Understanding an Electrical Service Upgrade
Your electrical panel is the essential hub of your home’s entire electrical system, managing and distributing power to every light, outlet, and appliance. In Portland, a significant portion of our housing stock—particularly the charming Craftsman, Bungalow, and Victorian homes built before the 1950s—rely on outdated panels that were never designed for today’s high-demand living.
An upgrade with Smiley Electric typically involves:
Replacing the existing, often undersized panel with a robust 100-amp up to 400-amp service.
Installing modern, high-quality circuit breakers and making necessary connection updates.
Ensuring the entire installation is compliant with current Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) and Oregon electrical codes.
What is the Cost of a Panel Upgrade in Portland?
What Makes a Smiley Electric Upgrade Different in Portland?
When you choose Smiley Electric for your service upgrade, you’re not just getting a new box; you’re getting peace of mind from a team that understands Portland’s unique infrastructure.
Our comprehensive service includes:
Full coordination of permits and compliance with Portland BDS requirements.
A complete, professional panel replacement using only high-grade breakers and equipment.
Safe, meticulous work executed by our fully licensed, local Portland electricians.
Utility Coordination with PGE or Pacific Power for necessary power shutoff procedures.
Handling the final city inspection to finalize your project.
A transparent, written quote with no hidden fees or surprise costs.
We ensure your home, whether it’s tucked away near Washington Park or right off I-5, is safely and reliably powered for the next generation of technology.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Portland Panel?
The Pacific Northwest weather and the age of many Portland homes often put unique stress on electrical systems. Here are definitive signs that your panel may be due for a professional inspection:
You experience frequent tripped breakers or flickering lights, especially when you run multiple appliances simultaneously.
Your panel is an old fuse-based system or a brand known to be a fire hazard (like Federal Pacific).
You notice concerning signs like a faint burning smell or buzzing sounds coming from the panel box.
You’re adding significant new loads, such as a hot tub, an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), or a new electric furnace.
If you recognize any of these issues, don’t wait—protect your home and your family.
Ready to Ensure Your Home is Power-Ready?
At Smiley Electric, we are proud to serve the diverse communities that make up the Rose City. We’ve built our reputation on integrity and quality service, helping our neighbors from St. Johns to Sellwood keep their homes safe and up to code.
