What Is an Electrical Heavy Up?
At Precise Building Services, we specialize in electrical heavy up projects—also known as electrical panel upgrades—across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you're installing high-power appliances, dealing with overloaded breakers, or preparing your home for EV charging, we deliver safe, fast, and code-compliant upgrades—see our electrical panel upgrade service for more details.
A heavy up is the process of increasing your home or building’s electrical capacity — typically upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps or more. This involves replacing the main service panel, meter base, grounding, and sometimes upgrading wiring from the utility connection. It's essential for safely powering modern devices and appliances.
Signs You Need an Electrical Heavy Up
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Breakers tripping frequently
- Overloaded circuits
- Old panels (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
- Adding HVAC systems, EV chargers, or other large electrical loads
- Electrical panel feels warm or has a burning smell
Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Our electrical heavy up services are one of the smartest investments you can make in your home or property:
1. Meet Modern Power Demands
Older homes weren’t built for today’s energy usage. New appliances like EV chargers, HVAC units, tankless water heaters, or even multiple computers can overwhelm old panels. A heavy up prevents overloads and shutdowns.
2. Increase Electrical Safety
Panels from the 1960s–80s may pose serious fire risks. A heavy up ensures your system is properly grounded, meets current NEC code requirements, and can be verified through an electrical safety inspection.
3. Prevent Breaker Trips and System Failures
Stop dealing with nuisance tripping. A higher capacity panel allows your system to distribute power safely and evenly.
4. Comply with Code and Insurance Requirements
Many jurisdictions in DC, Maryland, and Virginia now require panel upgrades for home renovations, HVAC installs, and EV charger installations. Insurance companies may also require upgrades to renew or maintain coverage.
5. Future-Proof Your Property
Prepare for future power needs like solar, backup batteries, home additions, or electric vehicle charging without needing more upgrades down the line.
6. Boost Property Value
An upgraded panel increases your home’s value and makes it more attractive to buyers who want modern infrastructure and energy efficiency.
What’s Included in Our Heavy Up Services
- Permit pulling and utility coordination
- Electrical panel replacement (typically 200A)
- Meter base and service entrance cable upgrade
- Grounding and bonding system updates
- Coordination with utility for disconnect/reconnect
- Full inspection and code compliance
Where We Offer Heavy Up Panel Upgrades
We perform heavy ups throughout the DMV region, including:
- Washington, D.C.
- Montgomery County, MD
- Prince George’s County, MD
- Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County, VA
Why Choose Precise Building Services for Your Heavy Up?
Licensed, bonded, and insured in DC, MD & VA EVITP Certified & Tesla Certified Installer Over 1,000+ successful upgrades completed Experts in EV charging station readiness Direct communication and clean workmanship 1-Year Warranty on all electrical work
Request a Free Heavy Up Consultation
Don’t wait until your panel becomes a hazard. Whether you’re upgrading for safety, planning renovations, or preparing for EV charging, our electrical heavy up services have you covered.
Call us today or fill out our form for a free consultation with a licensed electrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical electrical heavy up service costs $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the property size, existing wiring, and utility requirements. Larger homes or complex upgrades may cost more.
An electrical heavy up is an upgrade that increases your home’s or building’s electrical capacity, usually by replacing the main panel and service equipment to safely power modern appliances and higher loads.
Frequent breaker trips, dimming or flickering lights, warm or buzzing outlets, and burning smells from your panel are signs of an overloaded circuit. A professional inspection is recommended.
Many EV chargers, HVAC units, and major appliances require more power than older panels provide. A heavy up ensures safe, code-compliant operation and prevents system overloads.
Only licensed electricians with experience in electrical heavy up services should upgrade your panel, ensuring utility coordination, permit compliance, and full safety testing.
