Panels, power & EV

Electrical Panel Upgrade

A panel upgrade replaces an outdated or full electrical panel, and often raises service capacity to 200 amps, so the home can safely run modern loads like EV chargers, heat pumps and induction ranges.

Need Help With Your Electrical Panel?: (855) 679-2483

Free to call · Independent licensed electricians

Free to call
Price before work starts
Permits handled when required

Electrical Panel Upgrade at a glance

Typical duration: About one working day
Common size: 200 amps
Permit: Required in most jurisdictions

Independent licensed electricians in all 50 states + DC

Overview

What electrical panel upgrade involves

The panel is where every circuit in the home starts. Older homes often have 60- or 100-amp service, fuse boxes, or panels with known reliability problems. Adding an EV charger, heat pump, induction range or hot tub is the most common reason homeowners upgrade. A load calculation decides whether you need more capacity or just a better-organized panel.

See the types of work What affects the price

Safety first

Panel work involves the utility service conductors, which cannot be switched off from inside the home. This is never a DIY job.

Warning signs

Signs you need electrical panel upgrade

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to have a licensed electrician take a look.

1
A fuse box, or a panel with no open breaker spaces
2
Planning an EV charger, heat pump, induction range or addition
3
Breakers that feel hot or show rust or burn marks
4
Lights dim noticeably when large appliances start
5
Insurer or home inspector flagged the panel

How it works

How the electrician handles it

What to expect from the licensed electrician you are connected with, from first visit to final inspection.

101
Load calculation based on your existing and planned appliances
202
Coordination with the utility for disconnect and reconnect
303
Permit pulled with the local building department
404
Panel and, if needed, meter base and service entrance replaced
505
Inspection and labeled circuit directory

Types of work

Types of electrical panel upgrade work

Subpanel Installation

Adding a subpanel for a garage, workshop, addition or ADU.

Feeder sizing based on the planned load
Separate neutral and ground bars
Detached-building grounding electrodes where required

200 Amp Service Upgrade

Increasing service capacity from 60 or 100 amps to 200 amps.

New meter base, mast or underground lateral as required
Utility coordination
New main panel and grounding system

Meter Base Replacement

Replacing corroded or damaged meter sockets.

Utility-approved meter socket
Weatherproofing of the service entrance
Coordination for meter pull and reset

Breaker Replacement

Replacing worn, damaged or incorrect breakers.

Breakers listed for your specific panel
AFCI and GFCI breakers where required
Torque to manufacturer specification

Fuse Box Replacement

Replacing screw-in fuse panels with a modern breaker panel.

Removal of the fuse panel
New breaker panel with modern protection
Circuit-by-circuit labeling

Pricing

What affects the cost

Prices are set by the electrician after seeing the job. These are the factors that move the number.

Get a real number

A short visit lets the electrician see your panel, wiring and access, so the quote reflects your actual job.

Call to discuss your job

01
Panel only vs. full service upgrade
02
Meter base, mast or underground service changes
03
Utility requirements and scheduling
04
Number of circuits and AFCI/GFCI breakers required
05
Grounding and bonding corrections

DIY vs. pro

What you can do, and when to stop

Safe for homeowners

List the appliances you plan to add
Note any breakers that trip often
Photograph the panel label for the electrician

Stop and call a pro

Removing the panel cover
Adding breakers yourself
Anything involving the meter or service wires

Safety: Panel work involves the utility service conductors, which cannot be switched off from inside the home. This is never a DIY job.

Questions

Electrical Panel Upgrade questions

Do I need 200 amps for an EV charger?

Not always. A load calculation may show your existing service can support a charger, sometimes with a load-management device. Upgrading is recommended when the calculation shows insufficient capacity.

How long is the power off during a panel replacement?

Typically most of one working day, depending on utility scheduling and whether the meter base is also replaced.

How do I know if my panel is too small?

A load calculation compares your existing and planned appliances to the service rating. Full breaker spaces and frequent trips are warning signs, not proof.

Do I need a new meter base?

Often, when moving from 100 to 200 amps or when the existing socket is corroded. The utility sets its own requirements.

Same-day help often available

Call about electrical panel upgrade

Call (855) 679-2483

Free to call
Explain the problem in plain words
Connect with an independent licensed electrician near you

Smoke, flames or sparking? Leave the building and call 911 first.

Pronto Electrician is a free referral service. Calls are answered by independent licensed electricians in your area. Pronto Electrician does not perform electrical work, and the electrician you choose sets the price, schedule, permits and warranty.

Same-day help often available

Prefer to talk it through?

Your call is answered by an independent licensed electrician who serves your area.

(855) 679-2483

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