Breaker Box Panel Upgrades
The Federal Pacific Panel was a brand of electrical equipment that became commonplace in the 1970s. The company went out of business in 1990, but many homeowners still have these panels installed in their homes. In fact, there are more than 1 million homes with this type of panel.

If you have one, please watch this video to find out why replacing it is important and how you can make sure your home is safe from power surges and other problems.

Your home’s safety should always be a top priority – especially when it comes to electricity! James Adams, Master Electrician in McKinney TX will highlight some reasons why homeowners who still have Federal Pacific Panels installed may want to replace them as soon as possible for the sake of safety and peace-of-mind. In addition James will talk of alternatives to replacing it with. The recommended brands that ABR Electric frequently installs.
Home

If you are experiencing any of these problems:

1. Flickering lights.

2. Breakers that constantly trip or fuses that frequently blow.

3. The need to turn off one appliance to use another.

4. The smell of melted electrical wires.

Then you need to change your electrical panel immediately.

Sometimes you may hear a crackling sound from your panel box. Or you could be noticing some corrosion or rust on the breakers or panel themselves. Please call a licensed electrician.

Generators

Being a an Authorized Generac Installer means peace of mind to the homeowner. According to Generac's own manual {"If you don't keep up with maintenance, you are shortening the life of your unit and could potentially void your warranty. If you refer to your owner's manual, even having your generator installed improperly could void the warranty."}

Have your Generac generator installed properly by an electrician that will follow the manufacturer guidelines.

EV Home Charging Stations
Please see the below questions that will help us
provide a more accurate estimate.

Please note: depending on the actual distance from the panel and access, cost is subject
to the amount of wire needed. Also, each city has its own permitting costs and inspection
requirements that may affect the total cost. Drywall patch and paint is not covered in our
estimate and would be done by others.

1- What is your address?
2- Is your electrical panel in the garage?
3- Where would you like the TWC/NEMA 14-50 installed? Right next to the panel or in
another location?
4- Is there attic access directly over the garage?
5- Can you please send pictures of your electrical panel where we can clearly see the
numbers on the breaker handles and the panel schedule, if it is labeled.
6- Do you know if you want the NEMA 14-50 for the Tesla Mobile Connector? Or, will you be
purchasing the Tesla Wall Connector (TWC)?
Thanks again for reaching out to us. We look forward to hearing back from you.

Why is a permit and inspection necessary?

In order for you to modify the electrical panel of a home a permit and inspection from your local building department is required. These requirements are designed to ensure safe and code compliant electrical installations for both yourself and your neighbors. The permit will also make local utilities aware of growing electric vehicle ownership in the area, allowing ample time to plan ahead for any infrastructure upgrades for the community. 

When should I install home charging?
We recommend installing home charging shortly after ordering your Tesla vehicle. Some installations, such as detached garages or electrical system upgrades, will require longer lead times. Installing the electrical equipment ahead of time will ensure you are prepared to charge at home when taking delivery of your vehicle.

How much does it cost to install charging equipment?​

Depending on the scope of work.

Some minor drywall removal is required when running new wiring to the side of the panel. Depending on what city you are in there may be added cost for permit and inspection fees. Cities like McKinney and Frisco require a licensed electrician to be onsite for the electrical inspection. The permit and inspection fees, for cities that require an electrician to be onsite, are set by the city.

It’s important to note that every installation is custom to the home. Depending on your length of wire run and other modifications that cost might add up. Distance is an important factor; an installation which is 100 feet away from the electrical panel will be more expensive than an installation 10 feet away.

Some homes may need a utility upgrade. Plan ahead if you have a more complicated installation, such as trenching to a detached garage.

Contact for an updated price 214-690-1941 

In Lucas, TX, residents face the constant threat of power outages and voltage surges, jeopardizing the safety and functionality of their homes. These surges, often triggered by issues in transformers and generating equipment or as a result of fires during brownouts, can interrupt the electricity supply suddenly, endangering lives and causing property damage. Additionally, brownouts, which lead to a reduction in voltage, add complexity to these electrical challenges.

Understanding Power Surges and Their Causes

Power surges occur frequently and have various origins, including external faults in transformers or generating equipment, and internal situations such as the immediate restoration of power following a brownout. These incidents can significantly affect a home's electrical systems and devices.

Choosing the Right Surge Protection

It's crucial to select a suitable whole-house surge protector. Some protectors are designed to shield specific devices from power spikes, while others provide comprehensive protection for all electronic devices in the home, not limited to those directly connected to an outlet.

The Importance of Whole House Surge Protectors

For homeowners with valuable electronics, installing a whole-house surge protector is critical to safeguard against unpredictable voltage fluctuations.

ABR Electric's Recommendation: Siemens FS140

For superior home protection, ABR Electric recommends the Siemens FS140 Whole House Surge Protector. Siemens advises mounting the FirstSurge (FS140) directly onto the exterior of the electrical panel or beside it, utilizing the provided hardware or an optional Flush Mount Kit for seamless integration.

Whole-House Surge Protector Installation Guide:

Power Shutdown: Initially, turn off the power to ensure a safe installation process.
Panel Preparation: Prepare the electrical panel for the surge protector's addition.
Surge Protector Mounting: Securely install the surge protector in the selected location.
Wire Connection: Attach the surge protector's wires to the electrical panel.
Panel Reassembly and Testing: After installing, reassemble the electrical panel and perform a test to verify functionality.
Although surge protectors can be installed at various points between the main electrical panel and the electricity meter, installing it within the main breaker panel is generally most effective.

Professional Installation Advised

Due to the complexity and potential risks of integrating a surge protector into the home’s electrical system, ABR Electric recommends that homeowners employ a licensed electrician for the installation. This ensures safety and compliance with Lucas's local building codes and regulations.

Navigating Lucas's Building and Construction Codes

Compliance with Lucas's local building and construction codes is essential, including obtaining the necessary permits and inspections to ensure the installation's safety and legality. Familiarity with the city's specific electrical installation requirements, as outlined in local construction codes, is crucial for meeting all legal and safety standards.

By opting for ABR Electric for your whole-house surge protector installation, you not only protect your electronic devices but also ensure adherence to Lucas's stringent building and construction standards. Secure your home against the unpredictability of power surges with the expertise of ABR Electric.