Electrical Capacity That Keeps Pace With Demand
Service Upgrades in Sioux Falls for properties requiring increased electrical capacity to support modern equipment, appliances, and technology
Older electrical services were sized for the typical load of their era, often 60 or 100 amps, which is insufficient when homes or businesses add central air conditioning, electric vehicle chargers, tankless water heaters, or additional equipment that draws substantial power. Connect Electric evaluates existing electrical infrastructure and completes service upgrades for properties throughout Sioux Falls that need higher capacity, updated metering, or improved system reliability. The upgrade process involves replacing the service entrance equipment, upgrading the meter base if required by the utility, and installing a larger main panel capable of handling increased electrical demand without overloading.
Service capacity increases typically range from upgrading 60-amp services to 100 or 150 amps for smaller homes, or moving from 100-amp to 200-amp services for properties adding major appliances or multiple high-draw circuits. The existing infrastructure is evaluated to determine what components need replacement and whether utility coordination is required for meter or transformer changes.
Schedule an evaluation to determine what service capacity your property requires.
The upgrade involves installing a new main panel with higher amperage capacity, replacing the meter base to accommodate the larger service, and upgrading the service entrance conductors that connect the meter to the panel. In some cases, the utility company must replace the transformer or service drop to support the increased capacity, which requires coordination before the upgrade can be completed.
After the upgrade is finished, you can operate high-demand equipment simultaneously without breakers tripping, add circuits for new appliances or technology without overloading the system, and rely on electrical infrastructure that performs consistently under the full load your property requires. The upgraded service eliminates the constant breaker trips and voltage sags that occur when demand exceeds capacity.
Upgrades also address outdated panels that lack sufficient circuit positions for additional breakers, replace equipment that no longer meets current safety standards, and provide the electrical foundation needed for future expansions or equipment additions without requiring another service upgrade.
What Homeowners and Businesses Usually Ask
Increasing electrical service capacity is a significant upgrade, and understanding the process and timing helps property owners make informed decisions about when the work is needed.
What signs indicate a service upgrade is needed?
Frequent breaker trips when multiple appliances run, flickering lights when large equipment starts, inability to add new circuits because the panel is full, or planning to install equipment like EV chargers or heat pumps that exceed current capacity.
How is the new service size determined?
Service size is calculated by adding up the expected electrical load from all existing and planned equipment, then selecting a service capacity that handles that load with margin for future additions.
Why does the utility company need to be involved?
The utility owns the meter and often the service drop from the pole to the house, so they must approve capacity increases and may need to upgrade their equipment to support higher amperage.
What happens to existing circuits during an upgrade?
Existing circuits are transferred to the new panel, though this is a good time to evaluate whether any circuits should be upgraded, replaced, or reconfigured to improve overall system performance in Sioux Falls properties.
When should an upgrade be completed before adding new equipment?
The service upgrade should be finished and inspected before new high-draw equipment is installed, ensuring the system can handle the additional load safely from the start.
Connect Electric completes service upgrades that prepare electrical systems for increased demand and modern power requirements. Call to discuss your current service capacity and whether an upgrade is recommended for your property.