Bay City

Traverse City

MENU

MENU

Panel Installation

Electrical Panel Installation & Upgrades

Your Trusted Electricians

Is your electrical panel up to the job?
If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or your home still has an old fuse box, it might be time to upgrade your electrical panel. At BTE Electric, we specialize in safe, code-compliant panel installations and upgrades for homes throughout the region.

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s system—and if it’s outdated, undersized, or unsafe, it can put your entire home at risk.

What Is an Electrical Panel?

Also known as a breaker box, load center, or service panel, this is where electricity from the utility company enters your home and gets distributed to various circuits. It protects your home by automatically shutting off (or “tripping”) a circuit when there’s too much current flowing—preventing fires and other hazards.

Over time, electrical panels can become outdated or overloaded, especially if:

  • You’ve added new appliances or circuits
  • Your home has an older 60- or 100-amp service
  • You still have fuses instead of breakers
  • Your panel is from a recalled or unreliable brand (e.g., Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Challenger)

Common Questions About Full Panel or Service Upgrade

Q. When do I need to update my Electrical Panel?

ANSWER: 

You might need an upgrade if you notice:

  • Flickering or dimming lights when large appliances turn on
  • Frequently tripping breakers
  • Warm or buzzing breaker box
  • No room for additional circuits
  • Burning smells or signs of melted wiring
  • You’re adding high-demand items like EV chargers, hot tubs, or HVAC

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth having BTE take a look.

ANSWER: Pricing depends on several factors, including:

  • The amperage of the new panel (100A, 150A, 200A+)
  • Whether your electrical service (the wiring from the utility) also needs upgrading
  • Location of the panel and accessibility
  • Local permitting requirements
  • New code requirements also affect the price (outside service disconnect, surge protection devices, etc)

Typical cost range:

  • Panel replacement: $1,500–$3,000
  • Full service upgrade (panel + meter + main line): $2,500–$5,000+
  • Subpanels or additions: Ask us for a tailored quote


At BTE, we provide free, no-pressure estimates and walk you through exactly what’s needed—and what’s not.

ANSWER: Here’s what the process usually looks like:

  1. Initial inspection – We assess your current system and electrical demand.
  2. Load calculation – Ensures the new panel will support your home’s needs now and in the future
  3. Permit & utility coordination – We handle the paperwork and scheduling.
  4. Installation day – We safely remove the old panel and install the new one.
  5. Final inspection & testing – We ensure everything is code-compliant, labeled, and functioning properly.

ANSWER: A 100A panel works for smaller homes with minimal electrical needs. A 200A panel is better for larger homes, heavy appliances, or future additions like electric vehicle chargers. While 200A panels have a higher initial cost, they’re a wise choice for growing households. We’ll recommend the best fit for your home.

ANSWER: Outdated panels, especially fuse boxes or certain brands, can increase fire risks or fail to meet modern codes. Postponing an upgrade might lead to power issues or hazards. Bierlein Trombley Electric ensures your new panel is installed to National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for safety.

ANSWER: At Bierlein Trombley Electric, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners modernize and secure their electrical systems. Whether you call us BTE, BTE Electric, or by our full name, our goal is always the same: safe, smart, high-quality electrical work that lasts.

Why choose us?

  • Licensed, insured, and experienced electricians
  • Honest guidance
  • Code-compliant installs with a clean finish
  • We explain what’s happening every step of the way


This isn’t just a box on your wall—it’s what powers your home. And we treat it with the respect it deserves.

Thinking About Upgrading Your Panel? Start Here.

If you’re not sure whether you need a new panel—or just want peace of mind—reach out to BTE Electric. We’ll inspect your current setup and help you decide what’s best for your home, your budget, and your future plans.
Request a free estimate today—and let’s get your home powered up, safely and reliably.