What is an electrical panel?

First, it’s important to understand what an electrical panel is and why it's important. Your home's electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker box, is responsible for distributing electricity to the various circuits in your home. The size of your electrical panel is determined by the amperage it can handle, with 100 amps being the most common size for older homes and 200 amps being the standard for newer homes. If you're constantly tripping breakers or experiencing electrical issues, upgrading your electrical panel may be necessary to meet your home's electrical needs.

Why is it important to upgrade your electrical panel?

Upgrading your electrical panel is an important investment in your home's safety. It's worth considering if you're experiencing electrical issues or if your home's electrical needs have increased over time. Electrical panel upgrades also help you reduce the risk of electrical fires or other hazards.

How much does it cost to upgrade my electrical panel?

The cost of upgrading your electrical panel from 100A to 200A service can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. The cost depends on factors such as the size of your home and the type of electrical panel you need. Larger homes will require more work and materials, which will increase the cost. Additionally, if you have an older home, upgrading your electrical panel may require additional work to bring your electrical system up to date.

Standard electrical panels can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, while higher-end models can cost $1,000 or more. The type of electrical panel you choose will depend on your home's specific needs and the recommendations of your electrician.

Labor costs can also vary depending on the electrician you hire and the complexity of the job. Some electricians may charge a flat rate for the upgrade, while others may charge an hourly rate. The complexity of the job can also impact the labor costs. For example, if your home's wiring needs to be updated, the labor costs may be higher.

On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 or more for the upgrade. The most important part is to make sure to hire a licensed electrician to do the work.

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel to install an EV charger at home?

When it comes to an EV charger for your home, a panel upgrade is only necessary if your electrical panel is already full or doesn’t have enough space for the EV charger.

A Level 2 charger will often need between 40-60 amps of current. The National Electrical Code requires an electrical circuit to be rated for 25% greater amperage than your charger’s output. For example, if you want to buy a 40A Level 2 charger, you’ll need a circuit breaker that’s rated for at least 50 amps.