How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?

Upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service costs $2,000-$5,000, with most homeowners paying $3,000-$4,000. This includes a new 200-amp panel, meter base, service entrance cable, permit, and utility coordination. Simply replacing a worn or unsafe panel at the same amperage costs $1,500-$3,000. Adding a subpanel costs $500-$1,500. Do I need a 200-amp panel?

Do I need a 200-amp panel?

If you have 100-amp service and plan to add an EV charger, heat pump, central AC, or do a major renovation, yes. 200-amp is the current standard for new homes and handles modern electrical demands. Signs you need an upgrade include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, running out of circuit spaces, or having a fuse box instead of breakers. If your home is all-electric (no gas), 200-amp is essential. How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?

How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?

The actual work takes 6-10 hours, usually completed in one day. Your power will be off for 4-8 hours during the work. However, lead time for permits and utility scheduling adds 1-4 weeks before work begins. The utility company must disconnect power before work starts and reconnect after inspection, which requires coordination. Is a Federal Pacific panel dangerous?

Is a Federal Pacific panel dangerous?

Yes. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels have a well-documented history of breakers failing to trip during overloads, creating fire hazards. Studies found failure rates of 25-60% on these breakers. Zinsco panels have similar issues. If you have either brand, replacement is strongly recommended. Many insurance companies require replacement, and home inspectors always flag them. Replacement costs $1,500-$3,500.

Article

Home Improvement

Electric Panel Upgrade Guide: When, Why, Cost & What to Expect

Lumberama Editorial Team, Electrical & Home Safety Specialists Jul 31, 2026 8 min read

When You Need an Upgrade

Signs your panel needs upgrading: Frequent breaker trips. Flickering or dimming lights when appliances turn on. Only 100-amp service (or less). Fuse box instead of breaker panel. Panels with known safety issues (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic). Adding major appliances (EV charger, heat pump, hot tub). Home addition or major renovation. Insurance company requires it. Selling home (buyers and inspectors flag old panels).

Common upgrade scenarios: 100-amp to 200-amp: most common residential upgrade. Adding EV charger (40-60 amp circuit needed). Adding central AC or heat pump. Kitchen remodel with new appliances. Home addition. Converting from fuses to breakers.

Panel Sizes

60-amp: Very old homes (pre-1960s). Barely adequate for basic lighting and few appliances. Must upgrade for any modern use.

100-amp: Standard in homes built 1960s-1990s. Adequate for basic needs (no EV charger, no electric heat). May run out of circuits with modern demands.

200-amp: Current standard for new construction. Handles most modern homes. EV charger, heat pump, central AC, kitchen appliances. Recommended upgrade target for most homeowners.

320-400 amp: Large homes (4,000+ sq ft). Multiple high-demand systems. All-electric homes with EV, heat pump, and electric cooking. Two 200-amp panels or one 320-400 amp panel.

Cost

Panel replacement (same amperage): Replace worn or unsafe panel: $1,500-$3,000. Federal Pacific or Zinsco replacement: $1,500-$3,500.

100 to 200-amp upgrade: Panel, meter base, and service entrance: $2,000-$5,000. Average: $3,000-$4,000. Includes: new 200-amp panel, new meter base, service entrance cable, utility coordination.

Subpanel addition: 60-100 amp subpanel: $500-$1,500. For: garages, workshops, additions. Doesn't increase main service amperage.

What affects cost: Underground vs overhead service (underground costs more). Meter base replacement ($200-$500 if needed). Distance from meter to panel. Permit and inspection fees ($100-$500). Utility company coordination (may be free or $200-$500). Geographic location and labor rates.

Permits: Required in virtually all jurisdictions. Electrical permit: $50-$300. Inspection: usually included in permit. Utility must disconnect and reconnect (scheduled with electrician).

The Process

What happens: Electrician pulls permit. Utility disconnects power (scheduled). Old panel removed. New panel, meter base, and service entrance installed. All circuits reconnected and labeled. Inspection by building department. Utility reconnects power.

Timeline: Work takes 6-10 hours typically. Power is off for 4-8 hours during work. Some electricians complete in one day. May take 1-2 days for complex upgrades. Permit and scheduling adds 1-4 weeks lead time.

DIY? No. Electrical panel work must be done by a licensed electrician. Required by code in all jurisdictions. Involves working with live utility power. Permit and inspection required. Attempting DIY is dangerous and illegal in most areas.