Residential Electrical Panel Upgrades in Altadena

Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades services for Altadena homes and businesses. Expert electrical installation with fire-resistant design, modern safety features, and full code compliance.

Licensed & Insured
A, B & C10 Contractor
25+ Years
Experience in LA
1000+ Projects
Successfully Completed

Our Work

Tesla Supercharger station with solar canopy installation by Shaffer Construction electrical contractorsCommercial EV charging infrastructure with electrical panels and utility meters installed by licensed electriciansTesla Powerwall battery storage system professionally installed on residential home exterior

Benefits

Built for Fire Recovery, Resilience, and Tomorrow

Every panel upgrade we design prioritizes fire safety, emergency power resilience, and future growth. We right-size panels to 200A–400A where needed, use copper bus bars, and select fire-resistant enclosures and conduit systems rated for high-fire-hazard severity zones. We incorporate whole-home surge protection to guard against lightning strikes and grid instability common in foothill areas, backup generator transfer switches or interlocks for emergency power during public safety shutoffs (critical for Altadena’s fire-prone environment), and solar- and battery-ready load centers that support energy independence and grid resilience. For Altadena Eaton Fire rebuilds, we integrate smart load management and energy monitoring—ideal for optimizing EV charging, HVAC, and time-of-use strategies in Southern California Edison territory.

Permits and Fire Safety Code Assured

Our team handles all permitting and inspections with LA County Building and Safety and coordinates meter releases with Southern California Edison. We strictly adhere to the California Electrical Code (2022 cycle), LA County fire safety amendments for high-fire-hazard severity zones, and NEC requirements for grounding and bonding (Article 250), working clearances (110.26), AFCI/GFCI protection (210.8/210.12), and surge protection (230.67). For homes in Altadena’s foothill high-fire-hazard areas, we meet enhanced clearance requirements, use fire-resistant materials, and comply with defensible space standards. Expect clear documentation, properly labeled circuits, and panel installations that pass inspection the first time—critical for fire recovery timelines and getting families back into their Altadena homes.

Fire-Resistant Materials and Pro Workmanship

We use only UL-listed panels, breakers, and meter bases from trusted manufacturers. For Altadena’s fire-prone foothill environment, we specify NEMA 3R enclosures for weather protection, fire-resistant conduit (rigid metal or Schedule 80 PVC where code allows), stainless steel or corrosion-resistant hardware, and properly sized copper or aluminum conductors with anti-oxidant compounds on aluminum terminations. All connections are torqued to manufacturer specifications and documented. We upgrade grounding electrode systems (UFER/ground rods), bond gas and water lines per code, and install equipment rated for hot, dry conditions and wildfire exposure. The result is a clean, durable, fire-resistant panel built to withstand Altadena’s unique environmental challenges—from Santa Ana winds to summer heat and wildfire risk.

Tailored Design for Fire Recovery and Foothill Living

Every home and rebuild project is different. We start with a comprehensive load calculation (NEC Article 220) considering EVs, HVAC, backup generators, pools/spas if applicable, and future solar or battery storage. For Eaton Fire recovery projects, we assess site-specific fire risks, optimal panel placement away from combustible materials, proper clearances, and backup power needs for medical equipment or well pumps common in Altadena’s foothill properties. We review any HOA or neighborhood guidelines, coordinate with your architect or builder, and produce detailed one-line diagrams for LA County permitting and SCE coordination. If a service upgrade is needed, we plan conduit runs, meter base work, and grounding systems per utility standards—ensuring everything is done safely, neatly, with fire safety as the top priority, and with respect for Altadena’s historic architectural character where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for electrical panel replacement in Altadena after the Eaton Fire?+

Yes. LA County Building and Safety requires permits and inspections for all electrical panel replacements and rewiring, especially for Eaton Fire recovery projects. Expedited permitting is available for homes damaged in the Eaton Fire. We prepare all applications, provide load calculations and one-line diagrams, coordinate with LA County’s fire recovery team, and schedule inspections. After approval, we coordinate meter releases with SCE to restore service.

How long will my power be off during the panel upgrade?+

For most standard panel swaps, the outage is limited to 6–8 hours during a single workday. We coordinate the SCE disconnect/reconnect window to minimize disruption and restore essential circuits as quickly as possible. For Eaton Fire recovery projects involving complete home rewiring, timelines are longer but we coordinate closely with your builder and provide temporary power solutions where feasible to support construction and rebuilding activities.

Will my new panel be designed to reduce fire risk and provide backup power?+

Absolutely. We use fire-resistant enclosures and conduit, maintain proper clearances from combustible materials per high-fire-hazard severity zone requirements, install whole-home surge protection, and integrate backup generator provisions (transfer switches or interlocks) to keep critical systems running during public safety power shutoffs—which are common in Altadena’s foothill fire-prone environment. This reduces reliance on portable generators and significantly improves safety and resilience.

Can you help coordinate with my insurance and builder for Eaton Fire recovery?+

Yes. We work closely with insurance adjusters, architects, and general contractors on Eaton Fire recovery projects. We provide detailed estimates, documentation, material specifications, and can participate in scope meetings to ensure your electrical systems are rebuilt to code and optimized for modern needs including backup power and fire safety. Our goal is to make the electrical recovery process as smooth as possible during your rebuilding journey.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your electrical project!

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