Your home’s electrical system is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure behind your walls. It powers your lights, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and the countless electronics that make daily life convenient. But what happens when your system can no longer keep up? That’s where an electrical service upgrade comes in.
Whether you’re living in a charming older home in Bethlehem or expanding your square footage in Allentown, upgrading your electrical service may be necessary for both safety and modern functionality. In this comprehensive guide from Kelley Electric, we’ll walk you through everything homeowners in the Lehigh Valley need to know about residential electrical service upgrades—what they are, when they’re needed, how the process works, and what to expect.
What Is an Electrical Service Upgrade?
An electrical service upgrade involves replacing your home’s main electrical components with a system that can safely deliver more power. This includes upgrading the electrical panel, service entrance wires, meter socket, and grounding system to increase the amperage and improve capacity.
In most older homes, the existing system was designed for 60 or 100 amps. That was sufficient decades ago when homes didn’t have central air, high-powered kitchen appliances, EV chargers, or smart home technology. Today, the standard for new homes is 200 amps or more. Upgrading your service allows you to meet modern power demands without overloading your circuits.
Key Components of a Residential Service Upgrade
When you hear “electrical service upgrade,” it can sound vague or overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of what the upgrade typically includes:
1. Main Electrical Panel
The panel distributes electricity throughout your home. Upgrading to a larger panel (usually 200 amps) provides more circuit capacity and supports future expansion.
2. Service Entrance Cable
This is the wiring that connects your home to the utility’s service line. In older homes, these cables are often undersized or degraded.
3. Meter Socket
This is where the electric meter is mounted. It must be rated to handle the new amperage and meet local utility specifications.
4. Grounding System
A proper grounding system ensures that your home has a safe path to dissipate electrical faults and lightning strikes. Ground rods or grounding electrodes are often installed or updated as part of the upgrade.
5. Breakers and Circuits
Outdated or incompatible breakers are replaced. If needed, additional circuits are installed to distribute power more efficiently and accommodate future appliances.
Signs Your Home May Need an Electrical Service Upgrade
How can you tell when it’s time to upgrade your electrical service? Here are the most common signs:
1. You Have a 60 or 100 Amp Panel
If your home still operates on a 60 or 100 amp panel, it’s likely underpowered by today’s standards. A 200 amp panel is the modern minimum for most homes, even modest-sized ones.
2. Frequent Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip regularly—especially when using high-demand appliances like space heaters, microwaves, or air conditioners—it could mean your panel is overloaded.
3. You Use a Lot of Extension Cords or Power Strips
This is a sign that your home doesn’t have enough circuits or outlets for your needs. An upgrade will provide more dedicated circuits and safer power distribution.
4. Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Run
This may indicate that your system is straining to power multiple appliances at once, which could be resolved with a panel and service upgrade.
5. You’re Renovating or Adding Square Footage
Finishing a basement, adding a home office, or building an addition will increase your power needs. An upgrade ensures you have the capacity to support it safely.
6. You’re Installing Major Appliances or EV Chargers
Adding high-demand devices like hot tubs, HVAC systems, or electric vehicle chargers may require more amperage than your current system can deliver.
7. Your Panel Is Outdated or Unsafe
Older panels like Zinsco or Federal Pacific are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately, regardless of current power needs.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Residential Electrical Service
Upgrading your electrical service is a big decision—but one that brings a long list of benefits. Here’s why Lehigh Valley homeowners choose Kelley Electric for their service upgrades:
1. Increased Capacity
You can safely run all your devices, appliances, and systems at once without worrying about tripping a breaker or damaging your equipment.
2. Improved Safety
Newer systems include up-to-date grounding, AFCIs, and GFCIs, which reduce the risk of fire and shock. Replacing outdated or faulty panels also eliminates a major hazard.
3. Code Compliance
Upgrading brings your home into alignment with the current National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building standards, which can be required when selling, renovating, or insuring your home.
4. Better Insurance Coverage
Some insurers will not write new policies—or may charge higher premiums—on homes with outdated electrical systems. A modern upgrade can reduce risk and lower rates.
5. Increased Home Value
Buyers want homes with safe, modern electrical systems. If you’re planning to sell your home, a service upgrade is an investment that adds value.
6. Readiness for Future Technology
Whether it’s solar panels, a smart panel, or a Level 2 EV charger, a 200 amp system ensures your home is ready for the technology of today and tomorrow.
What to Expect During an Electrical Service Upgrade
Many homeowners assume an electrical upgrade will be messy, disruptive, or require extensive downtime. In reality, an experienced residential electrician like Kelley Electric can complete the job quickly and cleanly. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Assessment and Quote
We start with an on-site evaluation of your current electrical system. We’ll discuss your goals, inspect your panel and service, and identify code issues. From there, we’ll provide a clear, detailed estimate.
Step 2: Permits and Coordination
Electrical service upgrades require permits and utility coordination. We handle all communication with your township and local utility company to schedule disconnection and reconnection.
Step 3: System Shut-Off
On the day of the upgrade, the power will be turned off temporarily—usually for 4 to 8 hours. We’ll work efficiently to minimize downtime.
Step 4: Installation
We’ll remove the old panel, service entrance cable, and meter socket. The new components are installed and wired according to code. We also ensure grounding is installed or updated.
Step 5: Utility Inspection and Power Restoration
Once the work is complete, the township and utility company inspect the system and reconnect power. Most upgrades are completed in a single day.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough
We’ll walk you through your new system, answer questions, and provide tips for future maintenance and safety.
How Much Does an Electrical Service Upgrade Cost?
The cost of a residential electrical service upgrade in the Lehigh Valley typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,500, depending on:
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Amperage (100 to 200 amps or more)
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Complexity of the installation
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Accessibility of the panel and service entrance
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Local permit and inspection fees
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Utility company requirements
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Whether drywall or exterior repairs are needed
Kelley Electric offers fair, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Financing options may also be available.
Electrical Panels vs. Electrical Service: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the distinction between upgrading your panel and upgrading your entire service.
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Panel Upgrade: Replaces your breaker box but may not include changes to the meter, main service cable, or grounding
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Service Upgrade: Includes everything from the utility connection to your panel, increasing total capacity and meeting modern standards
In many cases, both are done together, especially when increasing to 200 amps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Service Upgrades
How long does an electrical service upgrade take?
Most residential service upgrades can be completed in one day, with power off for several hours. Permitting and inspection may add a few days to the overall timeline.
Will I need to rewire my house too?
Not necessarily. If your wiring is in good condition and up to code, only the service equipment needs to be upgraded. However, we’ll assess your full system and let you know if additional work is recommended.
Can I upgrade to 200 amps if I currently have 100?
Yes. This is one of the most common service upgrades and provides significantly more capacity for future appliances and systems.
Do I need a permit for this?
Yes. All electrical service upgrades in Pennsylvania require permits and inspections. Kelley Electric will handle everything on your behalf.
Will this increase my utility bill?
No. Upgrading your electrical service does not increase your electricity usage—it only improves your system’s ability to handle demand safely.
Why Choose Kelley Electric?
For homeowners in the Lehigh Valley, Kelley Electric is the trusted name in residential electrical upgrades. We’ve served communities like Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and beyond with honest service, professional workmanship, and a commitment to doing the job right.
When you choose Kelley Electric, you get:
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Licensed and insured electricians with decades of residential experience
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Clean, organized job sites with minimal disruption to your home
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Transparent pricing and detailed estimates
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Fast turnaround on permitting and inspections
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High-quality parts and panels from trusted brands
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Long-term peace of mind that your home is safe and future-ready
We’re proud to be a local, family-owned company that treats every home as if it were our own.
Key Takeaways
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Residential electrical service upgrades increase the amount of power your home can safely handle
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Common reasons to upgrade include insufficient amperage, frequent breaker trips, outdated panels, and home additions
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A full upgrade includes the panel, service cable, meter socket, grounding system, and updated breakers
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Most Lehigh Valley homeowners choose to upgrade to 200 amps for safety, flexibility, and code compliance
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Kelley Electric handles every step from permitting to final inspection, with most jobs completed in one day
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Upgrading improves safety, adds home value, and prepares your house for future electrical needs
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If your home’s electrical system is outdated, overworked, or holding back your future upgrades, now is the time to act. Contact Kelley Electric today to schedule an in-home consultation and learn how a residential electrical service upgrade can make your home safer, smarter, and more efficient. We proudly serve the entire Lehigh Valley and are here to help you power what’s next.
