I'm Belvin Mitchell, owner of PowerWorks LLC. I've been doing panel upgrades across PG County for years, and I want to tell you about Tamara's job because it's a perfect example of why this work matters — not just as an upgrade, but as protection for your home.
The Call
Tamara called me because her homeowner's insurance had flagged her panel. The company was threatening to cancel her policy unless she upgraded the original 100A Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel. These panels are notorious in our industry — they have a documented failure rate that goes well beyond normal wear.
“Belvin installed our EV charger perfectly. He was on time, explained everything, and the price was exactly as quoted. Highly recommend PowerWorks!” — Tamara J., Upper Marlboro MD
What We Found Inside
When I opened that panel, I found what I see too often in homes this age in Upper Marlboro and throughout PG County: double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker), several breakers that wouldn't trip under load, and undersized wiring on the kitchen circuit. None of it was visible from the outside. All of it was a fire risk.
The Work
We installed a new 200A Square D QO panel, ran a new service entrance, corrected every wiring issue we found, and labeled every circuit clearly. I pulled the permit from PG County, and we passed inspection first visit. Tamara's insurance issue was resolved and her family's home is genuinely safer. That's what a panel upgrade is really about.
Signs Your Panel May Need Replacement
If your home is over 30 years old and still has its original panel — especially if it's a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or pushmatic — get it looked at. If your breakers trip frequently, if you have a 100A panel and modern appliances, or if your insurance company is asking questions, call me. I'll give you a straight answer.