circuits and disconnects.
Dedicated Circuits for Specific Areas: You're creating a home office, home theater, workshop, or large kitchen requiring multiple new circuits concentrated in one location. A subpanel centralizes these circuits.
Convenience and Organization: Placing breakers closer to the area they serve makes troubleshooting and resetting tripped breakers much easier than walking back to the main panel, especially in larger homes or properties.
Managing High-Demand Appliances: Isolating circuits for equipment with significant power draws, such as hot tubs, welders, kilns, or multiple large power tools, within a subpanel can improve load management. A subpanel installation in Bend is common for hot tub hook ups.

Subpanel Installation Process

A safe and code-compliant subpanel installation requires expertise. The process involves several key steps performed by our licensed electricians:

1. Load Calculation: We assess the load capacity of your main panel and service to ensure it can safely supply the power required for the subpanel and its intended circuits.
2. Sizing: We determine the appropriate amperage rating for the subpanel itself and the correct gauge for the feeder wire running from the main panel, based on the anticipated load and distance.
3. Installation: The subpanel enclosure is securely mounted according to code.
4. Wiring: The feeder wire is carefully run from a new, appropriately sized breaker in the main panel to the input lugs of the subpanel.
5. Grounding and Bonding: Crucially, the subpanel must be correctly grounded and bonded according to NEC rules, which differ slightly from main panel requirements (e.g., keeping grounds and neutrals separate in most subpanel installations). This is vital for safety.
6. Circuit Installation: New circuits originating from the subpanel are wired and connected to the appropriate breakers within the subpanel.
7. Labeling: All breakers in the subpanel are clearly labeled. Alker Family Electric ensures every subpanel installation in Bend adheres strictly to safety protocols and electrical codes.

Conclusion: Do you need to expand your circuit capacity for a new addition, workshop, or specific area of your Bend property? A professionally installed subpanel might be the perfect solution. Contact Alker Family Electric, your expert electrical contractor in Bend, to discuss subpanel installation services tailored to your needs in Bend and Central Oregon.

Ensuring Code Compliance for Electrical Panels in Bend

Electrical codes, primarily the National Electrical Code (NEC) along with specific amendments and requirements from the State of Oregon and the City of Bend, are not arbitrary rules. They exist fundamentally for safety – to protect people and property from electrical hazards like shocks and fires. When performing any work on your electrical panel, whether it’s a full replacement, a service upgrade, or adding a subpanel, strict adherence to these codes is absolutely essential and non-negotiable.

Why Codes Matter

Electrical codes provide a standardized framework for safe electrical installations. For panels, they dictate critical parameters such as:

Proper Sizing: Ensuring the panel's amperage rating is sufficient for the calculated electrical load of the property.
Correct Breaker Types: Mandating the use of specific breakers like Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in wet or damp locations (bathrooms, kitchens near sinks, garages, outdoors) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) in living areas (bedrooms, living rooms, etc.) to protect against specific types of electrical hazards.
Appropriate Wiring Methods: Specifying correct wire gauges, connection techniques, and protection for wires entering and exiting the panel.
Working Clearances: Requiring specific amounts of clear, unobstructed space in front of and around the panel to allow safe access for maintenance, inspection, and emergency shut-off.
Grounding and Bonding: Defining essential requirements for connecting the electrical system safely to the earth to prevent shock hazards.
Accurate Labeling: Requiring a clear and durable directory identifying what each circuit breaker controls. Compliance ensures your electrical system operates safely under normal conditions and provides crucial protection when faults occur. It's also necessary to pass mandatory electrical inspections often required for renovations, property sales, or after significant electrical work (inspection corrections).

Alker Family Electric's Commitment

At Alker Family Electric, code compliance is integral to everything we do. As fully licensed electrical contractors in Bend (CCB 242826) with licensed supervising electricians (Supervisor License C173S), our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the latest NEC requirements and local Bend/Oregon amendments. We guarantee that all our electrical panel replacements, breaker box upgrades, service upgrades, and subpanel installations are performed in strict accordance with these standards. We manage the permitting process and ensure that the completed work successfully passes the final inspection by the relevant authority. You can trust our licensed electricians in Bend for work done right.

Common Code Considerations for Panel Upgrades

During a panel upgrade project, several code aspects are particularly important:

Load Calculation: Accurately calculating the total potential electrical demand of your home or business to determine the minimum required panel amperage (e.g., determining if a 200 amp panel upgrade is necessary).
Dedicated Space: Ensuring the panel is installed in a location that meets the code's minimum requirements for clear working space – typically 3 feet in front, 30 inches wide, and 6.5 feet high – free from obstructions like shelves, pipes, or storage.
AFCI/GFCI Protection: Installing the correct type and number of AFCI and GFCI breakers as mandated by the current code for various locations and circuits within the property. Requirements have become more stringent in recent code cycles.
Grounding Electrode System: Verifying or installing a proper grounding system, often involving ground rods and bonding to metallic water pipes, as required by code.
Panel Directory: Creating a clear, accurate, and legible label or directory inside the panel door identifying each breaker's function.

Conclusion: Don’t compromise on safety or risk failing inspections. Choose Alker Family Electric for your electrical panel upgrades in Bend. We prioritize code-compliant installations, ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and legality of your property’s electrical system.

Ready for a Safer, More Reliable Electrical System in Bend?

An outdated, overloaded, or damaged electrical panel is more than an inconvenience – it’s a potential safety hazard lurking within your walls. Stop dealing with frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, or the limitations of an insufficient electrical service. Upgrade your Bend home or business with a safe, modern electrical panel replacement or service upgrade performed by the experts at Alker Family Electric. Our licensed, insured, punctual, and highly detail-oriented electricians deliver top-quality workmanship and peace of mind, backed by our comprehensive 1-year warranty. Ensure your property can safely handle today’s power needs and tomorrow’s innovations.

Prefer to call? Reach our friendly team directly at (541) 604-5771 to discuss your panel upgrade needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panel Upgrades

How much does an electrical panel replacement cost in Bend, OR?

The cost of an electrical panel replacement in Bend varies based on several factors. Key elements influencing the price include the amperage of the new panel (e.g., a 100-amp vs. a 200-amp panel upgrade), whether a full electrical service upgrade (including meter base and service entrance cable) is required, the existing wiring’s condition, the panel’s location and accessibility, and the number and type of breakers needed (including potentially costly AFCI/GFCI breakers). Because every situation is unique, Alker Family Electric provides detailed, transparent quotes only after a thorough on-site assessment. Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate for an accurate electrical panel replacement cost in Bend.

How long does it take to replace an electrical panel?

For a standard like-for-like panel replacement (e.g., replacing an old 100-amp panel with a new 100-amp panel), the work typically takes between 4 and 8 hours, during which the power to your property will need to be shut off. A more extensive project, such as a full service upgrade to increase amperage (e.g., from 100 amps to 200 amps), which involves replacing the meter base and service entrance conductors, often takes a full day (8+ hours). This timeframe can also be influenced by coordination needed with the utility company for power disconnection and reconnection. We always strive to complete the replace circuit breaker box process efficiently to minimize disruption.

What's the difference between a fuse box and a breaker box?

Fuse boxes and breaker boxes serve the same basic function – protecting circuits from overcurrents – but use different technologies. Fuse boxes contain screw-in or cartridge fuses with a filament designed to melt and break the circuit when overloaded. Once blown, a fuse must be completely replaced. Breaker boxes (or panels) use mechanical circuit breakers that ‘trip’ (switch off) when an overload or short circuit occurs. These can typically be reset by simply flipping the switch back on (after addressing the cause of the trip). Breaker panels are considered significantly safer, more convenient, and better suited for modern electrical loads, making fuse box replacement in Bend a highly recommended safety upgrade. A breaker box upgrade offers superior protection.

Do I need a 200 amp panel upgrade?

Whether you need a 200 amp panel upgrade depends largely on your current and anticipated electrical usage. While older homes might function on 100 or 150 amps, 200 amps is now the standard for most new home construction in Bend and is often necessary for existing homes if you:

Have electric heating or central air conditioning.
Plan to install an EV charger or hot tub.
Are undertaking a major kitchen remodel with multiple modern appliances.
Are adding significant living space or an ADU.
Use numerous high-draw tools or equipment.

During our initial consultation, Alker Family Electric performs a load calculation to assess your specific needs and determine if a 200 amp service panel upgrade is the right choice for your Bend property.

Are Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels really unsafe?

Yes, certain electrical panels manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE Stab-Lok models) and Zinsco (also known sometimes as GTE-Sylvania or Kearney) have well-documented histories of malfunctioning. Specifically, their breakers may fail to trip during an overcurrent or short circuit condition, creating a significant fire hazard. Many electricians and home inspectors strongly recommend replacing these panels upon discovery due to these safety risks. If you suspect you have an FPE Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel in your Bend home, it’s crucial to have it inspected by a qualified electrician immediately. Replacement of these unsafe electrical panels in Bend is a critical safety measure.

Do you install subpanels?

Absolutely. Alker Family Electric frequently provides professional subpanel installation services throughout Bend and Central Oregon. If you need additional circuit capacity for a specific area like a detached garage, workshop, home addition, basement suite, or simply need more breaker space but your main service is adequate, a subpanel is often the ideal solution. We handle the complete subpanel installation process, ensuring it’s sized correctly, wired safely, and fully code-compliant.

Is the work warrantied?

Yes, it is. At Alker Family Electric, we are confident in the quality of our materials and workmanship. We stand behind every electrical panel replacement, service upgrade, and subpanel installation with a comprehensive 1-year warranty on our workmanship, providing you with added assurance and peace of mind.