Electrical Panel Upgrades for Southern California Homes

Your electrical panel decides how much power your home can use safely at one time. When it falls behind, you notice: breakers trip when the AC and microwave run together, lights dim, or the panel feels warm to the touch.

Dorn Electric replaces and upgrades panels for homeowners from Corona to Newport Beach. With 25 years in the trade, the team sizes the new panel for how you live now and what you plan to add, whether that is an EV charger, a heat pump or a home addition.

Signs Your Panel Is Overdue

Breakers trip often or will not reset
Lights flicker or dim when big appliances start
The panel is warm, buzzing or gives off a burning smell
Your home still runs on fuses or a 60 to 100 amp service
The panel is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco, brands with a history of breaker failures
The panel is more than 25 to 30 years old
You are adding an EV charger, hot tub, AC or an addition

Not sure which of these applies to you? Our guide covers the warning signs in more detail.

What We Do

Service upgrades

Moving to 200 amps or more so the home has room to grow.

Panel replacement

Swapping worn, damaged or recalled breaker boxes for new ones.

Fuse box conversions

Modernizing older homes to breaker based systems.

Subpanels

Adding capacity for a garage, workshop or addition.

get a free quote !

What to Expect

Inspection

we look at your panel, wiring and electrical demand.

City inspection

once it passes, power is restored.

Permit and utility scheduling

we handle the paperwork and coordinate the power shutoff with your utility.

Written quote

you see exactly what is included before any work starts.

Installation

the old panel comes out, the new one goes in, and every circuit is labeled and tested

Most installs take about a day on site. Permit and utility scheduling can add time.

Why Homeowners Call Dorn Electric

Straight answers on whether you need a repair or a full replacement
No surprises: scope and cost are agreed up front
One team handles the permit, the install and the inspection
Free quote and inspection

Where We Work

Dorn Electric serves homeowners throughout Southern California, including

Questions We Hear Often

How do I know if my home needs a new panel?

Frequent trips, flickering lights, heat or burning smells, fuses, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand, and age are the usual clues. An inspection settles it.

How long does the work take?

Most residential installs take about a day on site. Permits, utility scheduling and city inspection can stretch the full timeline to a few days.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. California requires a permit and city inspection for this work. We take care of both.

Will the new panel handle an EV charger?

A 200 amp panel usually has room for one. If yours does not, an upgrade creates it. See whether you need a panel upgrade for a Level 2 charger.

What Our Irvine Clients Say

      
   Dorn Electric, Inc
   39 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   john meza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had my share of bad electricians glad to finally met Mike knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely nice guy
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   G. Watterson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Yeah no, terrible experience, and with Mike Dorn specifically. I went with this company for my electrical issue because of all the good reviews haha. I made a mistake in thinking I needed a new breaker and agreed over text to pay 225 for him to replace it but when they came down to my house it turned out the switch just needed a harder push to turn on and no need for any kind of repair. I apologized and Mike right away started going on and on about replacing my breaker anyway for 225 since he already came "all the way down here" all the way down from Apple valley to Hesperia by the way, and his gas, and his time I apparently just wasted. Would not leave. I offered 50 to get this man to stop his tantrum and got a little eye roll and more talk about his precious 2 min I just wasted, not to mention he had initially told me 2-4pm that same day and then rescheduled for the next day instead but this is all about Mike and his time guys, then he said something about 125 and I was like ok done just to get him off my yard😂. He shook my hand, got his smile back, and acted like a decent person again after payment haha. His work partner Richard was very, very nice maybe one day hopefully he can get away from Mike. Mike if you're reading this, thanks for nothing! You are extremely unprofessional and untrustworthy with no common decency behind your fake friendly little act you have going. Enjoy the 125 you needed it that bad I guess to harass someone like that over an honest mistake😂
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Terrance B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike did a great job repairing the electrical outlets in my home. He completed the job quickly and explained the repair process to me. He is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff. Definitely my go to electrician in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pierre Morneault 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding service! I contacted Mike to replace an outdated electrical panel. I had tried other contractors/electricians before Mike. Most wouldn’t even respond to requests. When I called Mike he answered the phone himself. He provided a quick estimate and scheduled the work within a week. Extremely satisfied with the workmanship. He even did a couple extras at no charge. You won’t be disappointed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jorgan Gonzalez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael and his team had great communication and completed their work to specifications, in a timely manner and at a fair price. I would highly recommend them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Chapman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike Dorn is a great electrician! He has done nothing but quality work including - recessed lighting, installed a charging unit in our garage, updated outlets, updated our breaker to accommodate all our Christmas lights and today just updated our exterior lights! Thank you Mike for making our lights and house sparkle! Call Mike if you need a project he is fair, he is honest and he gets the job done!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Germ 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I live in the middle of Timbuktu.  But when I called Dorn Electric, they said we handle that area.

If you want fast and financially feasible electrical work performed effortlessly and your home left in order....call them now.

We are 1000% satisfied with the services performed.  4 outdoor lights, 1 ceiling fan install and 1 corrected, 2 smoke detectors and transferred a light switch from an outer wall to an inner wall installed in no time.

Punctual, Personable and Professional.

Thank you doesn't express our gratitude for their services.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Leonor Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike and Tim were outstanding. My husband and I appreciate their professional work ethics and their pleasant nature towards customer care and service.  We already booked them for another job. We are really pleased with the job well done! We highly recommend Dorn Electric for all your electric needs.
  
 
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   HYGGE 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dorn and his assistant did a really great job on installing my EV charger.
Excellent and price are reasonable. 👍