Electrical Panel Upgrades & Heavy-Ups in the DMV
200-amp upgrades, heavy-ups, sub-panels, and Federal Pacific & Zinsco replacements — done to code and inspected.
What's Included
Every job comes scoped, permitted, and inspected — no shortcuts.
- 100-amp to 200-amp service upgrades ("heavy-ups")
- Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel replacement
- Zinsco panel replacement
- Main breaker panel and meter base swaps
- Sub-panel installation for additions and detached structures
- Whole-home surge protection at the panel
- Panel relabeling and circuit mapping
- AFCI and GFCI breaker upgrades
When You Actually Need a Panel Upgrade
A 'heavy-up' — moving from 100-amp to 200-amp service — is one of the most common requests we get. You typically need one if you're adding an EV charger, a heat pump or mini-split, a hot tub, a generator transfer switch, an addition, or if your existing panel is full and there's no room for new circuits.
If your panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or a Zinsco, the answer is simpler: replace it. Both panels have documented histories of breakers failing to trip during overcurrent — a known fire hazard and one that most insurers now flag during inspection.
What's Actually In a Heavy-Up
A proper 200-amp service upgrade replaces the meter base, the service entrance conductors, the mast (if overhead), the main breaker panel, and grounding electrodes. We coordinate the temporary disconnect with the utility, pull the permit, swap everything in a single day in most cases, and schedule the county inspection.
Power is typically off for 4–8 hours. We'll give you a clear window so you can plan around the food in the fridge.
Sub-Panels for Additions, Garages & ADUs
Adding a detached garage, finishing a basement, or wiring an ADU? A correctly-sized sub-panel keeps loads organized and avoids voltage drop on long runs. We size the feeder, run the conduit, and land everything to code with proper grounding/bonding.
Why Pirro Electric for Panel Work
Panel work is some of the highest-stakes residential electrical you can hire out — bad workmanship can quietly create fire hazards for years. We're licensed master electricians in MD, DC, and VA, fully insured, and we pull permits on every panel swap. No exceptions.
From First Call to Final Inspection
- 1
Free On-Site Assessment
A licensed electrician walks the job, scopes the work, and answers your questions.
- 2
Detailed Written Quote
You get a clear scope, timeline, and price — no surprises, no upsells.
- 3
Permitted, Code-Compliant Install
We pull the permit, do the work safely, and protect your property end-to-end.
- 4
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
We test every circuit, schedule the county inspection, and leave the site clean.
23 Years in the DMV
Family-owned since 2003. Licensed electrical contractor in MD, DC & VA, under master electrician of record Foto Martinos.
Licensed, Insured & Bonded
Full liability, automobile, and workers' comp on every job. Bonded in VA. EPA- and OSHA-certified. Pirro pulls every permit.
Trusted by Property Pros
HOA boards, property managers, and homeowners across the region — 5.0 ★ on Google.
What Affects the Price
Every job is unique — we won't quote a price online without seeing the work. But here's what moves the number up or down so you can plan.
Get a Written Quote- Service size (100A → 200A vs. 200A → 400A)
- Overhead vs. underground service drop
- Meter base and service entrance condition
- Panel location (basement vs. exterior wall)
- Permit and county inspection fees
- Whether your current grounding system needs upgrades
Panel Upgrades & Heavy-Ups Across the DMV
Serving Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Frederick County, and Northern Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn moreReady to Get Started?
Free written quotes. Licensed & insured. Same-week scheduling for most projects.