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Main Electrical Upgrade/Heavy Up

Thank you for choosing Setera Electrical Contractors for your residential main electrical service upgrade, also known as a heavy up. We want to ensure that you understand the process, the benefits, and the risks involved in upgrading your electrical service. Please read the following information carefully, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

What is a residential main electrical service upgrade (heavy up)?

 A residential main electrical service upgrade, or a heavy up, involves replacing the existing electrical service equipment, including the main breaker panel, the meter socket, and the electrical service cable, with new equipment that can handle more electrical load. This is necessary when the existing service is not able to meet the demands of the home's electrical system, or when the home is being renovated or expanded.

What are the benefits of a Heavy Up?

  • Increase the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system.

  • Improve the performance of your electrical appliances and devices.

  • Increase the resale value of your home.

  • Allow you to add new appliances or expand your home without worrying about electrical capacity.

Why might I need a Heavy Up?

  • Your home is experiencing frequent power outages, flickering lights, or other electrical issues.

  • You are planning to add new appliances, such as a central air conditioner, an electric vehicle charger, or a hot tub, that require more electrical capacity than your current service can provide.

  • You are renovating your home or adding a new room or addition that requires additional electrical circuits.

What are the risks of a Heavy Up?

A residential main electrical service upgrade involves working with high-voltage electrical equipment and should only be performed by a licensed and insured electrical contractor. If the work is not done properly, it can result in electrical shocks, fires, or other hazards. To minimize the risks, make sure that your contractor:

  • Is licensed and insured in your state.

  • Has experience with residential main electrical service upgrades.

  • Follows all local codes and regulations.

  • Obtains all necessary permits and inspections.

  • Provides a written warranty for the work.

How much does a Heavy Up Cost?

The cost of a residential main electrical service upgrade depends on several factors, including the size and type of your home, the existing electrical service equipment, the amount of new equipment needed, and the complexity of the installation. We can provide you with a detailed estimate after we have assessed your home's electrical system.

What is the Timeline/Process of a Heavy Up?

  1. Initial Assessment: An electrician will first assess your current electrical system and determine if you need a heavy up. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.

  2. Permitting: Depending on your city or town's regulations, you may need a permit to upgrade your electrical service. Permitting can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the local government's processing time.

  3. Utility Company Approval: Typically work can begin before the utility company in your area will need to approve the heavy up. After the county passes the inspection, this is when the Power company process begins and can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But there are exceptions in which utility approval will be needed before the work has begun.

  4. Scheduling: Once the necessary permits and approvals are in place, your electrician will schedule a date for the heavy up. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on their availability.

  5. Heavy Up Installation: The installation process typically takes 1-2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the upgrade.

  6. Inspection: After the installation is complete, an inspector will come to check the work and ensure that everything is up to code. This can take a few days to a week.

  7. Final Approval: Once the inspection is passed, your utility company will give final approval and switch your power over to the new electrical service. This typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

Overall, the entire process of upgrading a residential main electrical service can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks, depending on various factors such as permitting and inspection times.

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