Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Your Breakers Keep Tripping
A breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job. One that trips regularly under normal use means your panel is struggling to meet your home’s demand. This is one of the most common signs Winston-Salem homeowners call us about, especially in older neighborhoods like Ardmore and West End, where homes weren’t wired for today’s appliances.
Your Lights Dim When Appliances Run
If your lights flicker or dim every time the dryer starts or the AC cycles on, your panel may not be distributing power efficiently. It’s a sign your circuits are overloaded and the system needs more capacity.
Your Panel Is Outdated
Panels older than 25 years, those still using fuses, or those made by Federal Pacific or Zinsco should be evaluated immediately. These systems weren’t built for modern electrical loads and can pose a real safety risk.
You’re Adding to Your Home
Installing an EV charger, finishing a basement, adding a hot tub, or upgrading to a larger HVAC system all require more electrical capacity than most older panels can provide. A panel upgrade ensures your home is ready before the work begins.
Why Choose Caudill’s for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
When your home’s electrical system needs an upgrade, you want to choose an electrician who cares about your home as much as you do. Here’s how Caudill’s compares to other electricians in the Winston-Salem area:
| What Matters to You | The Caudill’s Difference | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Local Experience | We’ve worked on Winston-Salem homes since 1973 and understand the electrical challenges common to the area’s older and newer neighborhoods. | Many providers are regional contractors with limited knowledge of local home characteristics and code requirements. |
| Licensed & Insured | Every job is performed by licensed, bonded, and insured electricians who meet North Carolina’s requirements. | Unlicensed or underinsured contractors put your home and warranty at risk. |
| Quality Materials | We use high-quality panels and components that will stand the test of time. We don’t cut corners on parts that protect your home. | Budget contractors often install lower-grade equipment to reduce costs. |
| Transparent Communication | Clear timelines, honest pricing, and no surprise charges after the job starts. | Vague estimates and add-on fees after work begins are common complaints with other providers. |
| Reputation | 4.9-star rating on Google with 250+ verified reviews from local homeowners and businesses. | Reputation varies widely, and many lack verifiable local track records. |
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Electrical Panel Upgrade Services We Provide
No two homes in Winston-Salem have the same electrical needs. A 1940s West End bungalow has different challenges than a Sherwood Forest split-level or a new construction home near Lewisville. Our electricians know the area and understand what these homes typically need. Below are the panel upgrade services we can provide to Winston-Salem homeowners:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Panel Replacement | We swap out your existing panel for a new, properly sized unit, including all breakers, wiring connections, and labeling. |
| 100A to 200A Service Upgrade | We upgrade your home’s electrical service to handle today’s demand, from smart appliances to whole-home generators. |
| Subpanel Installation | We install subpanels for additions, workshops, garages, and finished basements that need their own dedicated circuits. |
| EV Charger Preparation | We add the dedicated circuit your Level 2 charger requires so you can charge your vehicle quickly and reliably at home. |
| Breaker Upgrades & Replacements | We replace outdated, undersized, or malfunctioning breakers to protect your circuits and reduce tripping. |
| Code Compliance Upgrades | We bring older panels up to current NEC standards, including AFCI and GFCI protection where required. |
| Permit & Inspection Coordination | We pull all necessary permits and manage inspections from start to finish. |
What Our Customers Say
“I have used Caudill’s electric for 3 jobs now, the last one being a challenging troubleshooting of a residential circuit. The Technician, Franklin, called when he was on his way, arrived earlier than the appointment time, was polite and professional. He worked his tail off to find the problem, was willing to show the issue to me and how he made the repair. He also re-wired the endpoint using best practices that leave the job better than it was before it went bad. Highly recommend Caudill’s for consistently professional and high quality work.” – Robb H.
“A huge shoutout to Casey, Jordan, and Joey for stepping up to help us out during a difficult time. They were prompt, courageous, and focused on solving our problem. They were there when we needed them and will be our first call when something else comes up!” – Mike H.
“Jared and Joey showed up early and fixed our circuit breaker problem quickly. Due to their professionalism, they also noted a few other minor issues in the breaker box and took care of those at the same time and then even helped me find a problem with a light switch and fix that also in seemingly no time at all. We have been long term Caudill’s clients, and it is obvious this is a company that passes the test to stay on a person’s list of the only place to call when you need something done with electricity!!” – Corwin L.
About Caudill’s
Caudill’s is a second-generation, family-owned electrical contractor serving Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad since 1973. Over the past 50+ years, we’ve built our reputation one job at a time through honest work, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve.
When you hire Caudill’s, you’re working with licensed electricians who take pride in doing the job right. We treat your home with respect, we show up when we say we will, and we don’t leave until the work meets our standards. That’s how we’ve earned a 4.9-star rating on Google from more than 250 local homeowners and businesses, and how we’ve kept clients coming back for decades.
Contact us today to schedule a panel assessment or get a quote for your upgrade.
Service Areas in Winston-Salem
We provide residential electrical panel upgrades throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas, including:
Schedule Your Panel Upgrade
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? Caudill’s makes the process straightforward from the first call to final inspection. Whether you’re dealing with a panel that’s failing today or planning ahead for a home addition or EV charger, we’re ready to help.
Call us today or fill out our contact form to get started.
Or Call 336-996-5151 to get started.