Electrical Panel Upgrades: When You Need One and What's Involved

Your electrical panel is the hub of your home's electrical system. Many older homes have panels that are undersized for modern electrical demands — or that contain known safety issues. Here's what you need to know.

Signs You May Need a Panel Upgrade

• Frequently tripping breakers — especially if multiple circuits trip under normal use
• Lights dimming when appliances turn on — sign of an overloaded circuit
• You're adding a major appliance — EV charger, hot tub, large HVAC system, or home addition
• Your panel is 100 amps or less — modern homes typically need 200 amps minimum
• You have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel — these brands have documented safety issues and many insurers won't cover homes with them
• Fuse box instead of breakers — fuse boxes are outdated and a fire hazard if misused
• Your home is over 40 years old and has never been updated

Common Panel Sizes

• 100 amp: Standard in homes built before 1970. Adequate for small homes with gas appliances but insufficient for all-electric homes or EV charging.
• 200 amp: The current standard for most homes. Handles typical electrical demands with room to grow.
• 400 amp: Required for large homes, all-electric homes with EV charging, or homes with extensive electrical loads.

What the Process Involves

Expect to be without power for most of one day.

Cost

• 100A to 200A upgrade: $1,500–$3,500
• 200A to 400A upgrade: $3,000–$5,000+
• Additional costs: If the service entrance (the wires from the utility to your panel) also needs upgrading, add $1,000–$3,000. Some utilities charge a fee for reconnection.

What to Ask Your Contractor

• "Is this a licensed electrician pulling the permit, or a subcontractor?"
• "Does the service entrance need to be upgraded as well?"
• "Will the utility company need to be scheduled separately — and how long does that take?"
• "After the upgrade, will all my existing circuits be properly labeled?"
• "Are there any code issues with my current wiring that will need to be addressed?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade? Yes — in virtually every US jurisdiction. Electrical panel work requires a permit and inspection to ensure the work is done safely and to code, and the inspection must be passed before power is restored. Be wary of any electrician who suggests skipping the permit.

How long does an electrical panel upgrade take? The physical work typically takes one full day for a licensed electrician. However, scheduling the utility disconnect and reconnect can add days or weeks depending on your utility company's availability. Factor in permit processing time as well — some jurisdictions are faster than others.

What is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel and why is it a problem? Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels were widely installed in US homes from the 1950s through the 1980s. Both brands have documented issues with breakers failing to trip during overloads, which is a fire hazard. Many insurance companies will not cover homes with these panels or will charge significantly higher premiums. If you have one, replacement is strongly recommended.