Outdated or dangerous panels cause thousands of house fires every year — get a free inspection today.
Electrical Panel Upgrade & FPE Stab-Lok Replacement — Virginia Beach & Hampton Roads
200-amp service upgrades, breaker box replacement, and dangerous FPE Stab-Lok panel removal. Licensed since 1985. Permits included. Free estimates — (757) 449-7501.
200A
Standard upgrade for modern homes
1 Day
Typical installation time
40+
Years serving Hampton Roads
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. An undersized or aging panel can't safely handle modern appliances, EV chargers, or home additions — and it can become a serious fire and safety hazard.
Warning signs your panel needs attention:
- Breakers trip frequently or won't reset
- Lights flicker or dim when appliances run
- Panel feels warm or you smell burning near it
- You're adding an EV charger, hot tub, or major appliance
- Your home still has a 100-amp panel (built before 1990)
- Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
Our Panel Service Process
Free On-Site Estimate
We assess your current panel, load requirements, and discuss the right amperage for your home or business — at no charge.
Permit & Utility Coordination
We pull all required permits and coordinate with Dominion Energy for the service upgrade — you don't have to deal with any paperwork.
Same-Day Panel Swap
Our licensed electricians install your new panel, label every circuit, and restore power — typically in a single day.
City Inspection & Certificate
We schedule and pass the city inspection so your upgrade is fully code-compliant and documented for insurance and resale.
Why Virginia Beach Homeowners Choose Mike's
- Licensed & insured in Virginia — VA License #2705-078900
- Serving Hampton Roads since 1985 — over 40 years of panel work
- Permits pulled and inspections handled — we do all the paperwork
- Upfront pricing — no surprises on your final bill
- 4.2★ Google rating from real Hampton Roads customers
- We also install EV chargers and generators on the same visit
Licensed & Insured
VA License #2705-078900
4.2★ Google Rating
Real Hampton Roads reviews
Since 1985
40+ years serving Hampton Roads
Permit Included
We handle all paperwork
Panel Upgrade & FPE Replacement — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Virginia Beach?+
Panel upgrade costs vary based on amperage (100A to 400A), the condition of existing wiring, and whether a meter base upgrade is needed. Mike's Electrical Service provides free on-site estimates — call (757) 449-7501 or use our contact form to schedule yours.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Virginia Beach?+
Yes. All electrical panel upgrades in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads require a permit and city inspection. Mike's Electrical Service handles all permitting and coordinates the inspection — it's included in our service.
How long does a panel upgrade take?+
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day. We coordinate with Dominion Energy for the service disconnect and reconnect, so your power is typically off for only a few hours during the swap.
What size panel do I need for my Virginia Beach home?+
Most modern homes need a 200-amp panel. If you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, workshop, or planning a home addition, a 200A or 400A panel may be appropriate. We'll assess your load requirements during the free estimate.
Will a panel upgrade help me add an EV charger?+
Yes. A 200-amp panel upgrade is often the first step before installing a Level 2 EV charger (240V). Mike's Electrical Service can handle both the panel upgrade and EV charger installation in the same visit.
How do I know if I have an FPE Stab-Lok panel?+
Open your electrical panel door and look for the brand name "Federal Pacific Electric" or "Stab-Lok" on the panel door or breakers. If you're unsure, call us for a free inspection — we'll identify it for you.
How much does FPE panel replacement cost in Virginia Beach?+
Most residential FPE panel replacements in Hampton Roads range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on panel size (100A vs 200A), service upgrade needs, and permit fees. We provide a free written estimate before any work begins.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover FPE panel replacement?+
Some insurers offer partial coverage or premium discounts after FPE replacement. Many insurers in Virginia will not renew or will surcharge policies with known FPE panels. We provide documentation you can submit to your insurer.
Panel Service Area
Ready to Upgrade or Replace Your Panel? Get a Free Estimate Today.
Our licensed electricians serve all of Hampton Roads. Call now or request your free estimate online — we respond within 2 hours.