Electrical Service Upgrade Calculator
100A → 200A (or 320A, 400A) service-panel upgrade: panel, breakers, meter, SE cable, grounding, mast, permit, and labor for residential service upgrades.
$15–35 standard. $45+ for AFCI/GFCI dual.
Pole/transformer → meter → panel total LF
2 × 8 ft rods + clamps + #4 copper
$90–135 licensed electrician (loaded). Apprentice helper +$60–80/hr.
6–10 hours for 2-person crew on residential upgrade
Result
- Panel cost
- $420
- Breakers
- $288
- Meter base
- $180
- Service cable
- $300
- Grounding kit
- $85
- Mast / riser
- $160
- Material subtotal
- $1,433
- Permit + inspection
- $265
- Labor
- 10.0 hr · $1,100
- Total installed
- $2,798
This estimate is based on national average costs and may vary by region, project specifics, and market conditions. Use as a starting point for your bids.
What a service-upgrade job actually includes
The line items that matter on a 100A → 200A residential service upgrade:
- New service panel with main breaker — $300–600 for a 200A 40-space panel
- Branch breakers — $15–35 each, more for AFCI/GFCI/dual-function
- Meter base / socket — $150–250 for the outdoor enclosure
- SE cable — service-entrance cable rated for 200A, typically 2/0 SER copper or 4/0 SER aluminum, $10–18/ft
- Grounding — 2 × 8-ft ground rods + #4 copper grounding electrode conductor + clamps, $75–125 kit
- Mast + riser (overhead service only) — $120–250 for 2-in PVC or rigid conduit + weatherhead
- Permit + inspection — $150–400 in most jurisdictions
- Utility coordination — usually free but adds 1–3 days lead time
Service-size guidance
| Service | Typical home | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| 100A | ≤ 1,500 sq ft, gas heat | Legacy only — most new construction goes 200A |
| 200A | 1,500–3,500 sq ft | Modern standard. Handles EV charger + central AC. |
| 320A | Large home + ADU | Two 200A panels off one meter. EV + workshop + ADU. |
| 400A | 5,000+ sq ft / commercial | Heavy continuous load. Subpanel network. |
Pricing benchmarks (installed, average US market)
- 100A → 200A upgrade, overhead service: $2,800–4,500
- 100A → 200A upgrade, underground lateral: $3,500–5,500
- 200A → 320A (2-panel split): $4,500–7,500
- Add subpanel (60A or 100A in detached garage / ADU): $1,200–2,800
Premium add-ons that often appear: panel relocation ($600–1,200), branch-circuit upgrades to AFCI/GFCI throughout ($300–800), whole-home surge protector ($200–400), EV charger circuit ($600–1,400 dedicated 50A run).
Frequently asked questions
What size service panel do most homes need?
200-amp is the modern residential standard. 100-amp is legacy and only adequate for homes under ~1,500 sq ft without electric heat, EV chargers, or workshops. 320-amp (effectively 2 × 200A) for large homes with detached accessory dwellings or heavy load (welder, kiln). 400-amp+ for commercial or 5,000+ sq ft residential.
How much does a 100A → 200A upgrade cost?
$2,800–5,500 installed in most US markets, depending on whether the service is overhead or underground, distance from the utility pole or transformer, and whether the meter base needs replacement. Add $300–800 for relocating the panel, $600–1,200 for trenching underground service, and $500–2,000 for utility-side coordination if the drop has to be changed.
What's included in a service-upgrade quote?
Panel + main breaker, all branch breakers reused or new, meter base + meter (utility installs the meter itself), SE service-entrance cable, grounding (rods + clamps + wire), bonding to plumbing/gas, permit, inspection, and labor. Mast/riser conduit only on overhead service. Doesn't include re-wiring branch circuits, adding new circuits, or repairing existing AFCI/GFCI problems.
Do I need a mast and riser for overhead service?
Yes — overhead service drops from the utility need a riser mast (typically 2-in conduit) extending above the roofline by 3 ft minimum, with a weatherhead at the top. The utility connects to your service drop at the weatherhead. Underground laterals skip the mast but require a trench from the transformer or pedestal to the meter base.
How long does a service upgrade take?
Two licensed electricians: 6–10 hours on the install day. Add 1–3 days of utility coordination (most utilities require 5–10 business days notice to disconnect/reconnect). Permit lead time varies — same-day in some jurisdictions, 1–2 weeks elsewhere. Inspections usually happen the day after install. The homeowner is out of power for about 4–6 hours on cutover day.
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