Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. It's the gray box in your garage or basement that you probably ignore—until something goes wrong or you want to add that EV charger.
Panel upgrades aren't glamorous, but they're one of the best investments you can make in an older home. This guide covers everything: when you need one, what's involved, and how much it costs in the Seattle area.
In This Guide
What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Your electrical panel (also called a breaker box, load center, or service panel) distributes electricity from the utility company to all the circuits in your home. Every outlet, light, and appliance traces back to a circuit breaker in this box.
A panel upgrade increases your home's electrical capacity— typically from 100 amps to 200 amps. This involves:
- New panel box. A larger panel with more circuit breaker slots and higher amperage rating.
- Service entrance cables. Larger wires from the meter to the panel to handle increased capacity.
- Meter upgrade. The utility company updates your meter to match the new service capacity.
A panel replacement is different—that's swapping an old or damaged panel for a new one at the same amperage. Upgrades increase capacity; replacements just refresh the equipment.
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
How do you know if your panel can't keep up? Here are the warning signs:
Breakers trip frequently
If you're constantly resetting breakers—especially when running multiple appliances—your panel is telling you it's overloaded.
You have a fuse box
Fuse boxes haven't been installed since the 1960s. If you're still replacing fuses, it's time for a modern breaker panel.
Lights flicker or dim
When lights dim when the AC kicks on or an appliance starts, your electrical system is straining to meet demand.
You want to add major loads
EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, workshop—these all need significant electrical capacity. Most 100-amp panels can't accommodate them.
Burning smell, scorch marks, or warm panel
This is urgent. A warm panel, burning smell, or visible damage means something is wrong. Call an electrician immediately.
You might also need an upgrade if you have a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic panel—brands with known safety issues that insurers increasingly refuse to cover.
100-Amp vs. 200-Amp: Which Do You Need?
Most Seattle homes built before 1980 have 100-amp service. Modern homes typically have 200 amps. Here's the practical difference:
100-Amp Service
- • Handles basic household needs
- • Gas appliances (stove, dryer, heat)
- • No room for major additions
- • Common in pre-1980 homes
Adequate for: Small homes with gas appliances, light electrical use
200-Amp Service
- • Room for EV charger (40-50 amps)
- • Supports electric appliances
- • Heat pump, hot tub, workshop
- • Future-proofs your home
Recommended for: Most homeowners, especially those going electric
The trend is clearly toward electrification—EVs, heat pumps, induction stoves. If you're upgrading anyway, going to 200 amps makes sense for most homes. The incremental cost over 150 amps is modest, and you won't have to do it again.
Some larger homes or those with significant electrical needs may even want 400-amp service (two 200-amp panels). We can assess your specific situation.
The Upgrade Process
Here's what to expect from start to finish:
Assessment
We inspect your current panel, service entrance, and meter base. We discuss your electrical needs now and in the future. This determines the scope of work.
Quote & Permit
We provide a detailed quote. Once approved, we apply for the electrical permit and coordinate with the utility company for the service upgrade.
Installation Day
Power will be off for 4-8 hours during the upgrade. We install the new panel, run new service entrance cables, and transfer all your circuits. The utility handles the meter and reconnection.
Inspection
The city inspector verifies the work meets code. We schedule this promptly so you have full peace of mind.
Timeline
From first call to power-on, expect 2-4 weeks. Most of that is permit processing and utility coordination. The actual installation is typically one day.
Permits and Inspections
Panel upgrades always require a permit and inspection. This isn't optional—it's required by law and for good reason:
- Safety. Panel work involves the main electrical feed to your home. An inspector verifies everything is done correctly.
- Insurance. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance. If something goes wrong, you're on your own.
- Resale. When you sell, buyers and inspectors will ask about major electrical work. Permits provide documentation.
We handle all permit applications and scheduling. In Seattle, SDCI processes residential electrical permits. On the Eastside, it's typically Washington State L&I or the local city building department.
What It Actually Costs
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Need contractor input: These prices are industry averages for the Seattle area. We should update with your actual pricing or price ranges.
Panel upgrade costs vary based on your specific situation. Here are typical ranges for the Seattle area:
Typical Panel Upgrade Costs
What affects the price?
- Meter location and whether the utility needs to upgrade their side
- Condition of existing wiring and service entrance
- Need for a new service mast or weatherhead
- Underground vs. overhead service
- Adding circuits or subpanels at the same time
Most homeowners upgrading from 100A to 200A end up in the $3,000 - $4,500 range, including permits. It's a significant investment, but it adds value to your home and unlocks future possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my power be off?
Typically 4-8 hours on installation day. The utility disconnects and reconnects power, and we work as efficiently as possible in between. Plan for a day without electricity—work from a coffee shop, visit friends.
Will this damage my walls?
Usually not. The panel itself is typically in a garage, basement, or exterior wall. We work carefully to minimize any disruption. If the service entrance runs through living space, there might be minor patching.
Do I need to be home during installation?
We need access to the panel area and possibly the meter. You don't need to hover—many customers work from home in another room or step out. We'll coordinate access needs with you beforehand.
Will my electricity bill go up?
No. A larger panel doesn't use more electricity—it just provides more capacity. Your bill depends on what you actually use, not your panel size.
Should I upgrade before selling my home?
If you have an outdated panel (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, fuse box), yes. Buyers and their inspectors will flag it, and it can complicate sales. Modern 200-amp service is increasingly expected.
Can I add an EV charger at the same time?
Absolutely—and it's efficient to do both at once. We're already working in the panel, the permit is open, and we can size everything together. Many customers combine a panel upgrade with EV charger installation.
Ready to Upgrade Your Panel?
Free assessment. No-obligation quote. We'll evaluate your current panel and help you understand your options.