As more Peachtree City homeowners upgrade their electrical systems for safety and capacity, one of the most common questions we hear at JD Powerworks Electric is, “How long does it take to replace a breaker panel?” Replacing an outdated or overloaded panel is one of the smartest ways to improve electrical safety and prepare your home for modern appliances.
Most breaker panel replacements take between 4 and 8 hours of hands-on work, although more complex projects can take longer depending on wiring conditions and the size of the upgrade. Below is a clear breakdown of what affects the timeline and why hiring a licensed electrician ensures your panel replacement is done safely and according to Georgia electrical code.
Why You May Need a Breaker Panel Replacement
Breaker panels wear out over time and may not keep up with today’s electrical demands. Older panels often lack enough room for additional circuits, may contain outdated components, or may not handle high demand appliances safely.
Many Peachtree City homes still operate with panels installed decades ago. These panels were not designed for modern loads such as electric vehicle chargers, HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, kitchen upgrades, or hot tubs. A replacement provides the capacity and safety your home needs.
A new panel also helps protect your home during severe weather by ensuring proper grounding and reliable breaker performance.
Average Timeline Breakdown
The time required to replace a breaker panel depends on the age of your wiring, how many circuits you have, and whether additional upgrades are necessary. Below are the factors that influence installation time.
1. Standard Panel Replacement Time
Most standard replacements take 4 to 8 hours.
This includes removing the old panel, installing the new one, reconnecting circuits, grounding, labeling breakers, and testing. Homes with clean and modern wiring typically fall on the shorter end of this range.
2. Wiring and Circuit Upgrades
If the existing wiring is outdated, damaged, or not labeled correctly, the job may take 8 to 12 hours. Situations that require extra time include:
Cloth insulated wiring
Double tapped breakers
Damaged wires that must be repaired
Unlabeled circuits that require tracing
Additional circuits being added
These upgrades take time because each circuit must be made safe and code compliant.
3. Electrical Service Size Upgrade
Moving from 100 amp service to 200 amp service often requires coordination with Georgia Power.
This may extend the total project across one or two days depending on scheduling.
4. Permit and Inspection Requirements
Peachtree City requires permits and inspections for all panel replacements.
While the replacement itself is usually completed in one day, inspections may occur later based on availability.
5. Additional Safety Improvements
Some homes require grounding rods, new bonding, GFCI or AFCI breaker upgrades, or surge protection.
These add time but greatly improve long term electrical safety.
When You Might Need a Larger Upgrade
A larger panel upgrade may be recommended if you notice:
Frequent breaker trips
Flickering lights during appliance startup
Evidence of overheating inside the panel
A full or outdated panel with no room for new circuits
Plans to install a high demand appliance
Upgrading ensures your system can support your daily electrical needs safely.
Can You Replace a Breaker Panel Yourself
Replacing a breaker panel is not a safe do it yourself project. It involves high voltage wiring, grounding, meter connections, and strict code requirements.
Incorrect installation can cause electrical fires, power surges, equipment damage, or severe personal injury. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures the work is completed properly and inspected for safety.
Benefits of Professional Installation
When you hire JD Powerworks Electric, you receive:
Safe and code compliant installation
Correct breaker sizing and grounding
Proper circuit labeling and organization
Permit and inspection handling
Same day power restoration whenever possible
Reliable long term performance for your home
We replace panels throughout Peachtree City and nearby communities. Our team ensures your home’s electrical system is safe, modern, and ready for future upgrades.
Why Timelines Vary Between Homes
No two homes are identical. A newer home with clean wiring may only need a simple swap, while an older home may require rewiring, grounding upgrades, or electrical service changes.
The more preparation a panel needs, the longer the replacement process takes. Once the job is complete, your new panel provides safe and reliable power distribution for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a breaker panel is an important upgrade for the safety and reliability of your home. Most Peachtree City replacements take 4 to 8 hours, although projects with wiring updates or service upgrades may take longer. The key is hiring a licensed electrician who understands Georgia electrical requirements and can complete the job safely.
JD Powerworks Electric specializes in breaker panel replacement and electrical upgrades across Peachtree City, Georgia. We make sure your home is equipped with a safe, modern panel that provides dependable power.
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? Schedule your breaker panel replacement with JD Powerworks Electric today.
Read the FAQ: How long does it take to replace a breaker panel
Watch our video on panel replacements → [YouTube Embedded Video]
JD Powerworks Electric
Peachtree City, Georgia
Call today to schedule your panel replacement.
