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Title: New National Electrical Code Requirements Drive Urgent Need for Panel Upgrades in McKinney Area Homes

McKinney, Texas, United States, 19th Jan 2026  – Recent updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC), along with local adoptions across Texas jurisdictions including McKinney and Collin County, have triggered a surge in electrical panel upgrades for older homes. Contractors like ABR Electric in McKinney report growing demand as homeowners learn their existing panels often fail to support required safety devices or increased power needs during renovations, EV charger additions, or appliance upgrades.The latest NEC editions emphasize enhanced protection against electrical fires and shocks, driven by higher household demands from modern appliances, home offices, and electrification trends. Key requirements include broader use of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, laundry areas, bathrooms, and other spaces, plus mandatory surge protective devices (SPDs) for dwelling services. Provisions for electric vehicle charging, renewable energy integration, and energy management also demand reserved panel space and updated calculations.In McKinney's rapidly grown neighborhoods, thousands of homes from the 2000s–2010s feature legacy 100- or 150-amp panels—often Square D or similar—that lack slots, bus capacity, or compatibility for today's protective breakers. Adding Level 2 EV chargers, heat pumps, or solar systems routinely exceeds these limits, necessitating full replacements for code compliance and safety.“Homeowners in McKinney are often caught off guard when a routine project requires a major panel upgrade,” said James Adams, owner and State-Licensed Master Electrician at ABR Electric. “These code updates go beyond rules—they prevent fires and future-proof homes for modern living. Older panels simply can’t safel...

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