The electrical panel distributes power from the utility service to the home's circuits. Panel capacity and condition matter for safety and for adding loads such as EV chargers and heat pumps.
Draft. Some reference links and cost figures are still being verified.
The electrical panel distributes power from the utility service to the circuits in the home. Panel capacity and condition matter for safety, and for adding loads such as EV chargers, heat pumps, and induction ranges.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What does a panel do? | It takes service from the meter and divides it into circuits. Each breaker protects one circuit from overload and short circuits. |
| How do I know if I need an upgrade? | Frequent trips, warm or buzzing panels, and planned large loads. An open slot does not prove the panel has enough capacity; a load calculation does. |
| What does it cost? | Angi lists about $1,600 on average for a 200-amp upgrade, with most homeowners paying $1,200 to $2,000. Other 2026 guides put a full service upgrade between about $1,500 and $4,000. |
| When do I need a pro? | Always. Panel work requires a licensed electrician and usually a permit and utility coordination. |
Service enters through a meter and a main disconnect, then feeds breakers in the panel. The neutral and grounding conductors return current and provide a path for faults. Bonding connects the metal parts of the system to ground, which helps clear faults quickly.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Breakers trip often | Overloaded circuits, a failing breaker, or a fault | Note which circuits trip. Unplug loads and call an electrician if it continues. |
| Warm, buzzing, or discolored panel | Loose connection or overheating | Turn off the main if it is safe to do so, and call an electrician immediately |
| Burning smell or scorch marks | Serious overheating | Leave the area and call an electrician or the fire department |
| Breaker that does not stay on or will not reset | Failed breaker or wiring fault | Call an electrician |
| Panel from a brand with known breaker problems | Breakers may not trip reliably | Have a licensed electrician evaluate it and check for recalls |
Some older panels are widely reported as problematic. CPSC closed its investigation of Federal Pacific Electric breakers in 1982 without a recall, citing data that did not establish a serious risk of injury at that time, and it said it could reopen the investigation if new information warranted. A later CPSC-hosted document critiques some Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels. Check any panel you own against manufacturer and CPSC recall information, and have a licensed electrician evaluate it. CPSC has issued recent recalls for other panel brands. For example, Schneider Electric recalled about 1.4 million Square D QO load centers in 2022 for thermal burn and fire hazards.
| Task | Homeowner? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Label the circuits in the panel directory | Yes | Accurate labels help during outages and repairs |
| Visually check the panel from outside its door | Yes | Look for rust, scorch marks, moisture, and damage |
| Open the panel, replace breakers, or change wiring | No | Licensed electrician; a serious shock and fire risk |
| Service upgrade or panel replacement | No | Licensed electrician, permit, and utility coordination |
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 200-amp upgrade (Angi average) | About $1,600; most homeowners pay $1,200 to $2,000 | Angi 2026 |
| 100-to-200-amp service upgrade | About $1,500 to $4,000 in several 2026 guides | Includes meter base and utility coordination in some estimates |
| Same-amperage panel swap | About $1,300 to $3,000 | Varies by guide |
Costs rise with utility work, meter base replacement, and trenching. Get written quotes that show the load calculation.
| Condition | What changes | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy air conditioning or electric heat | Large loads may need more service capacity | Ask for a load calculation before adding equipment |
| Storm-prone areas | Service equipment can be damaged by lightning and surges | Consider surge protection and inspection after storms |
| Wildfire-prone areas | Utility rules for meters and service locations can vary | Confirm requirements with the utility and your building department |
No. Space is only one factor. The panel's rated capacity and the total load on the service decide whether it can carry more.
Age alone is not the test. Condition, brand, recall status, and the load it carries all matter, and a licensed electrician can evaluate them.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Main disconnect | The switch that shuts off power to the whole panel |
| Bonding | Connecting metal parts so they share a common electrical potential |
| Grounding electrode | The earth connection that helps clear faults |
| Load calculation | An estimate of the total electrical demand on the service |
Sources reviewed November 4, 2026. Independent professional review: pending. Confirm local rules with your building department.