Electrical Panel Upgrade in Houston. Old breaker box? We replace it.
Wired Electrical & Generators replaces and upgrades electrical panels for Houston-area homes and businesses, including 200 amp upgrades. We pull the permit under our license and schedule the inspection.
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Quick facts
- What: Panel upgrades and replacements for homes and businesses, including 200 amp upgrades.
- Permit: We pull the permit under our license and schedule the inspection.
- Power off: Most of a day for a full panel swap. We tell you the plan the day before.
- Cost: Depends on the size of the panel, the service wire, the meter base, the permit and the work around the panel. A free visit gets you a written estimate.
- Federal Pacific and Zinsco: We inspect first and recommend replacement when the condition of the panel or the concerns around that brand call for it.
- Generator ready: We can add the generator transfer switch at the same time.
- To book: Call (713) 467-1125, answered 24/7.
Electrical panel installation at Brittmoore Animal Hospital in Texas.
Residential & Commercial Panels
Keep your home or office safe from potential hazards. The breaker panel, or better known as your electrical panel, is the heart with which electricity flows throughout your home. Outdated or out of code electrical panels pose an unseen threat to your home or business. Insufficient electrical panels can cause untold headaches. Luckily, our expert technicians at Wired Electrical & Generators can help you prevent such risks. We can offer a free quote on our panel upgrade services. Our team will expertly replace your old panel by installing a new electrical panel that is fully compliant with NEC safety codes. Panels that were installed more than 20 years ago may not have the capability to withstand the amount of power we use daily for TVs, computers, gaming systems, networking, security, kitchen appliances, and more. We can help you upgrade to larger panels that can accommodate all your modern needs. Count on Wired Electrical & Generators to visit your home or business to inspect the electrical panel you have in place. We will give you an honest assessment of your panel and offer a quote on the necessary services to fix the problem. If you have questions about your electrical panel or how to add the latest technology to your home or office, contact our friendly team of experts for help.
Increased Capacity
Modern electrical panels can handle higher electrical loads, allowing you to power more appliances, devices, and equipment without risking overload or tripped breakers.
Future-Proofing
Investing in an upgraded electrical panel future-proofs your property, ensuring that it can adapt to evolving technology and electrical needs for years to come.
Room for What’s Next
A new panel gives you open spaces and capacity for an EV charger, a generator transfer switch, or an addition.
Compliance with Codes
Electrical codes and regulations are constantly evolving to ensure the safety and integrity of electrical systems. Upgrading your panel ensures compliance with the latest codes, protecting your property and its occupants.
Enhanced Safety
Old, worn-out electrical panels are more prone to malfunction and pose a greater risk of electrical fires and shocks. Upgrading to a new panel with advanced safety features provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
When a panel needs replacing.
If you're nodding at any of these, call.
- Breakers trip when the AC and the dryer run together.
- No room for the EV charger, the generator transfer switch, or the addition.
- It's old. Fuses, a brand an inspector flinches at, or the house is from the 80s and the panel is original.
- Warm breakers, buzzing, or a burning smell. That one's a call today.
- Service upgrade to 200 amps, with the CenterPoint coordination handled by us.
From first call to finished job.
- Call. Tell us what it's doing, or send a photo of the panel.
- We come out. Free estimate. We'll tell you whether it's a repair, a panel, or a full service upgrade.
- We replace it. Permit pulled, inspection scheduled, CenterPoint coordinated. Usually one day.
Inside the panel.
Breakers, wiring and connections from recent jobs.
More answers, one topic at a time.
16 short guides. Tap a title to open it.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Some warning signs show up around the house and some are in the breaker box. A few are about what you plan to add, not what is wrong today.
Signs you can notice around the house
Lights that dim when the AC starts, outlets that feel warm and fuses that keep blowing all deserve attention. So does a breaker that will not stay reset. These can come from a failing circuit rather than the panel, so an electrician should find the cause before anyone guesses.
Signs at the panel itself
Rust, water stains or moisture on the cabinet, a door that no longer closes and no spare breaker spaces are common findings. Another is breakers doubled up to fit more circuits than the panel was designed for. Leave the cover closed and send us a photo of the outside and the label, which is enough for us to start.
Reasons to upgrade that are not problems
Many upgrades happen because you are adding something, such as an EV charger, a generator, a bigger AC, a pool, an addition or a kitchen remodel. A home inspector or an insurance company may also ask you to replace a panel or have it evaluated. If you are buying an older house, a panel review before closing helps you plan.
100 Amp vs 200 Amp Service: Replacement, Upgrade or Subpanel
People say panel upgrade for several different jobs. Which one you need depends on whether the panel, the service or just the available space is the problem.
100 amp vs 200 amp service
Service size is the total amount of power your home can draw from the utility, and the panel has to match it. Many older Houston homes were built with 100 amp service, which was enough before central AC, electric dryers and EVs became routine. A 200 amp service leaves more headroom for the way homes use power now.
Electrical panel replacement vs service upgrade
A panel replacement swaps the box and breakers and keeps the service size you have. A service upgrade also changes the parts that bring power into the house, such as the meter base, the service wire and the grounding, and it is coordinated with the utility. A 200 amp panel upgrade on a smaller existing service is usually a service upgrade, and we confirm which one you need on the visit.
When a subpanel is the better answer
A subpanel is a second breaker box fed from the main one, often in a garage, workshop or addition. It adds spaces closer to the loads but does not add capacity to the home, so it only helps if the main service has room to spare. We recommend one when it solves the real problem, and we say so when it will not.
Breaker box replacement
Breaker box replacement is the same work as a panel replacement, described the way most people search for it. It makes sense when the box is damaged, out of spaces, outdated or from a brand with a safety record we question. You get new breakers, a labeled circuit directory and a panel that meets current code.
Federal Pacific, Zinsco and Panel Brand Questions
Old panel names come up often when homes are bought and sold. Here is what we can say in general, and why we want to see each panel in person.
Federal Pacific panels and Stab-Lok breakers
Federal Pacific Electric panels, often with Stab-Lok breakers, were installed in many homes for decades. Inspectors and others have raised long-running concerns that some of those breakers may not trip as intended during a fault. That does not mean every one has failed, but many electricians and inspectors recommend having these panels evaluated, and we tell you what we see in yours.
Zinsco and similar older panels
Zinsco panels, and some similar designs sold under other names, have drawn concern about breakers that can fuse to the bus and stop protecting a circuit. Inspectors often flag them, and some insurers ask about them. We do not diagnose these over the phone, and a visit is the way to learn the condition of your panel and your options.
Square D, Eaton, Siemens and GE panels
Square D, Eaton, Siemens and GE all make residential panels that meet current standards. We choose based on your home's needs, the space available, parts availability and the breaker types you want, such as arc fault and ground fault protection. Panels and breakers have to be matched to each other, so tell us if you have a preference and we will work it out.
Panel Upgrade Permits, CenterPoint Coordination and Power Outage Time
A panel upgrade involves more than the box on the wall. Permits, the utility and a day without power are all part of the plan.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. A panel or service change is permitted electrical work, and it gets inspected. We pull the permit under our license and schedule the inspection, so you are not chasing government offices. Unpermitted panel work can cause problems with insurance, a home sale or a later inspection.
Inspection and CenterPoint disconnect and reconnect
On a service upgrade, the utility has to disconnect power at the meter and reconnect it when the work is ready. In most of Greater Houston that utility is CenterPoint, and we coordinate the disconnect and reconnect around your inspection. In some places the inspection has to pass before power is restored, and we tell you how it will go for your address.
How long the power is off and what the day looks like
Plan for the power to be off for most of a working day during a full panel replacement. We tell you the plan the day before, protect the area around the panel and label every circuit as we reconnect it. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and tell us when you call if anyone in the home relies on powered medical equipment.
Panel Upgrade Cost Factors, EV Planning and Generator Transfer Switches
A panel is what everything else in the house plugs into. Planning it around what you will add next saves you from opening it up twice.
What drives electrical panel upgrade cost
Panel upgrade cost depends on the service size, the condition of the meter base and wiring, where the panel is and how hard it is to reach, the panel brand and breaker types, permit and utility fees and any corrections an inspector requires. No two houses match, which is why we do not post a number. Programs and incentives for panel work vary and change, so ask your electric utility or a tax professional what applies, and ask us for a written estimate after a free visit.
Preparing your panel for an EV charger
If an EV is in your future, build it into the plan now. We can size the new panel and leave the spaces and capacity for a Level 2 charger, even if you have not bought the car yet. That way the charger install later is a short visit and not a second panel project.
Panel upgrade and generator transfer switch together
A transfer switch connects a standby or portable generator to your home so power cannot flow back out to the grid and endanger line workers. Doing it during a panel upgrade avoids repeat work and lets us size the pieces together. As a Generac Prestige Dealer, we plan the panel and the generator as one system.
Why you should not upgrade the panel yourself
Panel work involves the incoming service lines, which stay energized even with the main breaker off. A mistake can mean shock, fire or an insurance claim that gets denied. The job also needs a permit, an inspection and utility coordination, which we handle as part of the work. This is a job for a licensed electrician.
Fuse Boxes, Aluminum Wiring and AFCI or GFCI Breakers
Older homes around Houston often have more going on than just an old panel. These are the questions that come up when we open the cover.
Replacing an old fuse box
Fuse boxes did their job for a long time, but most were built for far less load than a modern home uses. The common problem is people putting in a larger fuse when one keeps blowing, which lets the wire overheat. Many insurers and buyers also ask about fuse boxes. Replacing one with a breaker panel is one of the more common upgrades we do in older homes.
Aluminum branch wiring
Some homes built in the past used aluminum wire for outlets and lights. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, and connections can loosen and heat up over time. If we see it during a panel upgrade, we tell you. Options include special connectors made for aluminum to copper repairs at each device, or rewiring the affected circuits. We explain both in plain terms.
AFCI and GFCI breakers
GFCI protection stops shocks in wet areas such as kitchens, baths, garages and outdoors. AFCI protection watches for arcing in wires, which can start fires inside walls. Current code calls for these in many parts of the house. When we replace a panel, we tell you which circuits need this protection and what it means for the breakers you get.
Meter Base, Mast and Service Entrance
The panel is only part of the service. The meter base and the wires that bring power to the house matter just as much on an upgrade.
When the meter base needs replacing too
Moving to 200 amp service often means a new meter base rated for it. Older meter cans can also be rusted, loose, or damaged by storms. We check the meter base, the mast and the weatherhead as part of the estimate. If they need work, it is part of the same permit and the same CenterPoint disconnect and reconnect, so you do not lose power twice.
Storm damage to the mast or service drop
High winds and falling limbs can pull the service drop and bend the mast on the side of the house. CenterPoint owns the lines up to the house, but the mast, meter base and panel are the homeowner side. That part needs a licensed electrician to repair, and often an inspection, before power can be restored. We handle the repair and coordinate the rest.
Overhead and underground service
Some homeowners ask about moving an overhead line underground at the same time as a panel upgrade. That is a bigger project that involves CenterPoint, trenching and a separate plan. If you are thinking about it, bring it up during the estimate visit. We will tell you what is involved and whether it makes sense to do together with the panel.
Panel Lifespan, Insurance and Selling Your Home
Panels do not last forever, and the age and brand of yours can come up with your insurer or a buyer.
How long an electrical panel lasts
A well-installed panel can last for decades, but heat, moisture, loose connections and added load wear it down. Rust, a warm cover, breakers that will not stay set, or a panel that is full with no room for new circuits are signs it is near the end. Age alone is not a reason to replace. Condition and what you plan to add are what matter.
Insurance companies and older panels
Some insurance companies ask about panel brand and age, and some will not cover homes with certain older panels such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco. If your insurer has asked you to replace a panel, send us a photo of the label. We can tell you what you have and give you a written estimate you can share with the insurer.
Panels and home inspections
Home inspectors often flag older panel brands, double-tapped breakers, missing labels and missing knockouts. Buyers then ask for repairs or a credit. If you are selling, a panel check before you list gives you time to fix it on your schedule. If you are buying, we can look at the panel and give you a clear picture of what it needs.
What a Wired Panel Upgrade Includes
Here is what goes into a panel upgrade from start to finish, so you can compare estimates on the same terms.
Load calculation and a written estimate
We start by looking at what the house uses now and what you plan to add, such as an EV charger, a generator or a pool. That tells us whether you need a new panel, a service upgrade, or a subpanel. You get a written estimate that names the panel, the amperage, and any meter base or grounding work. Every house is different, so a free visit gets you a written estimate.
Permit, install and inspection
We pull the permit, schedule the CenterPoint disconnect, and install the new panel and breakers. We update grounding and bonding where needed and move each circuit to the new panel. After the city inspection passes, CenterPoint reconnects the power. Our own licensed electricians do the work. You do not have to manage the permit or the utility. We keep you posted on the schedule at each step.
Labeling, surge protection and cleanup
Each breaker gets a clear label so you know what it controls. Many homeowners add a whole house surge protector at the same time, since the panel is already open. We clean up the work area and walk you through the new panel before we leave. If you plan to add a generator later, we tell you how the panel is set up for it.
200 Amp Panel Specs: Volts, Watts, Spaces and Breaker Sizes
People often search for the numbers on a 200 amp panel before they call. Here is what those numbers mean for a house, in plain terms.
How many volts and watts is a 200 amp service?
Residential service is 240 volts, so a 200 amp service can deliver up to about 48,000 watts at its limit. That is a ceiling, not what the house uses every day. Your actual demand depends on the AC, range, dryer, water heater and anything you add. We run a load check on the visit so the size fits the house.
How many circuits fit and what is the largest breaker?
Panels come with a set number of breaker spaces, and the label inside the door states what that panel is rated for. The main breaker is the biggest in the box and matches the service. Branch breakers for an AC, range or charger are much smaller. We pick the panel with spare spaces so you are not out of room again.
Main breaker, main lug and feed-through panels
A main breaker panel has the shutoff built in. A main lug panel has no main and is usually fed from another disconnect, as in a subpanel. Feed-through lugs let a panel pass power on to a second one. The right choice depends on where the panel sits in the system, and we confirm it before ordering anything. If you are unsure which one you have, the label inside the door and a photo of the whole panel usually tell us.
Indoor, outdoor and meter-combo panels
An indoor panel lives in a garage, hall or utility room. An outdoor panel is built for rain and sits on an exterior wall. A meter-main combo puts the meter socket and main breaker in one enclosure, which suits many Houston homes. Which one is allowed depends on the utility, the inspector and where your meter is. Moving a panel from inside to outside, or the reverse, is a bigger job than swapping it in place, so tell us if you want it moved.
Meter Base, Service Mast and Wiring for a 200 Amp Service
Going from a smaller panel to a 200 amp one often means work outside the house too. This is the part of the job that is easy to overlook.
Meter box replacement and the meter socket
If the meter socket is rusted, cracked, or too small for the new service, it is replaced along with the panel. The utility sets rules for meter sockets and owns the meter itself. We handle the socket and coordinate the pull and reset of the meter with the utility so the power comes back on the right day. If your search is for a meter box replacement, a photo of the meter and the wall around it helps us plan the visit.
Overhead service mast, service pole and underground feeds
Many homes are fed by wires from a pole to a mast on the roof or wall. Others are fed underground. The mast, the weatherhead and the conduit all have to be sound and tall enough. For a shop, barn or detached building, a free-standing service pole or pedestal is sometimes the way to bring power in. We tell you what yours needs.
Service wire, conduit and grounding size
The size of the service wire, the conduit and the ground conductors is set by the electrical code, the type of wire and the length of the run. Copper and aluminum are sized differently. We do not guess from a chart. The inspector checks it, and so do we before we close the cover. Longer runs or a panel far from the meter can call for larger wire, which is another reason we measure instead of assuming.
Grounding, bonding and the neutral bar
A new panel needs a proper ground, usually rods or the water pipe, and the neutral and ground are bonded only at the main panel, not in a subpanel. Mistakes here cause shocks and noisy electronics. Fixing the grounding is part of a good upgrade, not an extra. If your grounding looks questionable or is missing, we point it out on the free visit and include the correction in the written estimate.
Panel Parts, Interlock-Ready Panels and Solar-Ready Questions
Not every search is about replacing the whole box. Some are about a part, a feature or a future plan.
Replacing panel guts, covers, latches and knockouts
If the cabinet is fine but a breaker, bus or cover is damaged, a repair or an interior replacement may be possible. A missing knockout needs a proper cover, because an open hole is a hazard. A cover that will not latch should be checked, because it can point to a larger problem inside. Send us a photo of the label.
A 200 amp panel with a generator interlock
A panel can be installed with room for a generator interlock so a portable or standby generator can be connected later. Not every panel has an approved interlock kit, so the brand and model matter. If a generator is in your plans, tell us on the first call and we choose a panel that supports it. The same is true if you may add a transfer switch later. Planning for it now avoids rework and a second permit visit.
Panel upgrades for solar and other big additions
Solar, a pool, a big AC or an addition can all push a panel past its limit. Solar also has rules about how it connects to the panel and the utility. We size the panel for what you plan to add, and we can coordinate with your solar installer on the panel side of the work. If you already have a solar quote, send it along. It tells us the size of the system and helps us check that the panel and service can accept it.
What goes into a panel upgrade material list
A typical job needs the panel, the main breaker, branch breakers, a ground system, conduit and fittings, and a permit. Extra parts are added if the meter socket, service wire or mast changes. We bring what the job needs and list it in the written estimate, so there are no surprises on the day. If you have seen a kit or value pack sold at a store, ask us first. Parts must match the panel brand, the utility rules and the permit, and mismatched parts cause delays.
200 amp panel questions: voltage, size, spaces and hookup
A 200 amp panel is the standard for most modern homes. These are the questions we get about what it is and how it fits.
200 amp panel voltage and 200 amp service voltage
The 200 amp panel voltage in a house is 240 volts across the two hot legs, with 120 volts from each leg to neutral, which is how one panel runs both big and small loads. The same applies to 200 amp service voltage. Some people search 200 amp 480 volt panel, but 480 volt panels are for commercial and industrial buildings and are a different kind of equipment. We do commercial electrical work too, so ask us about your building.
200 amp panel board, depth and height
A 200 amp panel board is the main distribution panel, and its size varies by brand, spaces and whether it is indoor or outdoor. Questions like 200 amp panel depth and 200 amp panel height matter when the panel goes in a tight garage wall or closet, because code requires clear working space in front of it. Look at the maker's data sheet for the exact dimensions. We measure the wall and the clearances before we order.
200 amp panel hook up and bottom feed
A 200 amp panel hook up connects the service wires from the meter to the main breaker, ties in the ground and neutral, and lands each circuit on its breaker. A 200 amp panel bottom feed means the service wires enter from the bottom, which depends on the panel type and where the meter or mast is. Some panels can feed from top or bottom, some only one way. We choose the panel to suit the way your service arrives.
200 amp panel grounding requirements and installation instructions
The 200 amp panel grounding requirements are set by the electrical code: a grounding electrode system, such as ground rods or a metal water pipe, plus bonding at the main panel. Done wrong, it can hurt people and equipment. When someone searches 200 amp service installation instructions, we say the code and local rules control it, a permit is needed and an inspector checks it. This is a job for a licensed electrician.
How many spaces a 200 amp panel has, and when it is loaded
People ask 200 amp panel how many spaces because they want room to add circuits. Panels come in several space counts, and some allow slim breakers in certain slots. A 200 amp panel loaded with circuits is not a problem by itself, because the load calculation, not the space count, decides whether the service can handle more. We run that calculation and tell you what you can safely add.
200 amp panel example
As a 200.amp panel example (that is, a plain 200 amp panel example), picture a main breaker at the top, two rows of breaker slots below it, a neutral bar and a ground bar. Large loads like the air conditioner, dryer, range and water heater get two-pole breakers, while lights and outlets use single-pole ones. Every circuit is labeled. If your panel looks like this and you are unsure of its size, send us a photo of the label.
200 amp panel benefits, comparisons and upgrading to 400 amps
Bigger is not always better, so here is how the sizes compare.
200 amp panel benefits
The main 200 amp panel benefits are room for more circuits, headroom for central air, an electric range, dryer, EV charger and a pool, and a modern panel with better safety features. It also removes the crowding that comes from old, undersized panels. Insurers and buyers like to see an up-to-date panel. If your breakers trip when you run several big loads together, a panel and service upgrade can solve the underlying problem.
200 amp panel vs 225 amp panel, and vs 300 amp panel
A 200 amp panel vs 225 amp panel comparison is mostly about the bus rating and the main breaker. Some panels carry a 225 amp bus with a 200 amp main, giving extra breaker spaces. Looking at 200 amp panel vs 300 amp panel, a larger size is for big homes with many large loads and often needs a bigger service from the utility. We do a load calculation to see if the extra size matters for you.
Upgrade panel from 200 to 400 amps
To upgrade panel from 200 to 400 amps is less common in houses. A very large home or one with many heavy loads may need it. It often takes a larger meter base and utility involvement, and some designs use two panels instead. Most homes never need it. We can run a load calculation, tell you whether you are close to the limit, and lay out your options before you commit.
200 amp junction panel, junction box and breaker box vs junction box
A breaker box vs junction box comparison is simple: the breaker box protects and distributes, and a junction box just houses wire connections. People searching a 200 amp junction panel or 200 amp service junction box are usually looking at a main panel, a meter combination or a splice enclosure. If you need an electrical junction box near me, we can add, replace or cover junction boxes, and we can tell you what the box in your wall actually is.
Electrical panel for house, and 200 amp panel reviews
Choosing an electrical panel for house use means matching the panel to the service size, the number of circuits and the brand your electrician stocks. When people look for 200 amp panel reviews, we suggest reading the maker's specs and asking your electrician what they have installed over the years rather than relying on strangers. We install panels from trusted makers and stand behind the work.
Panel upgrade cost, tax credit and inspection labels
These are the questions that come up once the decision is made.
Panel upgrade cost: breaker box update, replacement and 200 amp upgrade
People search breaker box update cost, electrical panel replacement average cost, upgrade panel to 200 amps cost and 200 amp panel board price. There is no single figure. The cost depends on the panel size, the service wire, whether the meter base needs replacing, the permit, the distance from the meter and what the inspector requires. Wired does not post prices. A free visit gets you a written estimate that lists the work, so you can compare it fairly.
Electric panel upgrade tax credit for 2025 and 2026
Many owners ask about an electric panel upgrade tax credit 2025 or an electric panel upgrade tax credit 2026. These programs differ by year, by utility and by your situation, and we do not quote them. Ask a tax professional and your utility whether panel work qualifies for you. We give you a clear written estimate and invoice that you can bring along.
Electrical inspection labels on a panel
Electrical inspection labels on a panel may include the inspector's sticker or tag, the date, a permit number and, most important, the circuit directory. A good directory tells you what each breaker controls. When we finish a panel upgrade, we label every circuit. If you need a clearer directory or have a panel with confusing labels, we can trace the circuits and label them properly.
Breaker box replacement and 200 amp panel upgrades
Panel work is the job that makes everything else possible: the EV charger, the generator, the addition, the new AC.
Electrical panel upgrade
We swap the old panel for a new one, label every circuit, and have CenterPoint disconnect and reconnect the power. Permit pulled, inspection scheduled.
Breaker box replacement
Fuses, a brand an inspector flinches at, or a breaker box that is warm, rusted or buzzing: we replace it rather than patch it.
200 amp panel upgrade
Many Houston homes were built with 100 amp service. A 200 amp panel gives room for a charger, a generator transfer switch and a new AC.
Panel upgrade cost
Every house is different, so we do not post a number that would be wrong for yours. A free visit gets you a written estimate. Texting a photo of your panel to (713) 467-1125 gets you started.
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Ask us anything. These come up most.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, and we pull it. We schedule the inspection too.
How long is the power off?
Most of a day for a full panel swap. We tell you the plan the day before.
Can you add the generator transfer switch at the same time?
Yes, and it's the right time to do it.
How do I know if I need a 200 amp panel upgrade?
If breakers trip when the AC and dryer run together, you want to add an EV charger or generator, or the panel is original to an older house, a 200 amp upgrade is usually the answer. We check on a free visit.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
It depends on the panel, the service size and the work around it, so we quote after a free visit rather than guess.
Does an electrical panel upgrade qualify for a tax credit?
Programs tied to panel work have changed over the years and differ by utility and by year, so we do not quote them. Ask your electric utility and a tax professional what applies to you. We provide a written estimate that you can show them.
Can you add more breakers to a breaker box?
Only if the panel has open spaces, the correct breaker type for that panel and enough service capacity for the new load. A full box is one of the most common reasons people end up replacing a panel. Depending on your house, a subpanel or a panel replacement is usually the better route.
How do I know if my panel is 200 amp?
The main breaker normally has its rating printed on it, and you can see it by opening the panel's outer door only, never the inner metal cover. A photo texted to (713) 467-1125 lets us help you read it. Service size also depends on the meter base and wiring, which we check on a visit.
Do you replace Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels?
Yes. We inspect first, explain what we find and recommend replacement when the condition of the panel or the concerns around that brand call for it. We do not push a replacement without telling you why.
How should I prepare for panel upgrade day?
Clear a path to the panel and the meter and move stored items away from both. Secure pets, plan for no AC or power for most of the day and tell us about any medical equipment. We confirm access, including any gate, ahead of time.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
It depends on the size of the panel, the service wire, the meter base, the permit and the work around the panel. Wired does not post prices. A free visit gets you a written estimate.
Is a 200 amp panel enough for a house?
For most homes, yes. If you have a large house, electric heat, a pool and EV chargers, ask us for a load calculation to be sure.
How long does an electrical panel last?
Often for decades, but condition matters more than age. Rust, heat, breakers that will not stay set, and a panel with no open spaces are signs it is time to look at replacing it.
Is an old fuse box dangerous?
Not always, but fuse boxes were built for less load than most homes use today, and oversized fuses can let wiring overheat. Many insurers and buyers ask about them. We can check yours and tell you where it stands.
My insurance company wants my panel replaced. Can you help?
Yes. Send us a photo of the panel label. We can tell you what brand and type it is and give you a written estimate you can share with your insurer.
Do I need a new meter base for a 200 amp upgrade?
Often yes, because the meter base must be rated for the new service. We check the meter base, mast and weatherhead during the estimate, and any work there goes on the same permit.
Does a new panel need AFCI or GFCI breakers?
Current code calls for this protection in many areas of the home. We tell you which circuits need it as part of the estimate, so there are no surprises at inspection.
Can I finance a panel upgrade?
Yes. We offer financing on electrical work, subject to credit approval. Ask when you book the estimate, and see the financing page for the options.
Do you upgrade panels for businesses?
Yes. We replace panels and upgrade service for offices, shops, restaurants and clinics, including three-phase service, and we schedule the shutdown around your hours. See commercial electrical services.
Should I plan for an EV charger when I upgrade the panel?
If an EV is in your future, yes. We can size the new panel and leave the spaces and capacity for a Level 2 charger, even before you buy the car, so the charger install later is a short visit. See EV charger installation.
Send us a photo of your panel.
Text it to (713) 467-1125 and we'll tell you what we see.