Frequently Asked Questions

Signs you may need a panel upgrade include: circuit breakers that trip frequently, lights that flicker or dim when appliances run, a panel rated at 100 amps or less, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panel (known safety hazards), or plans to add high-draw equipment like an EV charger, hot tub, or new HVAC system. A licensed electrician can inspect your panel and give you a definitive answer. Learn more about panel upgrades.

Yes. We pull permits for all work that requires them under Austin and Texas code — including panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, EV charger installations, and generator connections. Permitted work protects you at resale, keeps your homeowner's insurance valid, and ensures the work is inspected by the city. We handle the entire permit process so you don't have to deal with it.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect small current leaks that can cause electric shock and cut power instantly. Texas electrical code requires GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and near water. If your home was built before the mid-1970s or hasn't been updated, required locations may be missing. We can assess and install them in a single visit. See our outlet services.

A Level 2 (240V) EV charger installation typically runs $400 to $1,200 depending on the distance from your panel to the garage, whether a dedicated circuit is needed, and the charger hardware you choose. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the additional load, that is a separate cost. We provide itemized written estimates before any work begins and file for Austin Energy EV charger rebates when eligible. See our EV charger page.

Yes. We offer financing options including a 12-month same-as-cash plan and longer-term monthly payment options up to 60 months. Applying takes a few minutes with a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score. Financing is available for most jobs $500 and above. See all financing options.

Your electrical service rating determines how much total power your home can draw at once. A 100-amp panel was standard for homes built before the 1980s, but today's homes with central HVAC, electric appliances, EV chargers, and multiple large loads often require 200-amp service. If you're adding major electrical loads, upgrading to 200A gives your home room to grow and eliminates the overload risk that comes with pushing a 100A panel to its limits.

Aluminum branch circuit wiring was common in homes built between 1965 and 1973. You can sometimes identify it by looking at the wire inside an outlet box — aluminum wiring is silver-colored rather than copper-colored. Homes from that era with aluminum wiring require devices rated for aluminum (AL/CU rated) and periodic inspection of connections, as aluminum expands and contracts more than copper and loose connections are a fire hazard. Learn about rewiring options.

If you smell burning, see sparking, or experience a sudden unexplained power loss, turn off the main breaker if you can do so safely, and leave the house if you smell smoke or see fire — call 911 first. Once safe, call us at (512) 847-4200. We offer emergency electrical service 24/7. Do not reset a breaker that keeps tripping repeatedly; that is a symptom of an underlying fault that needs proper diagnosis. See our emergency service page.

Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day — typically 4 to 8 hours depending on panel size and accessibility. The process involves shutting off power (usually for 3 to 6 hours), removing the old panel, installing the new one, reconnecting all circuits, and scheduling the city inspection. We coordinate the inspection directly with Austin's permitting office and will be on-site for it so you don't need to take extra time away from work.

All labor from Voltage Electric Co. is backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty. If anything we installed or connected fails due to our work within that period, we return and fix it at no charge. Equipment and fixtures carry their manufacturer warranties as well, which we help you register at the time of installation.

We serve Austin and the surrounding communities including Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and Leander. We cover all Austin zip codes and are based in South Austin at 2847 Industrial Blvd, which puts us within a short drive of most parts of the metro.

Yes. We schedule non-emergency work on Saturdays and offer limited Sunday availability for urgent situations. Emergency service is available around the clock, seven days a week. Call (512) 847-4200 to schedule or to discuss your situation, and we'll find a time that works for you.