Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. An undersized or aging panel isn’t just inconvenient — it can be a serious fire hazard.

Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade

Breakers tripping frequently. If you’re constantly resetting breakers, your panel can’t handle your electrical demand. This is a symptom, not the problem — the problem is inadequate capacity.

Lights flickering when appliances run. When your refrigerator or microwave causes lights to dim, it signals circuits are shared and overloaded.

You have a fuse box. Homes built before 1960 may still have fuse boxes. These are dramatically undersized for modern electrical loads and many insurance companies now surcharge or refuse coverage for homes with them.

Burning smell or warm panel. This is a safety emergency. Call immediately — do not wait.

You’re adding major loads. EV charger, hot tub, electric dryer, or a home addition all require dedicated circuits. If your panel is already near capacity, you’ll need an upgrade first.

Panel rated below 200 amps. Most modern homes need 200A minimum. Older 60A or 100A panels simply can’t support today’s electrical demands.

What the Upgrade Involves

A standard 100A to 200A upgrade takes one day. Here’s the process:

  1. Permit application — We handle this with your local building department
  2. Utility notification — Your power company disconnects the meter temporarily
  3. Old panel removal and new panel installation — 4–8 hours; you’ll be without power during this time
  4. Inspection — A city inspector verifies the work meets code
  5. Power restoration — Meter reconnected; power back on

Cost

A standard panel upgrade typically runs $1,500–$3,500 depending on panel size, labor complexity, and local permit fees. Homes requiring service entrance upgrades (the cables from the street to your home) will cost more.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover It?

Generally no — unless it’s replacing a recalled panel brand (Zinsco, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok). However, upgrading your panel often lowers your homeowners insurance premium, particularly if you’re replacing a fuse box or moving from 60A to 200A service.