Upgrading your home’s electrical service to 200 amps can help support modern power demands. This process involves replacing the electric meter, service wire, and main panel to accommodate increased electrical capacity. Master electrician Scott Caron demonstrates the intricate steps of this two-part upgrade, emphasizing the importance of professional expertise for such a complex and potentially dangerous task.
PART 1 OF 2: In this video, master electrician Scott Caron shows the first phase of replacing an antiquated electrical system.
NOTE: Working inside an electrical panel is dangerous and is best left to a professional electrician.
Benefits of Upgrading to 200 Amp Service
Upgrading to a 200 amp service offers several advantages for homeowners:
- Better support for future home additions or renovations: Upgrading to 200 amps ensures your electrical system can handle additional rooms, appliances, or modern renovations without overloading circuits.
- Improved safety with a more robust electrical system: A 200 amp system reduces the risk of electrical fires and power surges by providing a stronger and more stable current to your home.
- Increased electrical capacity for modern appliances and devices: With 200 amps, you can power multiple high-demand appliances and devices simultaneously without tripping breakers or experiencing power interruptions.
- Potential increase in home value: Homes with upgraded electrical systems are often more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing the resale value of your property.
When To Consider an Upgrade
Consider upgrading your electrical service if you encounter any of the following:
- You frequently experience tripped circuit breakers: Frequent trips are a sign that your current electrical system is struggling to meet your household’s power demands
- Your home has outdated wiring or an old fuse box: If your home still relies on an old fuse box or outdated wiring, upgrading to 200 amps can improve both safety and functionality.
- You’re planning to add major appliances or a home addition: An upgrade to 200 amps is essential if you’re adding energy-intensive appliances or expanding your home to ensure your electrical system can support the increased load.
- Your current electrical panel is at capacity: If your electrical panel is fully occupied, upgrading to 200 amps allows for additional circuits and future expansions without compromising performance.
Preparing for the Upgrade
Safety is paramount when working with electricity. Essential precautions include ensuring power is completely off to the entire building, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, using insulated tools designed for electrical work, and having a clear understanding of local electrical codes and regulations.
Professional electricians handle the necessary permits and inspections for an upgrade to meet regulatory standards. Overlooking these steps can lead to complications, fines, or unsafe conditions.
The local utility company will disconnect the electrical cables from the house and mark the locations of underground lines. They’ll also reconnect the cables after the upgrade is complete.
Upgrading the Electric Meter
The first phase of the upgrade involves replacing the old meter socket with a new 200 amp-rated version.
Removing the Old Meter
Removing an old meter and meter socket is a delicate task. To remove the old meter, your technician will follow these steps:
- Make sure all power to the building is off.
- Remove the glass meter from the meter socket.
- Unscrew the meter socket from the side of the house.
- Use cable cutters to sever the cable connected to the socket.
Installing the New Meter Socket
To install the new meter socket, your electrician will do the following:
- Enlarge the existing cable hole in the wall using a 3-inch diameter hole saw.
- Bore through the rim joist with a 2-inch diameter hole saw.
- Attach a length of 200-amp SE electrical cable to the new meter socket.
- Feed the SE cable through the wall and secure the socket to the house.
- Use a torpedo level to ensure the socket is level.
Setting Up the Weather Head and Conduit
The weather head and conduit protect the service entrance cable. Install the new PVC weather head and conduit above the meter socket. Secure the conduit to the meter socket using PVC cement and fasten the conduit to the house with U-shaped plastic clips.
Grounding the System
Proper grounding is needed for electrical safety. Caron emphasizes the importance of this step in the upgrade process.
Installing Ground Rods
To install the ground rods, have the utility company mark underground lines. Pound two copper ground rods into the ground, spaced 6 feet apart, away from any underground lines. Use a 3-pound sledgehammer to drive the rods fully into the ground. These rods provide a necessary pathway for electrical faults.
Connecting the Grounding System
Here’s how your electrician will connect the grounding system:
- Run wire between the ground rods.
- Connect to an inter-system bonding termination.
- Link the grounding system to the meter socket.
Upgrading to a 200 Amp Service Panel
PART 2 OF 2: In this video, Master electrician Scott Caron installs a new panel to complete a service upgrade.
NOTE: Working inside an electrical panel is dangerous and is best left to a professional electrician.
Installing the New 200 Amp Panel
The second phase of this upgrade involves replacing the old electrical panel with a new 200-amp version. To remove the old panel, make sure the building’s power is completely off. Then, use diagonal-cutting pliers to sever all wires inside the existing panel. Unscrew and remove the old panel from the wall.
Mounting the new panel requires screwing a large 3/4-inch-thick plywood panel to the wall and feeding the SE cable through the top of the new panel. Secure the panel to the plywood, and check that it’s level.
Here are the electrical connections your electrician will make in the new panel:
- Connecting the main power wires
- Feeding house circuits into the panel through cable connectors
- Connecting ground and neutral wires to their respective bars
- Installing new circuit breakers into the bus bar
Finalizing the Upgrade
After the new panel is installed, have the utility company reconnect the electrical cables to the house. Install the glass meter into the new meter socket and secure the meter cover. This step restores power to the home safely.
Also, label each breaker with the correct house circuit. Document any changes or additions to the electrical system. Keep all relevant paperwork for future reference or home sales.
The Role of a Professional Electrician
Upgrading an electrical service to 200 amps is a task best left to professional electricians. They’ll make sure all work complies with local codes and safety standards. Attempting this as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project can be hazardous due to the complexity and electrical dangers involved.
When selecting an electrician, verify their licensing and certifications and check references and reviews. We recommend requesting multiple quotes to compare pricing and services. According to Angi, the average cost to upgrade your electrical panel to 200 amps is between $1,300 and $1,600, including the panel and installation.
Our Conclusion
Upgrading to a 200-amp electrical service is a complex but valuable home improvement project. While it requires professional expertise, the benefits of increased capacity, improved safety, and potential increased home value make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Always consult with a licensed electrician to determine if this upgrade is right for your home.
