Electrical panel upgrades
Safe capacity for the way your home uses power today, installed by a licensed Texas electrical contractor.
Electrical panel upgrades: an overview
Your electrical panel is where utility power is divided into the circuits that run your home. Many houses still have panels that were sized decades ago, before central air on every floor, EV chargers, hot tubs, induction ranges and home offices full of equipment. When demand outgrows the panel, you see it as tripping breakers, warm covers or simply no room for another circuit.
A panel upgrade replaces the panel, and sometimes increases the size of the electrical service, so your home has the capacity and the breaker spaces it needs. It’s also an opportunity to correct old problems: double-tapped breakers, missing labels, worn connections and equipment that’s no longer made.
Panel work is licensed electrical work that usually needs a permit, an inspection and coordination with your electric utility for the disconnect and reconnect. Kelm Electric handles that process under electrical contractor license TECL #21849, with Clint Kelm holding a Texas Master Electrician license (TMEL #510665).
What’s included
What this work typically covers. Your scope depends on your home and equipment.
Load evaluation
We look at your existing service, your major appliances and what you plan to add.
Panel replacement
A new panel with room for current and future circuits.
Service upgrades
When needed, increasing service size with the utility’s coordination.
Breaker and labeling cleanup
Correct breakers for each circuit and a clearly labeled directory.
Permits and inspection
We pull the permit and schedule the inspection.
Planning for add-ons
Space and capacity for an EV charger, generator transfer switch or addition.
Signs your panel may need attention
- Breakers trip often, especially when large appliances start
- The panel cover or breakers feel warm, or you smell burning
- There are no open spaces for new circuits
- You’re adding an EV charger, generator, pool or addition
- The panel is an older model with known problems or visible rust
Why homeowners call Kelm for panel upgrades
Licensed electrical contractor
Work is performed under TECL #21849, and owner Clint Kelm is a Texas Master Electrician (TMEL #510665).
Permits handled
We tell you when a job needs a permit and inspection, and we take care of both.
Part of a full-service family
Plumbing, standby generators and construction are handled by the Kelm family of services, which makes multi-trade projects simpler.
Local to Santa Fe
We’re based in Galveston County and work across Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties.
How it works
From your first call to a finished, tested job.
Call
Tell us what’s happening or what you’re adding.
Evaluate
We inspect the panel and review your loads on site.
Quote and permit
You get a clear scope; we file the permit.
Upgrade
We coordinate the utility disconnect, replace the panel and reconnect circuits.
Inspect and walk through
The work is inspected, and we show you the labeled panel.
Panel Upgrades FAQ
Common questions about this service.
How long will my power be off?
Panel replacements require the power to be off while the work is done. We’ll tell you what to expect for your job and plan around it.
Do I need a bigger service or just a new panel?
It depends on your loads. Sometimes a new panel is enough; sometimes the service size has to increase. Your load evaluation answers that.
Will a panel upgrade help with a generator?
Often. A generator transfer switch needs space and correct configuration, and an upgrade is a good time to plan it.
Is a rusty panel dangerous?
Corrosion can damage connections and breakers. Coastal homes see it more often. Have it inspected.
Get an estimate for panel upgrades
Tell us about your home and the work you need. We’ll follow up by your preferred method.
Related services
Generator Hookups
Safe generator connections and transfer switches, coordinated with Kelm Power Systems for full standby installs, service and monitoring.
Learn moreEV Chargers
A dedicated Level 2 circuit and charger installed safely, with a check of your panel’s capacity first.
Learn moreTroubleshooting & Repair
Tripping breakers, dead outlets, flickering lights and mystery problems, tracked down methodically and fixed safely.
Learn moreWiring & Rewiring
New circuits, remodel wiring and rewiring for older homes, done to code by a licensed electrical contractor.
Learn more