Panel Upgrade
Replacing an older or undersized electrical service panel with a larger modern panel to support today's electrical loads.
An electrical panel upgrade (also called a service upgrade) involves replacing the existing main breaker panel and, in many cases, increasing the incoming service amperage from the utility. Most older homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp service; today's standard is 200 amps, and homes with EV chargers, electric heat, or large HVAC systems may need 400 amps.
Panel upgrades are also triggered by obsolete equipment: Federal Pacific "Stab-Lok" and Zinsco panels have documented safety issues and are frequently flagged by home inspectors. Fuse boxes cannot accommodate modern breakers and do not meet current code for new circuits.
The cost of a panel upgrade typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 including labor, a new panel, and the permit. If the utility must replace the meter base or run new service entrance conductors, costs can rise to $6,000 or more. The project requires a permit and inspection, and the utility must coordinate the service disconnect.
Real-World Example
To support a new EV charger and heat pump, the homeowners upgraded from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel, adding eight new circuits at a total cost of $3,200.