Electrical Panel Upgrades

Cost depends on service size (for example 100A to 200A), whether the meter socket or service entrance must change, grounding and bonding work, interior vs exterior panel location, and permit and utility coordination. We give a written scope after we see the existing equipment. A fair quote lists what is included—labor, materials, permits, labeling—not a low teaser plus add-ons later.

Yes. Service equipment, meter-base work, and main breaker changes are not DIY. They require a licensed contractor, permits, and inspection. Utility disconnects and reconnections are coordinated as part of the job.

Age alone is not an emergency. Heat damage, burning odor, buzzing, double-tapped breakers that are not listed for it, rust, or obsolete equipment with known failure history (such as some Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels) are reasons to schedule an evaluation. We explain findings in plain language and separate required safety work from optional capacity upgrades.

No. The right size follows a load calculation and how you actually use the house—not a default upsell. If breakers trip because of one overloaded circuit, the fix may be a dedicated circuit or repair rather than a full service change.

A complete quote should cover the new panel and breakers as specified, required grounding and bonding, permits and inspection coordination, labeling, and any meter or service-entrance work that is actually needed. Related conditions and optional improvements are listed separately so you can choose. See our No Upsells page for how we split those categories.

Many residential service changes are a planned outage on a scheduled day once permits and utility coordination are in place. Timeline depends on inspection calendars and whether the meter or mast must be replaced. We put the outage window in the quote so you can plan refrigerators, medical equipment, and remote work.