As temperatures drop, space heaters, longer lighting hours and holiday displays increase the electrical load on your panel. If breakers trip often, lights dim when appliances start up or your home still has its original panel from decades ago, it may be time to look into a panel upgrade. Every home is different, so the price for an upgrade depends on how much power your home needs, the condition of your service equipment and the brand of panel you currently have.
If you’re considering replacing an older panel, a new one can make a real difference in your home:
- Added safety: modern breakers designed to trip when a circuit is overloaded, replacing equipment with known concerns
- More reliable power: fewer tripped breakers and less flickering when appliances run
- Room to grow: capacity for an EV charger, hot tub, remodel or addition
- Peace of mind: a system installed, permitted and inspected to current code
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth understanding your options before you start. Below, we cover what determines a panel upgrade cost, the three main types of upgrades (including replacing Federal Pacific, Zinsco and ITE panels), how to choose between them and a checklist to help you plan.
What Shapes Panel Upgrade Cost
Amperage. Many older homes run on 100-amp service or less, while 200 amps is common for homes today. Adding capacity usually costs more than a same-size replacement because more of the system changes.
Service equipment. Moving to a larger service can mean a new meter base, service entrance cable and grounding, plus coordination with your utility provider to disconnect and reconnect power.
The layout of your home. A panel in an open garage wall is quicker to replace than one tucked into a finished wall or a tight closet. If you are considering relocating a panel, this can require additional time and materials.
Existing wiring. In older homes, some circuits may need repair or updates before a new panel can be connected. Your electrician will identify any issues during the estimate.
Permits and inspections. Electrical work in Washington requires a permit and inspection. Depending on your address, the permit comes from L&I, your city or Tacoma Power. We take care of the permit and inspection for you.
Comparing estimates: Your estimate should take everything into account, so it’s best to share a list of your requirements with the electrician before work begins. A complete estimate should cover:
- The new panel and its amperage
- Breakers, including any your home needs to meet current code
- Meter base and service entrance work, if your service is being upgraded
- Permit and inspection
- Any wiring repairs or circuit updates
Panel Upgrade Options Available
Panel Replacement: New Equipment, Same Capacity
A panel replacement swaps your old panel and breakers for new ones while keeping your current amperage. It’s often the most straightforward project, since the meter and service lines can usually stay as they are.
A panel replacement is a good fit if:
- Your panel is rusted, damaged or near the end of its life
- Breakers trip often or feel warm to the touch
- A home inspection, insurer or lender has flagged your panel
- You need a few more breaker spaces, not more power
- Your current service still covers how your household uses electricity
Service Upgrade: Room to Grow
A service upgrade increases the total power your home can draw, most often from 100 to 200 amps. Here’s how it typically works:
- A load calculation confirms how much capacity your home needs.
- We coordinate with your utility to schedule the power shutoff.
- Our electricians install the new panel, breakers, meter base and service equipment.
- An inspector signs off, and your power is restored.
A service upgrade is a good fit if:
- You’re adding an EV charger, hot tub, standby generator or other large equipment (our post on choosing home backup power covers generator sizing)
- You’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, an addition or an ADU
- Your lights dim when major appliances start up
- Your home still has 60- or 100-amp service
Federal Pacific, Zinsco and ITE Panels: Older Brands Worth Replacing
Federal Pacific, Zinsco and ITE panels were common in homes built decades ago, and many are still in service around the region. Some of these panels and their breakers have been recalled, and some have a reported history of breakers that may not trip when they should. These panels are often flagged during home inspections, so if you’re planning to sell, replacing one ahead of time can help the sale go more smoothly.
To check your panel, open the door and look at the label or the breakers. Common markings include:
- Federal Pacific: “Federal Pacific Electric,” “FPE” or “Stab-Lok”
- Zinsco: “Zinsco,” “Sylvania” or “GTE-Sylvania”
- ITE: “ITE” on the panel label
Our team replaces these panels with modern equipment. If you’re planning new heating or cooling equipment, keep in mind that we don’t do the electrical work for HVAC installations in homes that still have one of these panels. Replacing the panel first clears the way for your project and gives the new system a reliable place to connect.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Panel replacement: Choose this when your panel is aging but your home’s power needs haven’t changed.
- Service upgrade: Choose this when you’re adding major electrical loads or planning a remodel or addition.
- Older-brand replacement: Choose this when your panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco or ITE model, even if it seems to be working fine.
Your November Panel Checklist
- Read the label. Open the panel door and note the brand, watching for Federal Pacific, Stab-Lok, Zinsco or ITE.
- Watch for warning signs. Frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, buzzing or a panel that feels warm are all reasons to call an electrician.
- Count your open spaces. A full panel with no room for new breakers is a sign you may need more space or more capacity.
- List your upcoming projects. Share plans for an EV charger, hot tub, remodel or new HVAC equipment so your estimate covers what you’ll need.
- Keep the area clear. Move storage away from the panel so it’s easy to reach, inspect and work on.
Plan Your Upgrade Before Winter Settles In
Whether you need a simple replacement, more capacity or a new panel in place of an older brand, our team at Electrical Outfitters NW can walk you through the options and give you a clear estimate. We serve homeowners throughout Pierce County and handle permits and inspections, so your new panel is installed to code. Learn more about our electrical panel services, or contact us to schedule your panel upgrade estimate.