Upgrading your home’s electrical panel to 200-amp service is a significant improvement that can enhance your electrical system’s capacity and safety. This upgrade benefits homes with increasing power demands because of modern appliances and electronics.
In the video above, This Old House master electrician Scott Caron explains the process of installing a new panel and completing a service upgrade. While the job is complex and should only be performed by a licensed electrician, understanding the steps involved can help you make informed decisions about your home’s electrical systems.
Signs You Need an Upgrade for Your Electrical Panel
Certain signs make it clear that your electrical panel may be struggling to meet your power needs:
- Frequent breaker trips: If you’re constantly resetting your breakers, your panel may be overloaded.
- Flickering or dimming lights: This usually points to an inconsistent power supply.
- Old fuse box: If your home still has a fuse box instead of circuit breakers, it’s time to upgrade.
- Home improvements: Adding new appliances, renovating, or installing high-power devices like an electric car charger could overwhelm your current system.
Benefits of a 200-Amp Service
A 200-amp service offers several advantages over lower amperage systems:
- More power for modern appliances: Safely run your air conditioner, washer, dryer, and other energy-hungry devices without worry.
- Improved safety: Newer circuit breakers lower the risk of electrical fires.
- Future-proof your home: Whether you’re planning solar panels, electric vehicle charging, or just more gadgets, a 200-amp system has room to grow.
- Boost home value: A modern electrical system can make your home more attractive to future buyers.
You might even see a reduction in your homeowner’s insurance premiums thanks to enhanced safety features.
Preparing for the 200-Amp Service Upgrade
Before starting the upgrade, you’ll need to check a few things to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Assessing Your Current System
Before upgrading your electrical panel, you need to evaluate your existing panel and service. First, consider the current panel amperage, which indicates how much power your system can handle. Check the condition of the wiring, too, as some older homes need updated wiring to handle the higher load safely.
The location of your panel also matters. If it’s tucked away in a tight space, you may need to move it for better access or to meet local building codes.
Obtaining Necessary Permits
You’ll likely need permits before upgrading to a 200-amp service. Contact your local building department to find out what’s required. They may want to review plans, and you’ll also need to schedule inspections before and after the work is done. The fees and timelines for permits vary, so it’s good to get a sense of this early on.
Choosing a Qualified Electrician
Upgrading an electrical panel is not a DIY job—it’s best left to a licensed electrician. They have the knowledge to handle the job safely and make sure it meets local regulations. When choosing an electrician, verify their license, insurance, and track record. An electrician familiar with your local codes and the specific upgrade process helps you avoid headaches down the road.
Electric Panel Installation Process
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during the installation of a 200-amp panel, as Caron demonstrates in the video.
Removing the Old Panel
The electrician will first shut off power to your home. Then, they’ll disconnect the wires and carefully unscrew and remove the old panel from the wall. Caron uses diagonal-cutting pliers to sever all wires inside the existing electrical panel.
Preparing the New Panel Location
Proper preparation of the installation site is key.
If needed, the electrician will install a sturdy plywood backing to support the new panel:
Caron screws a large, 3/4-inch-thick plywood panel to the wall for mounting the new electrical panel in the video.
Installing the New Panel
The installation of the new 200-amp panel is a precise process:
- Feed the service entrance (SE) cable through the top of the new panel.
- Mount the panel securely to the plywood backing.
- Use a torpedo level to make sure the panel is perfectly straight.
- Make all necessary electrical connections inside the panel.
- Feed the house circuits into the panel, making sure each cable passes through a cable connector.
- Connect the bare copper ground wires and white insulated neutral wires to the ground and the neutral bar inside the panel.
- Plug new circuit breakers into the bus bar.
Each connection must be secure and correctly placed.
Grounding and Final Connections
The electrician will connect the main ground wire to your home’s water main or a grounding rod, depending on your local codes. Once all connections are complete, your utility provider will restore power. The electrician will also label and organize the circuits for easy identification.
Post-Install Steps for Your Electrical Panel
Finally, a licensed electrical inspector checks for compliance with local codes, verifying that all connections are secure and that the system is safe to use. We recommend to:
- Schedule the inspection as soon as the installation is complete.
- Be present during the inspection to address any questions or concerns.
- Obtain final approval and documentation of the upgrade.
It’s important to pass this inspection to avoid any costly revisions.
Testing and Verification
Once the system is powered up, your electrician will test all outlets and fixtures to ensure everything is running smoothly. Continuous monitoring in the days following installation helps identify potential problems early on.
Additional Considerations for Electrical Panel Upgrades
A 200-amp panel is a great opportunity to future-proof your home. You can easily integrate smart technology, energy-efficient appliances, and home automation systems to help you save energy and money.
If you’re thinking about adding solar panels or an electric vehicle charger, this upgrade will give you the flexibility to do so later without any issues.
