By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC
Lorton, VA, Townhome Main Breaker Trips | Service Mast & Meter Upgrades
I am Peter, Master Electrician at PRO Electric plus HVAC.
In Lorton townhomes I often see the main breaker trip again and again during everyday use.
That is more than a nuisance. It usually means the service equipment on the line side needs attention, not just the branch circuits inside the home.
I fix this by upgrading the service mast or lateral, replacing the meter socket or meter stack module, coordinating with your HOA and property manager, and making the panel safe and reliable.
What the main breaker is telling you
- Heat damage at the meter socket or main lugs
- Loose or corroded neutral that causes lights to brighten and dim
- Water intrusion through a cracked weatherhead or service mast
- Undersized 100 amp service that cannot support heat pumps and EV charging
- Weak or failing main breaker in an obsolete panel
- Voltage sag from damaged service conductors or a failing meter base
How I diagnose the problem
- Load calculation based on your real appliances and future plans
- Thermal scan of the meter socket, main lugs, and breakers
- Torque checks on conductors and a visual inspection for arcing
- Voltage drop and neutral imbalance tests under load
- Inspection of the service mast, weatherhead, and drip loops
- Panel assessment for known problem gear like Federal Pacific or Zinsco
- Photo and written report you can share with the HOA or property manager
Fixes that stop repeated trips
1) Service mast or service conductors upgrade
For overhead services I install a new rigid metal mast with a weatherhead, correct mast height, proper straps, new drip loops, and upsized service conductors. For underground laterals I coordinate with the utility to replace damaged or undersized conductors and I upgrade the meter base to the correct rating.
2) Meter socket or meter stack replacement
Townhomes often use shared meter banks. I replace your meter module with a new 200 amp rated unit, correct hub, sealing fittings, and an updated bonding path. I handle utility coordination for meter pulls and re-energizing.
3) Main panel repair or upgrade
If the panel is crowded or obsolete I install a modern panel with a properly sized main breaker, clear labeling, arc fault and ground fault protection where required, and a whole home surge protector to protect electronics.
4) Grounding and neutral rehabilitation
I correct loose or corroded neutrals, verify the bonding jumper, replace worn grounding electrode conductors, and ensure the water pipe bond and ground rods meet current code.
HOA and condo coordination handled for you
- I review architectural rules and submit a clear scope of work
- I provide cut sheets, license, insurance, and W-9 when requested
- I coordinate access to common areas and meter rooms with the property manager
- I schedule outage windows and notify neighbors when required
- I document everything for board approval and for your records
Permits, inspections, and utility scheduling
I pull Fairfax County permits, meet inspection, and schedule the utility for safe meter pulls and re-energizing.
You receive a compliant installation, along with necessary paperwork for insurance and resale.
What a typical Lorton townhome upgrade looks like
- Replace heat damaged meter socket or meter stack module
- Upgrade from 100 amp to 200 amp service when the load requires it
- New service mast or repaired lateral conductors
- New main panel or main breaker as needed, plus a surge protector
- Labeling and balancing of high demand circuits like HVAC and EV charging
Day of work, what to expect
- Power is shut off during the changeover
- Old equipment is removed and the new gear is mounted and wired
- Connections are torqued to spec and verified under load
- The site is cleaned and you receive labels and a walk-through of the work
When to call me
- Your main trips during storms or whenever HVAC starts
- Lights flicker or change brightness room to room
- The meter socket feels warm or smells burnt
- You are planning an EV charger or heat pump upgrade
- Your HOA asked for a licensed report on electrical issues
I will diagnose the cause, coordinate with your HOA and the utility, and install service equipment that keeps your Lorton townhome stable and safe.
Contact PRO Electric plus HVAC schedule your on-site assessment.
We serve Lorton and all of Fairfax County.
📞 Call 703-225-822 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
