Panels & Wiring
200 or 400 amp upgrades, Zinsco, Federal Pacific and fuse panel replacements, new circuits and rewires. All under permit.
Run the dryer, AC and a new range at once and a breaker quits. An old or undersized panel makes the whole house feel it.
First, a load calculation: math on what your house really draws. Sometimes a subpanel, smart panel or load management beats a bigger panel on cost.
Panel and wiring work
Outlets & Circuits
- Dedicated Circuits & 240V Outlets
- New Outlets & Switches
- Two-Prong to Three-Prong Outlet Upgrade
- Outdoor Outlets
- RV Hookups
- Hot Tub & Pool Wiring
- Heat Pump & Mini-Split Circuits
- Heat Pump Water Heater Circuit
- Induction Range Conversion
- Garage, Shed & ADU Wiring
- Kitchen, Bath & Remodel Wiring
- Trenching & Underground Power
Signs your panel or wiring is tired
- Adding an EV charger, heat pump, induction range, hot tub or battery
- Panel says Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Stab-Lok or Challenger, or uses fuses
- Breakers trip when big appliances run together
- No open slots for new circuits
How panel and wiring jobs go
- Look and measure. We check the panel and wiring, then run the load math.
- Priced options. Upgrade, replacement, subpanel or load management, priced side by side.
- Paperwork. We file the permit and book the utility disconnect and reconnect when needed.
- Install and inspect. Installed to code, every circuit labeled, inspector signs off.
What panel and wiring work costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 200 amp panel and service (plus permit and utility fees) | $5,500 to $11,500 |
| 400 amp service (permit and utility fees extra) | $15,500 to $28,000 |
| Old panel replaced, same amperage (permit fees extra) | $3,000 to $5,400 |
| Full rewire, 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft | $20,000 to $40,000 |
Prices updated October 2026.
Panels and wiring around here
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels haunt 1960s and 1970s tracts from Citrus Heights and Carmichael to Davis and Roseville; pre-war Sacramento homes still have knob and tube. We handle the reconnect with SMUD, PG&E, Roseville Electric or Lodi Electric Utility.
Panel and wiring questions
How do I know if my panel needs an upgrade?
A load calculation tells you. It's worth one if you're adding an EV charger, heat pump or battery, breakers trip in normal use, or the panel is full or a problem brand.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
$5,500 to $11,500 for most 200 amp upgrades, plus permit and utility fees. 400 amp service: $15,500 to $28,000. Same-amperage panel swap: $3,000 to $5,400. Prices updated October 2026.
Are Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels really dangerous?
Both have a documented history of breakers that may not trip when they should, and many insurers flag them. We check yours and recommend replacement.
Do I have to rewire my whole house?
Not always. Many homes rewire in stages, kitchens and baths first, or fix just the damaged section. We price each option.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.