Dead Outlets Traced to a Corroded Panel in Allentown, PA

By Mike V., Service expert Allentown office November 9, 2026

Job at a glance

Location: Allentown, PA
Service: Panel Replacement
When: October 2026
Service expert: Mike V.
Called about: outlets that had stopped working
Service size: 200 amp
Panel brand: Siemens
Visits: 2
Options offered: 2
Inspection: Passed

What this type of job typically costs

$7,825 to $13,750

Panel replacement, everything on the job

From 851 jobs we completed in the last 18 months.

The middle half of what our clients paid for this type of job across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, everything on the job before discounts, refreshed every month. A licensed service expert sees your home and gives a written price before any work starts.

Range updated November 9, 2026.

About this service →

Before

Ceiling-mounted electrical outlet box with wiring during installation in drywall in Allentown, PA

After

Installed duplex outlet on wall in carpeted room with baseboard trim in Allentown, PA

A client in Allentown, PA called Thomas Edison Electric after noticing that several outlets in their home had stopped working. What began as a simple outlet issue LED to the discovery of serious concerns with the home's aging electrical system.

The client's problem

The client reported outlets that were no longer functioning properly. They also expressed broader safety concerns about the age of their electrical devices and equipment throughout the home.

What our service expert found

During a whole home electrical safety inspection, the service expert discovered rust and corrosion inside the electrical equipment along with clear signs of water getting into the meter enclosure and main panel. The 50 plus year old main breaker panel showed evidence of overheating and over surging on the main bus bar. Throughout the home, outlets were backstabbed, failing to hold plugs securely, and posed shock hazards. The inspection also revealed outdated GFCI outlets over 30 years old and no smoke detectors present in the home. Water intrusion combined with electricity creates active rusting, internal short circuits, electrical arcing, and severe shock hazards, making this a serious fire and safety risk.

Electrical panel terminal block with multiple insulated cables and copper wire connections mounted on black base in Allentown, PA — **Finding 1**

Electrical panel and service equipment mounted on basement wall with conduit and wiring visible overhead in Allentown, PA — **Finding 2**

Options we presented

The service expert presented two options for upgrading the electrical system. Both included a 40 space 200 amp Siemens panel with meter, whole house surge protection, and a full grounding system, with one option featuring standard service entrance cable and the other featuring a PVC mast with main breaker disconnect.

40-Space 200-Amp Siemens Panel with Meter, SEU, Whole House Surge Protection and Grounding System
40-Space 200-Amp Siemens Panel with Meter, PVC Mast with Main Breaker Disconnect, Whole House Surge Protection and Grounding System (the client chose this one)

The solution

The client chose the option with the PVC mast and outdoor main breaker disconnect for added safety. The team installed a new 200 amp Siemens 40 space main breaker panel along with a new meter base and PVC service mast with outdoor disconnect. They added a whole house surge protective device to safeguard electronics and appliances, and installed a complete grounding system to meet current electrical codes. The team also replaced defective outlets with new GFCI and tamper resistant receptacles, installed a wireless interconnected smoke detector with a 10 year sealed lithium battery, added a new circuit for additional capacity, and replaced a porcelain light fixture.

Work performed

Whole home electrical safety inspection
Installed 200 amp Siemens 40 space main breaker panel
Installed new meter base with PVC service mast and outdoor disconnect
Added whole house surge protective device
Installed complete grounding system
Replaced defective outlets with GFCI and tamper resistant receptacles
Installed wireless interconnected smoke detector with 10 year battery
Added new 20 amp circuit with Romex wiring

What we installed

Siemens BR 15 Amp Single Pole Breaker× 12
Siemens BR Q120 20 Amp Single Pole Breaker× 12
Siemens BR 20 Amp 2 Pole Breaker
Siemens BR 30 Amp 2 Pole Breaker
Siemens BR 50 Amp 6 AWG 2 Pole Breaker
Mulberry 76401, 1G Decora Semi Gloss White Metal Plate× 15
Pass & Seymour 1597-TRW 15A 125V Self-Test GFCI Tamper-Resistant, White Outlet× 5
Siemens ec3gb212 21-Position Ground Bar Kit
PVC 2" Conduit SCH 40× 20
PVC 2" TA
Porcelain Cat Eye, Topaz 1003
XHHW - 4 and 0 Black Stranded AL Aluminum× 90

Why pricing varies

No two homes are wired the same. On this job, the price came down to:

Service size and whether the main breaker rating changes
Condition of the existing enclosure, bus bars and breakers
Grounding and bonding that must be brought up to current code at the same time
Service entrance conductors and the meter can, when they are part of the scope
Utility coordination and permit requirements in the jurisdiction
Surge, AFCI and GFCI protection added during the changeout
Panel brand and breaker selection
Accessibility of the panel location and any drywall or masonry work around it
Code corrections found once the deadfront is off

A service expert prices your job after seeing it, and you approve the price before any work starts.

Get a price for your home 800.380.6800

Why it matters in Allentown

Many homes in Allentown and throughout Lehigh County were built decades ago with electrical systems that have reached the end of their safe service life. Water intrusion and corrosion in electrical panels can go unnoticed until outlets fail or worse problems develop. Upgrading to a modern panel with proper grounding and surge protection helps protect both the home and its occupants from electrical fires and shock hazards.

Common questions

How can water get into an electrical panel?

Water can enter through deteriorated weatherheads, damaged conduit, or gaps in outdoor enclosures over time. Once inside, it causes rust and corrosion that degrades connections and creates serious shock and fire hazards.

What are signs that my electrical panel needs replacement?

Warning signs include rust or corrosion on the panel, burn marks or discoloration, breakers that trip frequently, outlets that stop working, or a panel that is more than 40 years old. Any signs of water intrusion should be addressed immediately.

What is the benefit of an outdoor main breaker disconnect?

An outdoor disconnect allows power to be shut off from outside the home in an emergency, which is especially useful for firefighters or utility workers. It also provides an additional layer of safety during maintenance or severe weather events.

Why is a whole house surge protector recommended with a new panel?

A whole house surge protector installed at the panel guards all circuits against power surges from lightning, utility switching, or large appliances cycling on and off. This helps extend the life of electronics, appliances, and the electrical system itself.