Electrical panel upgrades in San Diego. Done right, permit and all.
Most panel upgrades fail inspection for one of three reasons: wrong load calc, sloppy grounding, or no permit. We pull the permit, coordinate the SDG&E disconnect, do a real load calculation for the home, and stay on site through inspection. Most upgrades finish in a single day.
What's included in this service?
- 100A → 200A main service upgrade with new meter socket and main breaker
- Sub-panel installation for additions, ADUs, garages, and shops
- Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Challenger panel replacements (known fire risks)
- Load calculation per NEC Article 220, sized for current and future loads
- SDG&E disconnect/reconnect coordination and permit pull
- New grounding electrode, bonding, and ground rod installation
- AFCI and GFCI breaker upgrades to current code
- Surge protection device (whole-home SPD) installation
When do you need this service?
- Adding an EV charger, heat pump, or pool equipment
- Panel is Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Challenger (insurance-flagged brands)
- Breakers trip frequently or feel warm to the touch
- Visible rust, scorch marks, or melted insulation in the panel
- Home is on a 100-amp service and you want to add major loads
- Selling the home and the inspector flagged the panel
- Permit history shows the panel is original to a 1970s or older home
What do homeowners ask about Panel Upgrade?
How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost in San Diego?
A straightforward 100A → 200A upgrade in a single-family home runs $2,800 to $4,200 installed, including the permit, new meter socket, main breaker, grounding, and SDG&E coordination. Long meter-to-panel runs, exterior weatherheads, or buried service feeders add cost. We give a flat-rate quote after a free in-home assessment.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. Every main panel replacement requires a permit through your city or county building department. We pull it, schedule the SDG&E disconnect, and stay on site through inspection. Working without a permit voids your homeowners insurance and creates problems at resale.
How long is the power off during the upgrade?
Typically 4 to 6 hours. We coordinate with SDG&E for the morning disconnect and reconnect by late afternoon on most jobs. Refrigerator and freezer are fine for that window. If you have medical equipment or a home office, we can plan around it.
Should I replace my Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel?
Yes. Both have a documented history of breakers that fail to trip during a fault, which is a fire risk. Many home insurance carriers now require replacement before issuing or renewing a policy. Replacement pays for itself in safety and insurability.
Can you install a sub-panel for an ADU or detached garage?
Yes. Sub-panels are how we add capacity to detached structures, in-law units, and pool equipment without rerunning the entire main service. We size the feeder, pull conduit, and bond the sub-panel correctly. Permit handled.
Where do we offer Panel Upgrades in San Diego County?
We provide panel upgrades in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See panel upgrades in all 89 cities and neighborhoods
Need panel upgrade in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.