Electrical Panel Upgrades in Wilmington, Delaware

Stop Running Out of Power at Home

You live in a Wilmington home where plugging in a space heater trips the breaker, or you hesitate to run the microwave and dishwasher at the same time. Many older rowhomes and mid-century houses across Wilmington neighborhoods were built with electrical panels that no longer match the way you actually use power. These outdated panels limit your ability to charge an electric vehicle, install a backup generator, or safely add new appliances without constantly managing which circuits are in use.

Stapleford Electric replaces outdated electrical panels throughout Wilmington, increasing your home's electrical capacity and improving safety and reliability. Panel upgrades bring your electrical system into compliance with current Delaware electrical codes while supporting the power demands of modern living. Whether you need to prepare for an EV charger installation, add dedicated circuits for a home renovation, or eliminate frequent breaker trips, the work is completed with clear recommendations and minimal disruption to your daily routine.

If your panel is showing signs of strain or you need more capacity for a planned upgrade in Wilmington, get in touch to review your current system and discuss what your home actually requires.

What Happens When Your Panel Gets Replaced

The work starts with an inspection of your existing panel and electrical system to determine what size upgrade your Wilmington home needs. Stapleford Electric disconnects the old panel, removes it carefully, and installs the new unit with correctly sized breakers and proper grounding. The installation follows all current Delaware electrical standards and includes labeling each circuit so you know what controls what inside your home.

After the panel is upgraded, you will notice that your home handles power loads without tripping breakers or dimming lights when multiple devices are running. The new panel adds room for future circuits, giving you the flexibility to install a generator transfer switch, add a dedicated line for high-draw appliances, or wire a home addition without running out of space. Your electrical system becomes more dependable and ready to support how you actually live.

The installation typically takes several hours and requires a temporary power shutdown coordinated with your schedule. Stapleford Electric works efficiently to restore power as quickly as possible, and all debris and old equipment are removed from the site. The new panel is tested thoroughly before the job is considered complete, and you receive clear documentation of the work performed.

Questions You Might Have Before Starting

Homeowners in Wilmington often ask about panel capacity, the timeline for installation, and how the upgrade affects their existing wiring. These questions help clarify what to expect before scheduling the work.

What size electrical panel does my Wilmington home need?
Most homes benefit from a 200-amp panel, which provides enough capacity for modern appliances, HVAC systems, and future additions like EV chargers or generators. Stapleford Electric evaluates your current usage and planned upgrades to recommend the right size for your situation.
How long will my power be off during the panel upgrade?
You should expect your power to be off for several hours while the old panel is removed and the new one is installed and tested. Stapleford Electric schedules the work at a time that minimizes disruption and restores power as quickly as possible once the installation is complete.
Why do older Wilmington homes need panel upgrades more often?
Many older rowhomes and mid-century houses were built with 60-amp or 100-amp panels designed for far fewer electrical demands. Modern homes use significantly more power, and upgrading the panel prevents overloading and improves safety throughout the electrical system.
What happens to my existing wiring when the panel is replaced?
Your existing wiring remains in place and is reconnected to the new panel with properly sized breakers. If the wiring itself is outdated or damaged, Stapleford Electric will identify those sections and recommend repairs or replacements to bring everything up to code.
How do I know if my panel needs to be upgraded?
Frequent breaker trips, dimming lights when appliances turn on, a panel that feels warm to the touch, or the inability to add new circuits are all signs that your panel may be undersized or outdated. An inspection can confirm whether an upgrade is necessary for safety or capacity.

Stapleford Electric works with Wilmington homeowners to complete panel upgrades that meet current electrical codes and support the way you use power today. If your home is showing signs of electrical strain or you are planning a major addition, contact us to schedule an evaluation and discuss the right upgrade for your property.