MODERN POWER FOR MODERN LIFE
EXPERT ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES IN PORTLAND

For many Portland homeowners, an outdated electrical panel is more than an inconvenience—it is a hidden safety hazard. Whether you are experiencing flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers , or planning a major home upgrade like an electric furnace, EV charger, or AC installation, your home’s electrical foundation must be up to the task.

At Falcon Electric, we specialize in transitioning homes from obsolete systems—including dangerous split-bus panels and inadequate 60-amp services—to robust, future-proofed 200-amp systems. As your local Portland electrical experts, we don’t just “swap boxes.” We provide comprehensive solutions that
include:

• Expert Troubleshooting: Identifying hidden dangers like double-tapped breakers, tampered wiring, and improper connections.
• Full Project Coordination: We manage the entire process, including permitting and PGE coordination, ensuring your upgrade is seamless and code-compliant.
• Custom Infrastructure: From installing 100-amp garage subpanels for workshops to integrating whole-home backup generators with automatic transfer switches.
• Safety-First Craftsmanship: Our certified technicians handle structural reframing and wire protection to ensure every installation exceeds industry standards.

We believe in doing the job right the first time, which is why all of our professional electrical services are backed by an industry-leading up to 7-year service warranty.

Read our customer stories below to see how we have provided peace of mind and reliable power to your neighbors in the Hollywood District, Lake Oswego, and across the Greater Portland area.

DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL PANEL BRANDS:

• Federal Pacific Electrical Panels
• Zinsco Also Sold as Magnetrip
• Sylvania
• Challenger
• Split-Bus Style Panels

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

A CRITICAL FIX FOR TENANT CONVENIECE
LIZ’S APARTMENT COMPLEX

Liz, the owner of a 10-unit apartment complex in NE Portland, faced a frustrating and disruptive problem: the laundry room lights were constantly flickering off, and the main circuit breaker was tripping frequently. This was more than an inconvenience; it meant tenants couldn’t rely on the laundry room, creating a significant and recurring source of frustration for both the property owner and her residents. A working, safe laundry facility was essential for tenant satisfaction and retention.

Uncovering a Hidden Electrical Hazard

When a Falcon Electric technician arrived to troubleshoot, they quickly discovered the problem was far deeper than a simple overloaded circuit. The laundry room power was supplied by an outdated 125-amp split-bus panel from the 1960s.

The core issue was a dangerous design flaw: a single 60-amp breaker was protecting the lower half of the panel, but it was forced to carry the load of:

• A 40-amp dryer circuit.
• Two separate 20-amp washer circuits.
• A 30-amp water heater circuit.

This amounted to $110$ amps of potential load relying on a $60$-amp protection breaker, causing constant, dangerous overloading and the frequent tripping. The technician explained that this flaw is why split-bus panels are no longer in production and represented an electrical hazard that the customer was unaware of.

Safety, Code Compliance, and Efficiency

To eliminate the safety risk and prevent all future outages, Falcon Electric recommended a complete panel upgrade: replacing the outdated $125$-amp split-bus panel with a modern $100$-amp Siemens panel featuring a main breaker.

Liz agreed, and the installation team executed the replacement while expertly navigating several complex challenges to ensure a safe, code-compliant, and durable fix:

• Hazardous Wiring Correction: An old, improperly wired electrical disconnect box underneath the old panel was eliminated by converting it into a simpler, safer, code-compliant junction box.
• Structural Reframing: The original stud bay in the wall was too small for the new, larger panel. The technician reframed part of the wall to properly fit the new panel’s dimensions, providing enhanced wall support.
• Wire Protection: Several wires entering the old panel lacked sheathing, which would have been a code violation for the new installation. The team overcame this by sheathing the vulnerable wires in flexible conduit for protection and to pass inspection.

The new panel was a significant upgrade. Unlike the old unit which lacked a main breaker and only protected the laundry room circuits with a small breaker, the new panel provided more circuit spaces, all protected by a single main breaker. This single-point protection and proper sizing resolved the tripping issue and significantly improved the electrical efficiency and reliability for the entire complex.

Peace of Mind and Reliable Service

By proactively addressing not just the breaker issue, but also hidden safety hazards and code violations, Falcon Electric provided Liz with a high-quality, long-term solution. The replacement ensured a safer and more reliable environment for her tenants.

Liz now has the confidence that the laundry room will always be working, eliminating a major source of tenant complaints and giving her true peace of mind about the safety of her property’s electrical system.

HOLLYWOOD DISTRICT –
POWERING A MODERN ELECTRIC FURNACE

The Problem

Glenn, a homeowner in Portland’s Hollywood District, contacted Falcon Electric for an immediate need: troubleshooting a faulty light in his detached garage. While addressing the minor repair, the discussion quickly turned to Glenn’s primary goal: eliminating his old, inefficient oil furnace from the 1960s. Glenn and his wife planned to replace the furnace with a modern electric forced air heating system to achieve reliable comfort and reduce maintenance headaches and better for the environment.

However, a standard whole system safety check by Falcon Electric identified a critical barrier: the home was operating on its original, inadequate 60-amp electrical service with an obsolete banjo meter. This low-capacity service was incapable of safely powering a new electric furnace, making the planned heating upgrade impossible without an electrical overhaul.

The Challenges

The transition to modern heating was directly dependent on the home’s ability to handle the increased electrical load. The existing 60-amp service—originally designed only for basic appliances, could not support the load required by a new electric furnace.

Addressing this required Falcon Electric’s expertise to upgrade the electrical panel and service to the home. This included working with Portland General Electric (PGE) for new service to the home with a new meter and securing the necessary municipal permits for the service change. This step took care of electrical safety and also met code compliance required to enable the furnace contractor to complete their installation.

The Solution

Falcon Electric’s certified expert, Jonathan, designed and installed a comprehensive, future focused solution. The core action was replacing the old 60-amp service and meter with a new 200-amp service, complete with a meter main and a 200-amp main panel.
Falcon Electric streamlined the process:

• Project Coordination: We took care of all permitting and seamlessly coordinated with PGE for the service change, ensuring a smooth hand-off for the electric furnace installation.
• Enabling the Furnace: The new 200-amp panel provided the reliable, sufficient power required for the new electric furnace (installed by a separate contractor) to operate safely and efficiently, eliminating the reliance on costly, dated oil heat.
• Economical Future Proofing: The 200-amp installation serves as a key economical solution. It provides ample capacity for the future addition of appliances like an EV charger or mini-split heat pumps (a service Falcon Electric provides) without the need for another costly service upgrades. Mini-splits are highly efficient systems, which can save customers hundreds of dollars per year, and are now plug-and-play additions for Glenn when he can afford them.

The Result

Glenn now possesses a safe, reliable, and powerful electrical foundation ready for modern living. He is relieved to have the infrastructure in place to power his new electric furnace and move away from his old oil system.

By choosing Falcon Electric, Glenn secured not just an upgrade, but a future-proofed home. Our commitment to thoroughness and code compliance directly enabled his immediate heating goals and gives him peace of mind, knowing he can effortlessly add major electric appliances, whenever he is ready.

A COMPREHENSIVE POWER UPGRADE FOR GEORGE J.

George J. called Falcon Electric after experiencing recurring electrical issues at his detached garage. The garage outlets would not provide consistent power, making his workshop nearly unusable. After initial troubleshooting, Falcon Electric confirmed the core issue was the power to the garage being supplied by a single, insufficient 20-amp branch circuit from his main panel.

George’s ultimate goal was simple: he needed reliable, usable power in his workshop for his power tools and equipment. Because his needs extended beyond a simple fix, and due to his neighborhood’s frequent power outages, he chose a comprehensive solution from Falcon Electric, which addressed both the immediate power deficit and future security.

The Challenges

The project required extensive work beyond simply running a new wire. To ensure George had adequate and safe power in the detached structure, the system needed a 100-amp subpanel in the garage. Falcon Electric knew that the electric code only allows one small 20-amp circuit or less inside a detached structure without a dedicated subpanel.
The other major challenge involved sizing the entire system to meet George’s increased demand while also integrating a powerful backup generator solution. This required load sizing and handling logistics, including coordinating the installation of a new natural gas line, pouring a concrete pad, and wiring the complete system. These steps required the coordination of inspectors and utility companies.

The Solution

Falcon Electric executed a three-part solution engineered for code compliance and long term reliability. First, the team replaced the aging main service, installing a new 200-amp panel in the main home. They followed this by installing the 100-amp subpanel in the detached garage, providing dedicated, reliable power for George’s workshop tools and future expansion. Falcon Electric ensured correct load sizing across both panels to support his current and future power needs safely.

Finally, recognizing the neighborhood’s frequent outages, Falcon Electric integrated a 22 kW Champion backup standby generator. This unit utilizes an automatic transfer switch that seamlessly transitions the home’s power to the generator during an outage. By handling all necessary permitting and inspections including utilizing electronic permitting Falcon Electric dramatically streamlined the multi-stage installation. All work was completed using commercial grade components, assuring exceptional durability.

The Result

George J. now enjoys a fully modern, robust electrical system designed for safety and capacity. He has reliable power for his entire home and his workshop, backed by a system that meets the highest code standards. The installation of the whole-home generator means his family remains secure and prepared during disruptive power loss events.

George felt empowered and prepared, knowing his home’s electrical infrastructure was not only fixed but future-proofed. His investment is protected by Falcon Electric’s commitment to quality, highlighted by their generous up to 7-year warranty on electrical services, a key differentiator that provides exceptional peace of mind.

UNCOVERING HIDDEN DANGERS IN LAKE OSWEGO

A homeowner in Lake Oswego required electrical work to accommodate a new air conditioning unit for their tenant. While the initial scope was straightforward, Falcon Electric’s commitment to thoroughness meant looking beyond the surface. The homeowner’s primary goal was to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for their tenant, which included the seamless integration of the new AC system. Falcon Electric’s reputation for providing comprehensive, full-service solutions made them the choice to address not only the immediate need but also make sure there were no underlying electrical issues.

The Challenges

During the inspection, Cole, a Falcon Electric technician, discovered a severely compromised electrical panel. The previous owner’s attempts at “custom upgrades” had resulted in tampered wiring and dangerous code violations. Specifically, evidence suggested improper wire connections and potentially double-tapped breakers, which can lead to overheating and fire hazards. The main panel was rated at 125 amps, significantly below the current industry standard of 200 amps for residential homes. This capacity was insufficient for the demands made by modern electrical appliances, especially with the addition of an AC unit, increasing the risk of circuit overloads, power outages, and potential damage. The panel’s condition posed an immediate safety threat to the tenant.

The Solution

Cole immediately informed the homeowner of the critical safety issues. Falcon Electric was then given permission to execute on a comprehensive solution: they replaced the outdated 125-amp panel with a new, modern 200-amp rated panel. This upgrade provided the breakers needed to correctly wire the circuits and ample capacity for future electrical needs. To ensure safe operation with the existing power from the meter to the home, Falcon properly downsized the main breaker in the panel to 125 amps, a crucial step that prevents overloading the 125-amp wires from the meter. This foresight ensures the panel is fully ready for a future 200-amp service upgrade without requiring another panel replacement once the main feeder wires are replaced.

The Result

Falcon Electric provided quick, and thorough service, resolving not only the AC installation but also critical safety hazards. The homeowner gained peace of mind, knowing their tenant was protected from potentially dangerous electrical problems, and the new 200-amp panel ensures long-term service, preparing the home for decades of use and future electrical upgrades. This is an example of Falcon Electric’s commitment to safety and expert electrical solutions, backed by their up to 7 year service warranty.

UPGRADING TO A POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HILLSBORO

A customer in Hillsboro called requesting an upgrade from their current electrical panel to a power-management system. The customer had previously installed solar panels and wanted to maximize their potential while minimizing their monthly utility bills.

Upon inspection, we found that the solar panels were connected to the utility service. The existing standard panel was only capable of power distribution and overload protection, lacking the ability to monitor and manage power usage in real-time.

To address the customer’s needs, the customer wanted a Leviton Smart Breakers power management system installed. This cutting-edge technology allows the customer to monitor their power usage in real-time, providing valuable insights into day-to-day power consumption. The programmable nature of the panel enables the customer to specify when specific circuits are on or off and receive alerts if they fail.

With the new power management system in place, the customer gained several benefits:

1. Real-time analysis: The customer can now trace “vampire loads” in their home, where electronics draw power even when not in use, and disable them to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
2. Peak hour optimization: By tracking energy usage beyond their solar production, the customer can adjust their consumption to minimize excess usage during peak hours when power companies charge the most.
3. Automated scheduling: The customer can program schedules to automatically turn off and on areas of the home that are not in use, further optimizing power consumption.
4. Backup solution integration: The power management system can integrate seamlessly with backup solutions, ensuring that during a power outage, unnecessary loads are shed according to programmed conditions, preserving limited backup power for essential functions like refrigeration and heating.

They recognized how much power their home audio system used in standby mode, they programmed to turn off the majority of the home while at work to maximize the solar payback program and started to change their lifestyle around avoiding peak hours. These changes are estimated to result in monthly savings of between $115 to $280 per month for their family.

While the power management system does not directly improve the efficiency of their solar panels, it empowers the customer to make choices that maximize the energy produced by their solar installation and minimize utility power use, ultimately saving them money.

ELECTRICAL REMEDIATION IN PORTLAND

A homeowner in North Portland recently faced a challenging situation with their home’s electrical system. The house was originally wired using the knob-and-tube method and was struggling to keep up with the demands of modern living. Seasonal appliances, such as air conditioners and space heaters, were putting extra stress on the outdated wiring, creating potentially unsafe conditions.

Knob and tube is one of the industry’s oldest wiring systems, dating back to when electricity was originally put in structures. It is uninsulated, uses suspension to protect it from combustible items, and is considered unsafe by modern standards. Knob and tube was a home wiring style used from 1880 until roughly 1940. It was designed to handle light bulbs, a record player, or a radio, with a maximum power of 300 watts per device. Unlike today, where A/C units and electric heaters can draw up to 1800 watts, the huge gap between the original wiring’s capacity and the present power needs put the residence at risk of an electrical fire.

Knob and Tube is universally known for being hazardous in homes, to the point where homeowners insurance will frequently deny coverage if it exists in a purchased home.
Knob and tube abatements require knowledge and experience working on antiquated installation methods that simply make no sense to modern, trained electricians. Wires have no color designation, have no consistent installation method, and simply don’t function in the same way as modern systems. It’s a skillset all of its own, which we at Falcon Electric have.

To resolve the issues, we recommended knob and tube remediation. This process involves replacing the old, uninsulated wiring with modern, dedicated circuits. By dispersing the power demands across multiple circuits, the home’s electrical system can now handle the increased load safely and efficiently. Our expertise in working with antiquated installation methods was crucial in successfully completing the project.

Thanks to the knob and tube remediation, the homeowners can now use their seasonal appliances without worrying about potential electrical hazards. The risk of an electrical fire, which was a serious concern due to the stress placed on the old wiring’s connections, has been significantly reduced. The customers are happy and grateful for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their home is now electrically sound and safe.

Your circuit breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Is it time for an upgrade, to a safer panel?

Call Falcon Electric today!

We also specialize in advanced power management systems, helping you optimize your energy usage and reduce utility costs. Don’t wait—schedule your panel replacement today to safeguard your home and future-proof your electrical system.

CONTACT OUR

FALCON SPECIALIST