Panel Upgrade (200 amp / 400 amp)
Many pre-2000 homes have 100 or 125 amp panels. An EV charger, heat pump or battery can need 200 or 400 amps.
Signs your panel or wiring needs attention
- Adding an EV charger, heat pump, battery or hot tub
- Breakers trip when big loads overlap
- Panel full, and you need more circuits
- An inspector or insurer flagged the panel
How the job goes, start to finish
- Load calculation: the right size, not the biggest
- Permit, plus the utility disconnect request
- Replace panel, main, grounding and bonding; label every circuit
- Pass city inspection, hand over the paperwork
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 200 amp panel and service upgrade | $5,500 to $11,500 |
| 400 amp service upgrade | $15,500 to $28,000 |
| Underground service relocation | $22,000 to $28,000 |
Before permit and utility fees. Prices updated October 2026.
What moves the price
- Amperage: same as now, 200 amps, or 400 amps
- Separate meter and main, or a combined unit
- Utility rules for the mast, meter socket and service entrance
- How many circuits move or extend to the new panel
- Grounding, bonding and surge protection up to current code
- City permit fees, which vary
Permits for panel and wiring work
Panel and service work needs a permit and a city or county inspection. Meter work also needs a utility disconnect, on the utility's schedule and fees. Each fee is listed separately.
Brands we install
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown to identify the equipment we install and service. Chief Electric installs and services SPAN equipment. Chief Electric is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with these manufacturers.
The offer for this service
Panel and wiring questions
How long is the power off during a panel upgrade?
Usually 4 to 8 hours on swap day. We confirm the plan the day before.
Do I need 400 amp service?
Rarely. 200 amp with load management covers most all-electric homes.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Most 200 amp panel upgrades here run $5,500 to $11,500 before permit and utility fees. A 400 amp service runs $15,500 to $28,000, and a same-amperage Zinsco or Federal Pacific swap runs $3,000 to $5,400. Prices updated October 2026.
Do you charge for the quote?
No. An electrician looks at the job in person and quotes it, free.