Electrical Panel Upgrades — 100A to 200A & 400A
Power your whole home with confidence. Safeway upgrades old fuse boxes and undersized panels to modern 200-amp and 400-amp service across Ventura County and the west San Fernando Valley. Licensed C-10 crew, load calculations, meter and utility coordination, permits, and inspection — all handled.
Signs it's time to upgrade
- ✓You still have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers
- ✓Breakers trip often, or lights dim when appliances start
- ✓The panel is warm to the touch or makes crackling sounds
- ✓Rust, corrosion, or a Federal Pacific / Zinsco / Challenger label
- ✓No open slots left for new circuits
- ✓You're adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or ADU
If any of these sound familiar, your panel may be undersized or unsafe. We'll assess it and give you a straight answer — no pressure.
What a panel upgrade costs
Modeled Southern California ranges including permit and utility coordination. Get your real estimate →
How the upgrade works
- Assessment & load calculation — we size the service to your home and future plans.
- Permit & utility coordination — we pull the permit and schedule SCE or LADWP.
- Install day — new panel, breakers, and grounding; power is off for several hours.
- Inspection & sign-off — we handle the final city inspection and utility reconnect.
Upgrading for an EV charger? You may get $4,200 back.
When a panel upgrade is paired with a Level 2 EV charger in SCE territory, income-qualified households can recover up to $4,200 through Charge Ready Home. We estimate your net cost and handle the rebate paperwork.
See EV charger installation →Panel upgrade FAQ
How much does a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade cost?
A 100-amp to 200-amp panel upgrade typically runs about $2,600 to $4,500 in Southern California. The price moves with meter relocation, converting overhead service to underground, removing an old fuse box or split-bus panel, and your utility's coordination requirements. A 400-amp service for a large home costs more. Our free electrical cost calculator itemizes it for your address.
What are the signs I need a panel upgrade?
Common signs include: a fuse box instead of breakers, breakers that trip frequently, a panel that feels warm or makes crackling sounds, rust or corrosion, no open slots for new circuits, flickering or dimming lights, reliance on extension cords and power strips, or plans to add an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or ADU. Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Challenger panels are known fire-risk brands that insurers and inspectors often flag for replacement.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The on-site work is usually completed in a single day, with power off for several hours while the new panel is installed and the utility reconnects service. The full process — permit, utility coordination, install, and inspection — generally takes 2 to 4 weeks from scheduling to final sign-off.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. A service panel upgrade requires an electrical permit and coordination with your utility (SCE or LADWP) to disconnect and reconnect service. Safeway pulls the permit, schedules the utility, performs the load calculation, and handles the final inspection.
Do I need to upgrade my panel before installing an EV charger?
Sometimes. A Level 2 EV charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit of 40 to 60 amps. A 200-amp panel with spare capacity usually has room; a loaded panel or an older 100-amp panel often does not. We run a load calculation to confirm. If you do need an upgrade in SCE territory and are pairing it with a charger, you may qualify for up to $4,200 back through Charge Ready Home.
What is the difference between 100A, 200A, and 400A service?
Amperage is the total electrical capacity coming into your home. 100-amp service was standard for older, smaller homes and is often maxed out today. 200-amp service is the modern standard and comfortably supports central air, electric appliances, and an EV charger. 400-amp service is for large homes or those with heavy electric loads like multiple HVAC systems, a pool, and EV charging.
Ready to Start Your Remodel?
Two ways to get started — pick what works for you.
Book a Free Consultation
Tell us what you need — we'll call you back.
No spam. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.
Get an Instant Estimate
Use our AI tool to get a price range in 2 minutes. No phone call needed.
Answer 4 quick questions. Get your price range instantly.
Free. No sign-up required.