What is Involved in Upgrading to a 200 Amp Service?

If you have an older home, it probably has a 60-watt or 100-watt amp service that can't handle your plans for a new air conditioner, appliance upgrade, entertainment room, or heated swimming pool. 

Simply put, upgrading to 200-amp service lets you use more electricity. 

How to Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service

A 200-amp service is upgraded by disconnecting the power supply to install a new 200-amp panel, new wiring, and a meter socket. Installation requires proper permits, a qualified electrician, and inspections. You will need to hire a local electrician to upgrade your home’s amperage because making adjustments to your electrical system is a dangerous task, requiring professional tools and experience.

What Is a 200-Watt Amp Service?

Amps measure how much electricity your circuits can handle. If your appliances draw more power than your circuits can handle, your circuit breaker will cut power before something dangerous happens. The cost to upgrade to 200-amp service is between $750 and $2,000.

When choosing between a 100-amp electric panel versus 200-amp panel, keep in mind that the 200-amp option typically only costs $100 to $200 more than the 100-amp option.

As we rely more and more on electronic devices for entertainment and comfort, our household electrical loads grow. A home that was built more than 30 years ago probably maxes out at 100-amp service. The good news is that you can upgrade to 200-amp service relatively easily.

Why Should I Upgrade My Home’s Amperage?

First, 200-amp service is actually the minimum recommended for modern homes. That means you're instantly making your home safer just by upgrading. 

You may need to consider upgrading if any of these apply:

• Your panel box is humming or buzzing

• You have an outdated fuse box

• Your circuit breakers constantly trip

Upgrading lets you enjoy higher usage and performance from your electric system. Keep in mind electric panels have a built-in safety limit of 20%, so with a 100-amp service, you're really only getting 80 amps. You'll finally get over that 100-amp barrier once you upgrade.

If you're adding new appliances to your home that will draw more electricity, you'll need to determine if your home can handle the extra load based on your current amp service. Your home may not be up to code once you add a new swimming pool, hot tub, sump pump, range, washing machine, or any other upgrade unless you also upgrade to 200-amp service.

The Pros and Cons of Upgrading to 200-Amp Service

Tripped breakers getting you frazzled? Burnt-out appliances piling up in the trash? You probably already know it’s time to bring your home's electrical system into the 21st century. Let's cover the good and bad of expanding your home's electrical system.

Pros of 200-Amp Service

• A safer home

• No more tripped circuit breakers killing your power

• Appliances are protected from tripped breakers/outages

• Your home will be up to code

Cons of 200-Amp Service

• Materials and installation can cost hundreds or thousands

• Not a DIY project

How Easy Is Upgrading to 200-Amp Service?

While this project takes careful planning, it's fairly straightforward. You'll need tohire an electrician near you because working inside your home's electrical panel can be dangerous.

Mishandling even one step of this project could prove lethal. A 200-amp upgrade is a complex electrical wiring project with two parts. Your electrician will install a service wire and then add a new panel. 

Here's a look at what's involved in upgrading to 200-amp service:

• Obtain proper permits

• Shut off power to your house

• Have the utility company disconnect cables from your home

• Complete electrical wiring

• Complete panel installation

• Have the work inspected

• Have the utility company reconnect cables to your home

Remember that the inspector can't let the utility company reconnect your electricity until the work passes inspection.