Licensed C-10 #1141112

200-Amp Panel Upgrades in Los Angeles

Replace an undersized or unsafe electrical panel with a modern 200-amp or 400-amp service sized for EVs, heat pumps, and whatever comes next. Permit-pulled, utility-coordinated, inspected.

LADBS-permitted
SCE & LADWP coordinated
12+ years experience
200-amp main service panel upgrade installed by Ceon Electric

When you need a panel upgrade

Most LA homeowners call us because one of these applies. If more than one does, the upgrade is almost certainly overdue.

  • Your panel is a Zinsco, Federal Pacific (FPE), or Pushmatic — all known fire risks.
  • You're planning an EV charger, heat pump, or induction range and ran a load calc.
  • Breakers trip regularly, especially during summer or holiday cooking.
  • The panel is 60 or 100 amps and you're out of slots.
  • You see rust, discoloration, or scorching around breakers.
  • You're adding an ADU or finishing a garage into living space.

How the upgrade works

  1. 1

    Load calculation & site walk

    We size the new service to your actual and future load — EVs, heat pumps, ADU, pool. No upselling, no undersizing.

  2. 2

    Permit & utility coordination

    We pull the LADBS permit and coordinate the service upgrade with SCE or LADWP, including any required meter-pan replacement.

  3. 3

    Panel swap (typically 1 day)

    Power is off for 4–8 hours. We label every circuit, torque every lug to spec, and photograph the build-out for your records.

  4. 4

    Inspection & energize

    City inspection, utility reconnect, and a walkthrough of the new panel so you know what's where.

Typical pricing

$2,500 – $6,500

Covers most 100→200A residential upgrades with a standard meter location. Service mast, meter-main combo, and 400-amp service quoted separately.

See full LA cost breakdown

Permits & timeline

Every panel upgrade in LA requires an LADBS electrical permit and a city inspection. Permit and utility scheduling typically adds 1–3 weeks. On-site work is usually a single day.

We pull the permit in our name, meet the inspector, and handle the SCE/LADWP coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a panel upgrade take in Los Angeles?+
Most 100→200A residential upgrades take a single day of on-site work. Permit and utility scheduling adds 1–3 weeks to the overall timeline depending on LADBS and SCE/LADWP load.
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Los Angeles?+
$2,500 – $6,500 covers the most common 100→200A residential upgrade with a standard meter location. Add-ons — service mast replacement, meter-main combo, long service runs, 400-amp service, or a sub-panel — are quoted separately. See our full cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Do I need a permit to upgrade my panel?+
Yes. Every panel upgrade in Los Angeles requires an LADBS electrical permit and a city inspection. We pull the permit in our name and meet the inspector. Work done without a permit is a liability at resale.
My panel is a Zinsco or FPE — is it actually dangerous?+
Yes. Zinsco and Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are well-documented as fire hazards because their breakers fail to trip under overcurrent conditions. Most insurers will surcharge or refuse to renew homes with them. Replacement is the right call on safety alone.
Can I keep the power on during the work?+
No — the main service has to be de-energized during the swap. We plan the outage window with you (typically 4–8 hours) and sequence the work to minimize impact on refrigerators, medical equipment, and home offices.
Do you upgrade to 400-amp service?+
Yes. 400-amp service is increasingly common on larger LA homes with dual EV chargers, pool equipment, and heat-pump HVAC. We evaluate the utility service drop and meter equipment to confirm 400A is feasible at your property.
Will the panel upgrade satisfy my solar/EV/heat-pump installer's requirements?+
That's usually the reason customers call us. We coordinate with your solar installer, EV installer, or HVAC contractor on the required service size, main breaker rating, and backfeed provisions so the downstream install passes inspection cleanly.

Ready to plan your panel upgrade?

Free estimates. We'll size the service correctly, pull the permit, and coordinate with your utility — no guesswork.