Commercial Electrical Panel Upgrades

Commercial electrical panels are the central distribution point for all power in your facility. Every circuit feeding your lights, HVAC systems, computers, kitchen equipment, manufacturing machinery, and other loads originates at the panel. When a business grows and adds equipment, expands its space, or upgrades its technology, the original electrical panel may no longer have the capacity, breaker spaces, or safety features to support the increased demand.

Many commercial buildings in the Tampa Bay area were built decades ago with electrical systems designed for the technology and equipment loads of that era. A retail space built in the 1990s may have a 200-amp single-phase panel that was adequate for fluorescent lighting, basic HVAC, and a handful of outlet circuits. Today, that same space might need to support LED lighting with digital controls, modern HVAC systems with variable frequency drives, extensive point-of-sale and network equipment, EV charging stations, and commercial kitchen equipment. These modern loads often exceed what the original electrical system was designed to handle.

Operating an overloaded electrical panel is not just inconvenient with frequent breaker trips. It is a serious fire and safety hazard. Overloaded circuits generate excessive heat in conductors and connections, which can damage insulation, cause arcing faults, and potentially start fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical distribution equipment is a leading cause of commercial building fires. A panel upgrade eliminates these risks and provides the capacity your business needs to operate safely and efficiently.

Many commercial tenants in Tampa Bay occupy spaces that were originally served by single-phase power but now need 3-phase service to run commercial HVAC systems, kitchen equipment, manufacturing tools, or other heavy loads. Converting from single-phase to 3-phase power is one of the most significant electrical upgrades a business can undertake, but it is often essential for efficient operation and future growth.

The conversion process begins with a load analysis to determine the appropriate 3-phase service size, typically 208Y/120V for most commercial applications or 480Y/277V for larger industrial facilities. We then submit a service change request to Duke Energy or TECO, who evaluate whether the existing transformer and utility infrastructure can support 3-phase delivery to your location. In many cases, the utility must install a new 3-phase transformer, which can take several weeks.

Once 3-phase power is available at the meter point, we install the new 3-phase meter base, main disconnect, and distribution panelboards. Existing single-phase branch circuits are redistributed across the three phases for balanced loading. New 3-phase circuits are installed for equipment that requires it, such as HVAC compressors and motors. The result is a modern, efficient electrical distribution system with significantly more capacity than the original single-phase service, and with the ability to run 3-phase equipment directly without the inefficiency and cost of phase converters.

Ranch and Coast Electric makes the commercial panel upgrade process as smooth and minimally disruptive as possible. The project begins with a thorough on-site assessment where we evaluate your existing electrical system, document current loads, identify available capacity, and discuss your immediate and future power needs. We then provide a detailed written estimate with clear scope of work, material specifications, timeline, and pricing.

Once approved, we pull all necessary permits from the local building department. For Hillsborough County, electrical permits for panel upgrades typically take three to five business days for plan review. During the waiting period, we order materials and pre-fabricate assemblies to minimize on-site time. If utility coordination is required, we initiate the service change request immediately to run in parallel with the permitting process.

On installation day, we arrive with all materials staged and a clear plan to minimize your power interruption. For a standard panel swap, the outage is typically four to eight hours. We can schedule this during evenings or weekends at no additional cost. After the installation is complete and all circuits are tested, we schedule the building department inspection and coordinate final utility connections if applicable. You receive a complete documentation package including panel schedules, as-built drawings, and warranty information.