Your electrical panel is the single point that every circuit in your house runs through. When it can't keep up with modern electrical demand, you feel it in small, annoying ways — until one day it becomes a safety issue. Here's how to know which one you're dealing with.
The Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Most homeowners don't think about their panel until something forces them to. Watch for these signs:
- Breakers trip regularly — especially when you run the microwave, AC, and a hair dryer at the same time.
- Your panel is a fuse box, or is rated for 60A or 100A service. Most modern homes need 150A–200A minimum.
- Lights flicker or dim when a major appliance kicks on.
- The panel feels warm, has scorch marks, a burning smell, or a buzzing/crackling sound. This is a safety issue — stop reading and call an electrician.
- You're out of open breaker slots and want to add an EV charger, hot tub, or finished basement.
- Your panel is a Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco brand — both have documented, well-known failure-to-trip safety issues and are routinely flagged by inspectors and insurance companies.
Safety note: A warm panel, burning smell, or visible scorching is not a "schedule it for next month" issue. Shut off what you can safely and call us at 801-783-1405.
Why Panels Become Outdated
A panel installed 30–40 years ago was sized for the electrical load of that era — a few lights, a refrigerator, a window AC unit. Today's homes run central air, electric ranges, multiple TVs and computers, home office equipment, and increasingly, EV chargers. The panel itself doesn't wear out from age so much as it gets outpaced by demand it was never designed to carry.
What Does a Panel Upgrade Cost in Utah?
Every home is different, but here's a realistic range for a standard residential upgrade:
| Upgrade | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| 100A → 200A panel upgrade | $2,200 – $4,500 |
| 200A → 400A service upgrade | $4,000 – $8,000+ |
| Subpanel addition | $900 – $2,200 |
What moves the price within that range:
- Distance and routing between the meter and panel location
- Whether the weatherhead/mast also needs replacing
- Permit and inspection fees (required in every Utah jurisdiction we work in)
- Number of circuits being transferred and whether any wiring is out of code
- Whether trenching is needed for an underground service
Anyone quoting you a number without seeing your panel is guessing. We give firm quotes after a short on-site assessment — no surprise charges once work starts.
100A vs. 200A vs. 400A: Which Do You Need?
100A is the legal minimum in most areas but is tight for a modern home with central air and any future upgrades in mind. 200A is the standard recommendation for most single-family homes today — it comfortably handles AC, an electric range, and an EV charger with room to spare. 400A is typically reserved for large homes with multiple high-draw systems (dual AC units, a shop, a pool, multiple EV chargers) or homes planning significant future additions.
What to Expect During the Upgrade
- Assessment & quote — we look at your existing panel, service size, and what you're planning to add, and give you a firm number.
- Permit — we pull the permit and, if needed, coordinate a temporary disconnect with your utility.
- The upgrade itself — typically completed in a single day. Power is off for a portion of that day; we'll tell you exactly how long before we start.
- Inspection — a local inspector signs off on the work. We schedule this and are present for it.
Get a straight answer on your panel.
Tell us what's going on and we'll give you a clear recommendation — no upsell, no guesswork.