One of the most common questions we receive about panel upgrades is "how long will I be without power?" It's an important question—you need to plan around the outage for work, meal preparation, and family needs. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- The actual panel installation takes 6-10 hours for a standard 200-amp upgrade.
- The entire process from consultation to final inspection typically takes 2-4 weeks.
- Complex upgrades involving meter base replacement or service entrance work may extend the timeline.
- Power is off only during the installation day -- plan for approximately 8 hours without electricity.
Quick Answer: Most Panel Upgrades Take One Day
For standard residential panel upgrades in Northern Virginia, plan for 6-10 hours of work, with 4-8 hours without power. Our team typically arrives between 8-9 AM and completes work by 4-6 PM, restoring power before we leave.
Need a Panel Upgrade?
Outdated or overloaded electrical panels are a safety risk. Our team specializes in 200-amp upgrades throughout Northern Virginia, with same-day panel assessments available. Call (571) 444-6886 to get started.
Timeline Breakdown: Consultation and quote (1-2 days), permitting (3-10 business days), scheduling (1-2 weeks), installation (1 day), inspection (1-3 business days). Start early if you have a deadline like an EV charger installation.
Timeline by Project Type
Panel Replacement (Same Amperage)
Duration: 4-6 hours | Power outage: 3-5 hours
If you're simply replacing a problematic panel (like a Federal Pacific) with a modern panel at the same amperage, the work is straightforward:
- Setup and preparation: 30 minutes
- Turn off main and document circuits: 30 minutes
- Remove old panel: 1 hour
- Install new panel: 2 hours
- Reconnect and test: 1 hour
- Cleanup and walkthrough: 30 minutes
100 Amp to 200 Amp Upgrade
Duration: 6-10 hours | Power outage: 5-8 hours
This is our most common upgrade. It includes service entrance changes:
- Setup and utility coordination: 1 hour
- Utility disconnects power
- Remove old panel and meter base: 1.5 hours
- Install new service entrance cable: 1-2 hours
- Install new meter base: 1 hour
- Install new 200 amp panel: 2 hours
- Connect and test all circuits: 1.5 hours
- Utility reconnects: 30 minutes - 2 hours (depends on scheduling)
- Final testing and cleanup: 30 minutes
200 Amp to 400 Amp Upgrade
Duration: 1-2 days | Power outage: 8-16 hours
Larger upgrades are more complex and may involve utility transformer work:
- Day 1: Service entrance installation, meter bases, first panel
- Day 2: Second panel installation, circuit redistribution, testing
- Utility coordination may add days to the timeline
Subpanel Installation
Duration: 3-5 hours | Power outage: 1-2 hours
Subpanels are faster because the main service remains intact:
- Brief outage to add feeder breaker
- Run feeder cable to subpanel location
- Mount and wire subpanel
- Connect circuits to subpanel
Factors That Can Extend Timeline
Panel Location Issues
Difficult access adds time:
- Cramped spaces requiring careful maneuvering
- Exterior panels in challenging locations
- Panel relocation requests
- Panels behind obstacles that must be worked around
Existing Code Violations
If we discover issues during the upgrade, they must be addressed:
- Double-tapped breakers requiring additional circuits
- Improper grounding that needs correction
- Damaged wires that need replacement
- Unsafe installations from previous work
Utility Company Scheduling
For service upgrades, Dominion Energy must:
- Disconnect power at the meter
- Reconnect after our work is complete
- Coordinate timing can add 1-4 hours of wait time
- In rare cases, utility delays may extend project to two days
Weather Conditions
Since service entrance work is exterior:
- Rain may delay outdoor portions
- Extreme heat or cold affects work pace
- We'll reschedule in severe weather for safety
Additional Work Added
If you're adding circuits during the upgrade:
- Each new circuit adds 30-60 minutes
- Long wire runs take longer
- Multiple additions can extend project significantly
The Full Project Timeline
Beyond installation day, here's the complete timeline:
Before Installation:
- Initial consultation: 30-45 minutes
- Quote preparation: Usually same day or next day
- Scheduling: Typically 1-2 weeks out
- Permit acquisition: 1-3 days (we handle this)
- Utility coordination: 2-5 days for service upgrades
After Installation:
- Inspection scheduling: 1-3 days
- Inspection: 15-30 minutes
- Any corrections: Usually same day
- Documentation delivery: 1-2 days
Minimizing Disruption
Here are tips for managing around your upgrade:
Before the Day:
- Charge all devices overnight
- Plan meals that don't require cooking
- Notify anyone who works from home
- Make arrangements for medical equipment
- Clear the area around your panel
During the Work:
- Use a coffee shop or library for work-from-home needs
- Keep a cooler handy for refrigerated items (short outage won't harm food)
- Use the time to run errands
- Battery-powered devices provide entertainment
Special Circumstances:
- Medical equipment: Let us know in advance; we can arrange for temporary power
- Sump pumps: Check weather forecast; we can provide temporary solutions
- Work meetings: Share your schedule; we'll try to restore power for critical times
Why We Don't Rush
While we work efficiently, we never sacrifice quality for speed. Proper panel installation requires:
- Careful documentation of existing circuits
- Proper torque on all connections
- Complete testing of every circuit
- Thorough safety verification
- Correct labeling for future reference
A rushed installation can lead to problems that cost more to fix than the time saved. Our experienced electricians work at a pace that ensures quality while minimizing your outage.
Schedule Your Panel Upgrade
Ready to upgrade your panel? Contact AJ Long Electric at (571) 444-6886 to schedule your consultation. We'll provide an accurate timeline estimate based on your specific situation and work with your schedule to minimize disruption.
