ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES
Upgrade your home's electrical capacity with a new 200 amp panel. Essential for EV chargers, hot tubs, home additions, and modern electrical demands. We handle permits, utility coordination, and inspections.
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
Older electrical panels can't keep up with modern demands. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to upgrade.
Frequent Breaker Trips
Circuit breakers that trip regularly indicate your panel is overloaded. A 200 amp upgrade provides the capacity your home needs without constant interruptions.
Outdated Equipment
Fuse boxes and panels over 25 years old lack modern safety features. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are known fire hazards that should be replaced immediately.
Adding Major Appliances
EV chargers, hot tubs, central AC, and home additions require dedicated circuits. Most 100 amp panels don't have the capacity for these modern upgrades.
Panel & Service Upgrade Options
From breaker replacements to complete service upgrades, we handle all aspects of your electrical panel needs.
200 Amp Panel Upgrade
Complete panel replacement with new 200 amp service. Includes meter base, weatherhead, and all connections.
Sub-Panel Installation
Add capacity without replacing your main panel. Perfect for garages, workshops, and home additions.
Meter Base Replacement
Upgrade your meter base to support higher amperage. Required for most 200 amp service upgrades.
AFCI/GFCI Breakers
Modern arc-fault and ground-fault breakers for enhanced safety. Required by current electrical code in most areas.
How We Handle Your Panel Upgrade
A panel upgrade is a significant project. Here's how we ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your current panel, service entrance, and electrical needs to determine the right upgrade path.
Permits & Utility Coordination
We pull all required permits and coordinate with PECO or your utility for the temporary disconnect and meter installation.
Professional Installation
Our licensed electricians install your new panel, meter base, and all connections. Typical upgrades complete in one day.
Inspection & Activation
We schedule the municipal inspection and utility reconnection. You're back up and running with full capacity.
Recent Panel Upgrades
See examples of our panel upgrade work throughout Bucks County and Central New Jersey.
Panel Upgrade Pricing
Panel upgrade costs depend on your current system, service entrance condition, and the scope of work needed. Here's what affects your investment:
- Current panel amperage (100A vs 60A)
- Meter base replacement needed
- Service entrance cable condition
- Number of circuits to transfer
- Permit fees (varies by township)
- AFCI/GFCI breaker requirements
- New 200 amp panel
- Meter base (if needed)
- Circuit transfers
- Permits & inspection
- Utility coordination
- Lifetime warranty on work
Final price determined after site assessment
Panel Upgrade FAQs
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day. The power will be off for 4-6 hours during installation. Complex upgrades or homes requiring significant rewiring may take longer.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes, all panel upgrades require an electrical permit and inspection. We handle the entire permit process and schedule inspections with your municipality. Permit fees typically range from $75-$200.
Will my power be off during the upgrade?
Yes, power must be disconnected during installation. We coordinate with PECO (or your utility) for the disconnect and reconnection. Plan for 4-6 hours without power on installation day.
How do I know if I need a 200 amp upgrade?
If you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, central AC, or a home addition, you likely need 200 amps. Frequent breaker trips or a fuse box are also signs. We can assess your current usage and future needs during a free estimate.
Is my Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel dangerous?
Yes. Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco panels have documented failure rates that create serious fire hazards. If you have one of these panels, we strongly recommend replacement regardless of your power needs.
Can I upgrade just the panel without the meter base?
Sometimes, but not always. If your current meter base is rated for 200 amps and in good condition, we can reuse it. Most 100 amp services require a meter base upgrade to support 200 amps.
Ready to Upgrade Your Panel?
Get a free estimate on your electrical panel upgrade. We'll assess your current system and provide a clear, detailed quote.