The Call
The homeowner wanted to add an EV charger. Their existing panel was a 100A Federal Pacific — a brand known for breaker failures. The plan was straightforward: upgrade to 200A, then install the charger. What we found inside the panel changed the scope.
What Was Inside
Double-tapped breakers, undersized wiring on a 30A circuit, and an unlabeled sub-panel in the basement that was feeding the kitchen. None of it was permitted. The previous owner had done their own work — and the home inspector missed it.
The Fix
We replaced the entire panel with a 200A Square D, re-ran the kitchen circuit properly, eliminated the double taps, and labeled everything to code. Permit pulled, inspection passed, and the EV charger went in the same week.
Why This Matters
Older homes across Arlington, Alexandria, and Bethesda often hide electrical problems behind finished walls. A panel upgrade isn't just about more capacity — it's a chance to catch safety issues before they become emergencies.
Need electrical help in the DC Metro area? EV Electric, LLC is ready.