Electrical Panel Upgrades & Replacement

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home or building's electrical system. If you're tripping breakers, running out of slots, smelling something hot at the panel, or still living with a fuse box or a recalled brand, it's time for an upgrade. CR Electric replaces and upgrades panels across the New Orleans metro and Northshore, sizing your new service correctly for today's loads and tomorrow's additions like generators, HVAC, and new circuits.

We pull the proper permit, coordinate with the utility, and install modern panels from trusted brands like Eaton, Square D, and Leviton - with whole-home surge protection and AFCI/GFCI breakers where code requires. Every upgrade is left clean, clearly labeled, and inspection-ready.

What's included

Fuse box to breaker panel conversions
100-amp to 200-amp service upgrades
Panel replacement for recalled/obsolete brands (Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
Sub-panel installation for additions, shops & garages
Meter base and weatherhead replacement
Whole-home surge protection add-on
Proper labeling, permitting & inspection

Why choose CR Electric

For over 25 years, homeowners and businesses across the New Orleans metro and Northshore have trusted CR Electric for honest, code-compliant electrical work. We're licensed and insured, we pull the proper permits, and we give you up-front pricing before any work begins - with 24-hour emergency service from two locations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?

Most residential panel upgrades in the New Orleans area fall between roughly $1,800 and $3,500 depending on amperage, whether the meter base and service entrance need replacing, and permit/utility coordination. We give a firm, written quote before any work begins - free in our core service areas.

How do I know if my panel needs to be replaced?

Common signs include breakers that trip often, a panel that feels warm or makes buzzing/crackling sounds, a burning smell, flickering lights throughout the house, no open breaker slots, or a fuse box. If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, replacement is strongly recommended for safety.

Will I lose power during the upgrade?

Yes, power is off for part of the day while we swap the panel and the utility reconnects the service - typically 4-8 hours for a standard residential upgrade. We schedule to minimize the disruption and restore power the same day.

Do you pull permits for panel work?

Always. Panel upgrades require a permit and an inspection. We handle the permit, the utility disconnect/reconnect coordination, and meet the inspector so the job is fully code-compliant and documented.