The Complete Electrical Upgrade (Heavy-Up) Process in Bethesda, MD

When it comes to upgrading your home’s electrical service, many homeowners face confusion and uncertainty about the electrical heavy-up process. This is a critical task that ensures your electrical panel can handle the power needs of your growing household, especially if you’re adding new appliances, renovating, or simply need more power. At Meyer Electrical Services, Inc., we specialize in performing electrical upgrades (also known as “heavy-ups”) to ensure your home is safe, efficient, and up to code. Here’s a breakdown of the heavy-up process, what it involves, and how we can help.

What is a Heavy-Up?

A heavy-up is the process of upgrading your home’s electrical panel to accommodate more power. It is typically required when:

• You need to add new appliances or devices that require more amperage than your existing panel can handle.
• Your electrical panel is full, and there’s no more space to add or change circuits.
• Your circuits keep tripping due to overload, and you can’t redistribute loads due to lack of space.
• You are planning a remodel or addition to your home that requires a higher electrical service.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a heavy-up might be the best solution to ensure your home’s electrical system can safely handle your needs.

Why Choose Meyer Electrical Services, Inc.?

Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. is dedicated to providing the highest quality electrical upgrades in Bethesda, MD. We use top-of-the-line products such as Cutler Hammer panel boards and circuit breakers, known for their reliability and durability. Our electrical upgrades come with a lifetime warranty on all panel boards, circuit breakers, and generator installations. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is secure and will continue to perform optimally for years to come.

The Heavy-Up Process: Step by Step

If you’re considering a heavy-up for your home, here’s an outline of the process from start to finish:

1. Contact Meyer Electrical Services, Inc.

The first step in the heavy-up process is to reach out to Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. for a consultation. We’ll analyze your current electrical issues to determine if a heavy-up is the right solution. We’ll provide a FREE estimate based on our findings.

2. Acceptance of Estimate

Once you review the estimate and accept it, our expert team will get started on the job. You can trust that we will handle all aspects of the upgrade with efficiency and precision.

3. Pulling an Electrical Permit

Before any work begins, we must pull an electrical permit from the local jurisdiction. This permit is essential for legal and safety purposes. It ensures that the work is inspected by the county to guarantee it’s done correctly and complies with safety standards. The county will also pass on the results to PEPCO, the utility company, so they can proceed with the next steps in the upgrade process.

4. Performing the Heavy-Up

The heavy-up process itself typically takes 7 to 8 hours to complete, though the power will need to be shut off for approximately 4 hours during the upgrade. Our team will replace or upgrade your electrical panel, ensuring it can handle the increased load and any future electrical needs.

5. Inspection

Once the heavy-up is complete, an inspector from the jurisdiction will come to verify that everything was done correctly. This inspection is crucial for ensuring the work is safe and meets local building codes.

6. Sending Notification to the Power Company

After the inspection is completed and passed, we will notify PEPCO of the successful upgrade. Our master electrician will submit a class of service application to PEPCO, informing them that a heavy-up was performed at your home.

7. Inspection Results Sent to PEPCO

The inspector will then send the results of the inspection to PEPCO, giving them the green light to proceed with the final connection to your upgraded electrical service.

8. PEPCO Site Check

PEPCO will conduct a site check to ensure everything is in place for the final connections. This process usually takes between 30 to 90 days to complete.

9. PEPCO Makes Final Connections

Finally, once all the paperwork and inspections are complete, PEPCO will perform the final connections to the meter and service weather head. This step marks the official completion of the upgrade, and your home will now have the electrical capacity it needs.

Why is a Heavy-Up Important?

Upgrading your electrical system is an investment in your home’s safety and functionality. An outdated or overloaded electrical panel can lead to frequent circuit trips, increased risk of fire, and prevent you from safely adding new appliances. A heavy-up ensures that your home’s electrical system can safely handle all the power demands of your daily life.

Conclusion

Meyer Electrical Services, Inc. is proud to be your trusted Bethesda electrician for all heavy-up and electrical upgrade needs. Our skilled team handles every step of the process, from pulling permits to final connections, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for homeowners. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and take the first step toward upgrading your home’s electrical system. With our lifetime warranty on all panels and circuit breakers, you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.