200 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade
A 200 amp main panel is the modern California standard. It supports an EV charger, central A/C or a heat pump, an electric range, a hot tub, solar with battery, and an ADU — without tripping a breaker every time two big loads run at once. If your home is still on a 60 amp or 100 amp panel, this is the upgrade that unlocks everything else.
When a 200-Amp Upgrade Is the Right Call
Adding an EV charger. A Level 2 charger draws 30–60 amps continuously. Most 100 amp panels don't have the headroom once HVAC, range, and water heater are accounted for. A 200 amp panel solves it permanently and lets you add a second charger later if needed.
Heat pump or central A/C upgrade. Modern variable-speed heat pumps draw more steady-state power than legacy gas systems. A 200 amp panel gives you a true dedicated circuit for the air handler and condenser, plus headroom for the rest of the house.
Solar with battery backup. Battery systems need a main service disconnect rated for the combined inverter and grid current. 200 amps is the typical baseline; some larger installs need a 225-amp meter combo.
ADU or addition. California's ADU permits frequently require a service-entry upgrade if the existing panel can't handle the new dwelling unit. We coordinate the load calculation with your architect or designer.
Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel replacement. Both are flagged by insurers and inspectors. A 200 amp replacement is the safe and code compliant fix.
What's Included in the Upgrade
Free on-site assessment, written estimate, and load calculation. City permit application and coordination — La Mirada, Downey, Whittier, Anaheim, Fullerton, Glendale, or wherever your home sits. Utility coordination for the meter disconnect and reconnect (SCE in most of our area; GWP for Glendale; LADWP for LA City).
Removal of the existing panel. Installation of a new 200 amp main breaker panel with appropriately sized breakers for every circuit. Labeled directory inside the dead-front, ground rod and bonding inspection, AFCI/GFCI protection per current code on relevant circuits.
City inspection scheduled and met on-site. 18-month warranty on parts and labor.
What It Doesn't Always Include
If your service-entry conductors (the wires from the utility to the meter) are undersized for 200 amp service, the utility will require an upgrade of those too. We flag this up front when it applies. Some older homes also need a separate ground rod or grounding electrode bond brought up to current code — usually a small add-on, not a separate project.
If the existing panel location no longer meets code (working clearance, exterior access, distance from gas meters), we may recommend relocating it. We'll show you exactly why and what the trade-offs are before quoting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most residential upgrades are completed in a single day. Permits and utility coordination are arranged in advance so the on-site work runs cleanly from morning through inspection.
Yes, power is off during the install. We coordinate the disconnect and reconnect with the utility so the downtime is typically 4–8 hours, all in one day.
Yes. Every California panel upgrade requires a permit and a final inspection. We pull both as part of the project.
For most single-family homes, yes. Larger homes with multiple HVAC zones, pool equipment, and EV charging may benefit from a 225-amp combo meter or a 320/400-amp service. We size it correctly for your actual loads.