Safe, Code-Compliant Upgrades by Licensed Local Electricians
Is your home’s electrical system struggling to keep up with modern life? Whether you are facing insurance demands, frequent breaker trips, or planning a major home upgrade, Vetcon Electricians of Ocala provides the professional expertise you need to keep your property safe and powered.
As a Licensed & Insured Florida Electrical Contractor, we specialize in same-day inspections and comprehensive panel upgrades that meet all Marion County building codes. Don’t risk the safety of your family or the integrity of your home with outdated equipment.
Licensed Florida Electrical Contractor
Veteran-Owned & Operated Integrity
5-Star Local Ocala Reviews
Fully Code-Compliant & Inspected Work
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Why Many Ocala Homes Need Electrical Panel Replacement
Ocala is a beautiful mix of historic charm and rapid modern growth. However, many homes in neighborhoods like Silver Springs Shores, Historic District, and On Top of the World were built during eras when electrical demands were a fraction of what they are today.
Aging Panels Common in Ocala
Many local residences still contain dangerous, obsolete panels such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Zinsco, or old-fashioned fuse boxes. These units were not designed to handle the load of modern appliances and are known for failing to trip during a surge, creating a significant fire hazard. That’s why its important to do a electrical panel upgrade when its needed.
Increased Electrical Demand
Today’s Ocala homeowner utilizes more power than ever before. We frequently perform replacements to accommodate:
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: Crucial for Florida’s grueling summer heat.
Pool Pumps & Heaters: A staple of the Florida lifestyle.
EV Chargers: Level 2 charging requires a robust, dedicated circuit.
Home Renovations: Kitchen remodels and additions quickly max out old service panels.
Florida-Specific Risks
Our local environment is tough on electrical components. Extreme heat loads can cause wiring to degrade faster, while frequent lightning strikes and storm-related surges in Marion County put immense pressure on aging breakers. Furthermore, Florida homeowners’ insurance providers are increasingly denying coverage or raising premiums for homes with panels older than 30 years.
Warning Signs Your Electrical Panel Is Unsafe or Outdated
Your electrical panel is the “brain” of your home. When it starts to fail, it gives off warning signs that should never be ignored.
Breakers Constantly Tripping: If you can’t run the microwave and the toaster at the same time without a trip, your panel is overloaded.
Flickering Lights: This often indicates a loose connection or a bus bar that is failing within the panel.
Burning Smell or Warm Cover: If the panel door feels warm to the touch or smells like ozone/burning plastic, shut off your main breaker and call us immediately.
Rust or Corrosion: High humidity in Florida can lead to oxidation on the breakers, preventing them from functioning during a short circuit.
No Main Shutoff: Many older panels lack a single main breaker, which is a modern safety requirement.
Insurance Notices: If your carrier has flagged your “Challenger” or “Zinsco” panel, you may face policy cancellation.
Electrical Panels We Replace in Ocala, FL
We provide tailored solutions based on your home’s specific needs and local utility requirements (SECO or Ocala Electric Utility).
Fuse Box to Breaker Panel Upgrades
If you are still unscrewing glass fuses, your system is likely 50+ years old. We transition these systems to modern circuit breakers that provide much higher levels of safety and convenience.
100-Amp to 200-Amp Panel Upgrades
Standard for modern living, a 200-amp upgrade provides the “headroom” needed for modern appliances, smart home technology, and electric vehicle charging without overloading the system.
Federal Pacific (FPE) & Zinsco Panel Replacement
These brands are notorious for “no-trip” failures. We specialize in the complete removal of these hazardous units, replacing them with industry-leading brands like Square D or Eaton.
Outdoor & Meter-Main Panel Replacements
Many Ocala homes have their main breaker located outside by the meter. We handle the coordination with the utility company to replace these weathered units with NEMA-rated weather-resistant enclosures.
Our Electrical Panel Replacement Process
We pride ourselves on a “no-surprises” workflow. From the moment you call Vetcon Electricians of Ocala, you can expect a professional, step-by-step experience.
On-site Electrical Inspection: We evaluate your current panel, grounding system, and service entrance cables.
Load Calculation: We perform a formal calculation to ensure your new panel can handle your home’s total electrical “thirst.”
Permitting: We pull all necessary permits with the Marion County Building Department or the City of Ocala.
Safe Disconnect: We coordinate with your utility provider for a safe power disconnect.
Installation & Grounding: We install the new panel, ensuring all circuits are balanced and the system is properly grounded to current NEC standards.
Inspection: A city or county inspector verifies the work to ensure it meets safety codes.
Restoration & Walkthrough: We restore power, label every breaker clearly, and walk you through the new system.
How Much Does Electrical Panel Replacement Cost in Ocala?
Service Type
Estimated Price Range
Best For
100-Amp Replacement
$1,200 – $2,200
Small homes / Like-for-like swaps
200-Amp Upgrade
$2,500 – $4,500
Standard homes / EV charging / HVAC
Meter/Main Combo
$1,800 – $3,000
Outdoor service replacements
Whole-Home Surge Protection
$300 – $600
Add-on for lightning protection
Note: Factors affecting price include the length of wire runs, need for new grounding rods, and any required structural repairs to the mounting surface.
Electrical Code & Permit Requirements in Ocala, FL
In Ocala, electrical work isn’t just a matter of “making it work”—it’s a matter of law. All panel replacements must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Attempting unpermitted work or hiring an unlicensed “handyman” for a panel swap is dangerous. It can lead to:
Insurance Claim Denials: If a fire occurs, insurance may not pay if the work wasn’t permitted.
Resale Issues: Home inspectors will flag unpermitted panels, often stalling a home sale.
Safety Hazards: Improperly grounded panels are a leading cause of electrical shock.
At Vetcon Electricians, we handle the entire bureaucratic process, ensuring your upgrade is 100% legal and documented.
Why Electrical Panel Replacement Must Be Done by a Licensed Electrician
Working inside an electrical panel involves handling live “lugs” that carry enough current to be fatal. A licensed electrician understands arc flash protection, wire sizing, and torque requirements.
Hiring a professional ensures that every connection is tight, every breaker is seated correctly, and the entire system is “balanced” to prevent one leg of your power from being overworked.
Why Ocala Homeowners Trust Vetcon Electricians
We aren’t just contractors; we are your neighbors.
Local Expertise: We know the specific electrical quirks of homes in Marion County.
Veteran-Owned Values: We bring discipline, honesty, and a commitment to service to every job site.
Clean Installations: We respect your home. We use drop cloths and ensure our work area is spotless before we leave.
Workmanship Warranty: We stand behind our installs with a comprehensive guarantee.
Recent Electrical Panel Replacements in Ocala & Marion County
Insurance Compliance in Oak Run: Replaced an aging Challenger panel for a homeowner whose insurance company threatened to drop their coverage.
Storm Recovery near Silver Springs: Replaced a meter-main that was damaged during a severe thunderstorm, restoring power within 24 hours.
EV Ready in Belleview: Upgraded a 1970s-era 100-amp panel to a 200-amp system to allow for the installation of a Tesla Wall Connector.
Electrical Panel Replacement FAQs – Ocala, FL
How long does a panel replacement take? Usually, the physical replacement takes 4 to 8 hours. We coordinate with the utility company to minimize your downtime.
Do I need a permit in Ocala? Yes. Any panel replacement or service upgrade in Marion County requires a permit and a subsequent inspection.
Will my power be off all day? Yes, the power must be disconnected for the duration of the installation for safety. We recommend planning for a day without power for your refrigerator and HVAC.
Can you upgrade my panel for an EV charger? Absolutely. This is the most common reason for upgrades today. We ensure your panel has the capacity for a 50 or 60-amp dedicated EV circuit.
Schedule Your Electrical Panel Replacement in Ocala, FL
Don’t wait for a flickering light to turn into a fire. Protect your home, your family, and your investment with a professional electrical panel upgrade. Vetcon Electricians of Ocala is ready to provide you with a safe, reliable, and code-compliant power system.
Serving Ocala, Belleview, Silver Springs, Dunnellon, and all of Marion County.
Christine Kelley is a dedicated home blogger who has been blogging for over six years. She covers everything home related. Christine also loves writing posts about her travels to Europe with her husband and two children.
