How To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel Safely

Whether you live in an older home with outdated electrical service or need more power for new appliances, you may wonder how to upgrade your electrical panel. This is a risky project that requires a professional, but it's important to be informed. Here's what you need to know about electrical panel upgrading, including necessary prep work, the expected cost, what a professional will do, and more. 

Reasons You May Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

There may be several reasons why you need to upgrade your electrical panel. The most common is updating old electrical service to a more modern, safe, and robust system. Switching to 100 or 200-amp electrical service from an old home's fuse box or undersized breaker box can increase the safety of the entire system. Other reasons include:

• Increasing electrical demand

• Home renovations or new appliances

• Electrical vehicle charging

• Home office or work-from-home needs

• Switching your HVAC from gas to electric

• Adding central air conditioning to your home

• Improving resale value

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel?

The average cost to upgrade an electrical panel to 200 amps is $1,600. However, the price can range from $800 to over $4,000, depending on the job's specifics. Adding higher amp service, such as 300 or 400 amps, will increase the cost, as will adding new circuits that require additional wiring. If your home doesn't currently have grounded outlets, this additional task will also increase the project's cost.

How to Prep for an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Electrical panel upgrading is generally not a DIY project. In some municipalities, parts of the job are illegal for a homeowner without the help of an electrician. Besides the high degree of electrical knowledge that’s necessary, upgrading an electrical panel can be hazardous and even lethal.

Preparing for an electrical panel upgrade comes down to choosing which electrical contractor will do the work. Selecting a provider requires due diligence, as swapping electrical boxes and rewiring parts of your house is a major job.

How to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Upgrading your electrical panel can mean several different things. In some cases, your electrical system may only require repair and internal updating, and you won't need any assistance from your electrical service utility provider. However, extra steps with the power company are needed when upgrading to 200 amp service or higher. 

1. Create a Plan

Upgrading your electrical panel means your home's electricity will be off for a while, which can disrupt everyday life. With the help of your electrician, develop a plan, including what work is necessary, how much it will cost, how long it will take, and what day or days work best.

2. Receive Approval for the Electrical Panel Upgrade 

Your electrician will take the information from the plan and file a permit application with your city or municipality. The permit application requires specifics about the upgrade, and approval is necessary before any work can begin. Keep in mind that your electrician will handle this part of the process, and you should ensure that’s the case before hiring them.

3. Schedule the Service Disconnect  

The power company that supplies electricity to your home will need to turn off the flow of electricity before upgrading your panel. Your electrician will schedule this with the power company. The service provider may also inspect, upgrade, or replace parts of the service connection to the home during this time.  

4. Install the New Electrical Panel

While the electrical power is off, the electrician will remove the existing panel and any wiring that needs replacing. They’ll install the new panel, breakers, wiring, and other necessary components. If there's other electrical work to perform, whether related to the upgrade or not, consult your electrician about whether it makes sense to add on that service now or wait until a later date. 

5. Pass the Electrical Inspection

Your electrical company can only turn the power back on once your upgrade work passes a final electrical inspection from your city or municipality. Your electrician will notify the electrical utility provider to turn the power on after the inspector signs off on the permit. 

Tips for Dealing With an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Upgrading the electrical panel in your home requires precise planning and timing. Your electrician must have skills not only related to the physical work itself, but also the ability to schedule and delegate effectively. Here are a few tips to help make your electrical upgrade project go smoothly. 

• Obtain at least three quotes for the work and carefully interview each company before hiring.

• Schedule your panel upgrade for a time or day when not having electricity will be the least disruptive.

• Plan other electrical upgrades or repairs at the same time to minimize disruptions.

DIY Electrical Panel Upgrading vs. Hiring a Pro

The cost to replace a circuit breaker box averages between $520 and $2,140, and upgrading your electrical service can increase that cost. You might be tempted to DIY and save on labor fees, but doing so is dangerous and sometimes illegal. 

When it's time to upgrade your electrical panel, contact an electrical panel upgrade professional near you to start the process. These pros have the skills and knowledge to seamlessly upgrade your electrical system with efficiency in mind.