What this covers
A panel upgrade replaces the breaker panel, and often the service entrance with it, so the house has the capacity and the protection modern loads need. The electrician starts with a load calculation that adds up heating, cooling, cooking, laundry, water heating and anything planned, such as an EV charger or a heat pump. The old panel is removed, a new panel with the right number of circuits is mounted, every circuit is relabeled, and grounding and bonding are brought up to current code. Where the service itself is too small, the company coordinates with the utility to upgrade the meter and service conductors.
When to call
- Breakers that trip often, or a fuse box still in service.
- A panel with no open slots, or breakers doubled up on one terminal.
- An EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, addition or kitchen remodel that needs new circuits.
- A panel type that an inspector or home inspection report has flagged.
- Rust, scorching or a warm panel cover.
What to expect
- Load calculationThe electrician totals the existing and planned loads and sizes the panel and service to them.
- Permit and utilityThe permit is pulled and, when the service changes, the utility disconnect and reconnect are scheduled.
- ReplaceThe old panel comes out, the new one is mounted, every circuit is landed and labeled, and grounding is updated.
- InspectThe inspector signs off, the utility restores service, and you get a labeled panel directory.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is the power off during a panel upgrade?
Yes, usually for most of one working day while the panel is swapped. The company schedules the utility disconnect and reconnect so the outage is as short as it can be.
What is the difference between a panel upgrade and a service upgrade?
A panel upgrade replaces the breaker panel. A service upgrade also replaces the meter base, the service conductors and often the mast, because the house needs more amperage than the utility feed delivers.
Can a subpanel do instead?
If the main service has spare capacity and the panel is only out of slots, a subpanel adds circuits without replacing the main. The load calculation tells which case you are in.
Related: EV charger installation · Standby generator installation · Heat pump installation · All electrical
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.