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When storms roll through Fort Myers, homeowners know how quickly the power can go out. Between summer thunderstorms and hurricane season, reliable backup power isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity.
That’s why a local homeowner in the McGregor area reached out to Coharbor Electric. Their existing 100-amp panel was outdated, overloaded, and incompatible with the portable generator they relied on during storms. They wanted a safe, code-compliant way to power their essentials when the grid went down.
We recommended a 200-amp panel upgrade paired with a generator interlock kit — a solution that would improve everyday reliability, add future capacity, and keep them prepared for outages.
Here’s how the project unfolded.
The homeowner’s original electrical panel was installed in the early 1980s and had several issues:
Limited capacity (100 amps) – Not enough to handle modern appliances, air conditioning, and a home office.
Outdated breakers – Some breakers were obsolete and no longer manufactured.
Unsafe generator hookup – During previous storms, they’d used a backfeed method that was not only illegal, but dangerous to utility workers.
Their goals were clear:
Upgrade to a 200-amp panel for safety and capacity.
Integrate a generator interlock system for safe, temporary power.
Future-proof the home for an EV charger and possible pool heater installation.
If you’re still learning the basics — breaker types, capacity, and safety terms — skim our panels FAQ for quick, Fort Myers–focused answers.
We started with a load calculation — the foundation of any proper electrical upgrade.
After reviewing their appliances, HVAC, water heater, and planned additions, we determined the home required around 145 amps of continuous demand. That made a 200A panel the right fit, providing plenty of capacity for future upgrades.
We also evaluated:
Service entrance conductors and grounding system
Utility meter base condition
Generator wattage and compatibility
Everything checked out for a smooth transition.
Not sure which service size fits your home? This guide to choosing 150A vs 200A explains when 200A makes sense in Southwest Florida.
Because this was a service upgrade, it required a permit through the City of Fort Myers and coordination with Florida Power & Light (FPL).
We handled all the paperwork, drawings, and scheduling — making sure there would be minimal power downtime.
Once FPL confirmed the shutdown date, we were ready to move.
On installation day, we began by safely disconnecting the old service. The existing 100A panel was replaced with a brand-new 200-amp Square D QO panel, featuring:
Surge protection
Labeled, organized breakers
Space for future circuit additions
A weatherproof enclosure rated for Florida’s humidity and salt air
We also upgraded the grounding and bonding system to meet the latest NEC and local code requirements, ensuring maximum safety.
The next step was installing a generator interlock kit.
This device allows the homeowner to safely connect their portable generator to the home’s electrical system without risking a backfeed to the grid.
How it works:
A dedicated inlet box (NEMA-rated) was installed outside near the panel.
The interlock plate mechanically prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on at the same time.
During a power outage, the homeowner simply flips the interlock and powers selected circuits — like the refrigerator, well pump, lights, and internet router.
It’s a simple, affordable alternative to a full standby generator system, perfect for Fort Myers homeowners who already own a portable generator.
Debating a full transfer switch or sticking with an interlock? See the pros and cons in our breakdown: transfer switch vs interlock.
After the installation, we coordinated a final inspection with the City of Fort Myers electrical inspector.
The inspector checked:
Proper conductor sizing and terminations
Grounding and bonding
Breaker labeling
Correct operation of the interlock system
The project passed on the first inspection, and FPL reconnected power that same day.
The homeowner now has:
✅ A 200-amp electrical panel with room for future expansion.
✅ A safe, code-compliant generator connection using an interlock kit.
✅ Reliable surge protection for sensitive electronics.
✅ A system that meets modern safety and efficiency standards.
During the next summer storm, they had power within minutes using their portable generator — no dangerous cords, no confusion, and no risk of backfeeding into the utility lines.
Many homes in Fort Myers still have 100A panels installed decades ago. But with today’s electrical demands — air conditioning, electric ranges, EV chargers, pool heaters, and smart home systems — those older panels are no longer sufficient.
Pairing a 200-amp upgrade with a generator interlock gives homeowners:
Safer, more reliable power
Flexibility for future upgrades
Peace of mind during storm season
And for homes near the coast, it’s especially important to use corrosion-resistant materials, proper grounding, and sealed enclosures to protect against salt air and humidity.
If your home is older and you’re planning a phased approach, start with safety-critical items using this homeowner guide to prioritizing upgrades in older homes.
At Coharbor Electric, we specialize in panel upgrades, generator interlock installations, and backup power systemsthroughout Fort Myers and Lee County.
Our team handles everything from:
Load calculations & permitting
Utility coordination
Professional installation
Final inspections & documentation
We’re licensed, insured, and local — so we understand the unique electrical needs of coastal homes in Southwest Florida.
Whether you want to upgrade your panel, install a whole-home generator, or set up a safe interlock connection, we’ll make sure it’s done safely, efficiently, and to code.
For this Fort Myers homeowner, upgrading to a 200A panel with a generator interlock wasn’t just about convenience — it was about safety, preparedness, and peace of mind.
Their home is now equipped to handle modern electrical demands and stay powered through whatever storm season brings.
If you’re considering a similar upgrade, don’t wait until the next outage to take action.
Contact Coharbor Electric today to schedule a panel inspection or generator interlock consultation. We’ll help you build a safer, smarter electrical system for your Fort Myers home.
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Serving Southwest Florida including: Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and more...
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At Coharbor Electric, this is what to expect when entrusting us with fixing your electrical issues.
The first step is to get all the information we will need so that we can correctly assess the problem or situation. The photos or videos you send will be sent directly to the electrician.
Once our electrician has the info he needs, we will dispatch one in the next available spot–armed with expertise, equipment, and the parts he’ll most likely need.
Our Promise is to to You is to perform the job completely, efficiently, and to the Florida electrical code standards. We are committed to fair and honest pricing.
We offer flat rate pricing for service calls, so you always know the price up front. Simple to understand. Flat-rate fixed price so you can be confident you’ll get what paid for.
As a Florida homeowner, you have an endless list of choices for electrical contractors to hire…some great, some good, some bad.
At Coharbor Electric, our benchmark is to be “great”. If you decide to hire us for your electrical service, here’s what you can expect from our electricians:
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