Electrical Panel Upgrade Planning
When and why to upgrade your electrical panel — capacity assessment, permit requirements, utility coordination, and cost expectations for 100A to 200A upgrades.
When Is a Panel Upgrade Necessary?
Electrical panel upgrades are driven by three primary factors: capacity needs, safety concerns, and code compliance.
Capacity: Modern homes demand more power than ever. A typical 1970s home with a 100-amp panel may struggle to support air conditioning, electric dryers, EV chargers, and modern appliance loads simultaneously. If breakers trip frequently or you are planning additions that require significant new circuits, an upgrade is warranted.
Safety: Panels manufactured by Federal Pacific (FPE Stab-Lok) and Zinsco/Sylvania have documented safety defects. Insurance companies increasingly refuse to cover homes with these panels. If your home has either brand, replacement is recommended regardless of capacity needs.
Code compliance: Major renovations that involve new electrical work may trigger a requirement to bring the entire electrical service up to current code. Consult your local building department before beginning any significant project.
The Upgrade Process
A standard 100A to 200A panel upgrade involves:
1. Permit application ($150-$500 depending on jurisdiction)
2. Utility coordination to disconnect and reconnect service (timeline varies, 1-4 weeks)
3. New panel installation including main breaker, branch circuits, grounding
4. Inspection by local building department
5. Utility reconnection with new meter base if required
Total timeline: 2-6 weeks including permit and utility scheduling.
Cost Expectations
These costs include permits and inspections but not any new circuit runs, which are priced separately at $150-$300 per circuit.
DIY Warning
Electrical panel work is never a DIY project. It involves working with live utility feeds (which cannot be de-energized without utility involvement), requires permits and inspections in every jurisdiction, and errors can cause fires or electrocution. Always hire a licensed electrician.