Electrician, Meyer Electrical Services Inc.
Written by Walt Meyer

Electrical Upgrade (Heavy-Up) Process in Bethesda, MD – What You Need to Know

Are you considering an electrical panel upgrade (also known as a heavy-up) for your home in Bethesda, MD? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the challenge of outdated electrical systems that are no longer sufficient for their modern electrical needs. Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. is here to help you through the process, ensuring your electrical system is safe, reliable, and capable of handling your power requirements.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of the electrical heavy-up process, explain why you might need one, and outline how Meyer Electrical Services can help you with this important upgrade.

When Should You Consider a Heavy-Up?

A heavy-up is often necessary when your existing electrical panel can no longer support your growing electrical needs. Some common signs that you need an upgrade include:

  • No space in your panel: If your electrical panel is full, there’s no room to add new circuits for appliances or devices.
  • Increased power requirements: If you’re planning to install a new appliance that requires more amperage than your current panel can provide.
  • Frequent circuit tripping: Overloaded circuits that cause frequent tripping are a clear indication your system is overburdened.
  • Renovations or additions: Home remodels or additional electrical work that require more power or a higher service line.

If any of these issues apply to your home, it’s time to consider a heavy-up to prevent potential electrical hazards and ensure your home’s electrical system can handle its load.

Why Choose Meyer Electrical Services for Your Heavy-Up?

Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. is a trusted and experienced electrician serving Bethesda, MD. We are committed to providing high-quality electrical solutions for our customers, ensuring safety and reliability. Here are a few reasons why we are the best choice for your electrical panel upgrade:

  1. Top-Quality Products: We only install the best products, including Cutler Hammer panel boards and circuit breakers, ensuring that your electrical system is built to last.
  2. Lifetime Warranty: We offer a lifetime warranty on electrical panels, circuit breakers, and generator installations. You can have peace of mind knowing that our work is guaranteed.
  3. Expert Installation: Our licensed electricians are experienced in performing heavy-up upgrades efficiently and safely.
  4. Customer-Centered Service: We understand that your home is your most valuable asset, and we treat every project with the utmost care and respect.

The Electrical Heavy-Up Process

The electrical heavy-up process may seem complex, but it is a well-defined series of steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

  1. Contact Meyer Electrical Services: Reach out to us to schedule an assessment of your electrical system. We’ll identify whether a heavy-up is the right solution for your home. We also provide a free estimate for the work.
  2. Acceptance of Estimate: Once you’ve reviewed and accepted the estimate, we’ll proceed with the next steps.
  3. Pulling the Electrical Permit: Before any work begins, an electrical permit is required. This is an essential part of the process, as it ensures that your upgrade meets local safety standards and codes. The county will inspect the work once completed and communicate with PEPCO about the upgrade.
  4. Performing the Heavy-Up: The actual upgrade typically takes 7-8 hours. During this time, power to your home will need to be shut off for about 4 hours. Our skilled electricians will replace your old panel with a new, higher-capacity one, ensuring everything is connected properly and safely.
  5. Inspection by the Jurisdiction: After the heavy-up, an inspector from the local jurisdiction will come to inspect the work. This is a vital step to ensure that all work complies with electrical codes and is safe for use.
  6. Notification to PEPCO: Once the inspection passes, our master electrician will notify PEPCO and submit a class of service application to inform them that the heavy-up has been completed.
  7. PEPCO Site Check and Final Connections: PEPCO will perform a site check to ensure that everything is ready for the final connections. This may take between 30 to 90 days. Once they confirm everything is in place, they will make the final connection to your meter and service weather head.
  8. Completion of Your Electrical Upgrade: Congratulations! After PEPCO completes their final connections, your electrical service will be fully upgraded and ready to handle your electrical needs.

Why Choose a Heavy-Up?

Upgrading your electrical panel is an investment in your home’s safety and functionality. A heavy-up ensures that your home’s electrical system can handle your current and future power requirements. By upgrading your electrical panel, you can avoid overloads, reduce the risk of electrical fires, and increase the value of your home.

If you’re in need of an electrical panel upgrade in Bethesda, MD, Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. is here to help. Our experienced electricians will guide you through the process, ensuring that your home’s electrical system is safe, up-to-date, and capable of meeting your needs for years to come.

Contact us today for a free estimate and let us take care of your electrical heavy-up needs!