Should You Upgrade to a 200 Amp Panel? Here’s How to Decide

Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of its power system. It’s where electricity enters the home and gets distributed to different circuits, powering everything from lights and appliances to air conditioners and electric vehicle chargers. If your panel is outdated or undersized, it could be silently holding your home back or creating potential risks.

One of the most common electrical upgrades for homeowners in the Lehigh Valley is switching from a 100 amp panel to a 200 amp panel. But is it necessary for your home? Will it improve performance? And how do you know if it’s the right time?

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about upgrading to a 200 amp panel, including:

• What a service panel does

• Differences between 100 amp and 200 amp service

• Signs you may need an upgrade

• When it’s required by code or safety standards

• The benefits of upgrading

• What to expect during installation

Whether you’re planning a renovation, building an addition, installing an EV charger, or just trying to future-proof your home, this guide will help you decide if upgrading to a 200 amp panel is the right move.

What Does Your Electrical Panel Do?

Your electrical panel, also known as the breaker box or load center, is where power from the utility company enters your home. It distributes electricity through individual breakers that control specific circuits, like your kitchen lights, laundry room, or HVAC system.

Each breaker is rated for a certain amperage, and the total panel capacity determines how much electricity your home can handle at one time. This is measured in amps, which represent the volume of electrical current.

In modern homes, the two most common panel sizes are:

• 100 amp panels
  Often found in older homes. Suitable for basic needs without large appliances or high-draw devices.

• 200 amp panels
  Standard for most modern homes. Allows for more circuits, more appliances, and higher overall power usage.

How to Know What Size Panel You Have

Your main breaker will tell you your current service size. Open your panel door and look at the top of the panel, where the largest breaker is located. It should say something like “100,” “150,” or “200.” That number tells you the maximum amps your panel can supply.

You can also find this information on the label inside the panel door. If you’re unsure or it’s illegible, a licensed electrician can confirm your panel size during an inspection.

Why Panel Size Matters

Panel size limits how much electricity your home can safely use. If you exceed that capacity, you may experience:

• Tripped breakers

• Flickering lights

• Overheating wires

• Damaged appliances

• Increased fire risk

As modern homes become more power-hungry with air conditioning, electric heating, hot tubs, induction cooktops, EV chargers, and home offices, it’s easier than ever to outgrow a 100 amp panel.

Even if your current system seems to be working fine, adding just one high-demand appliance could tip the scale. A 200 amp panel gives you room to grow while ensuring your system remains safe and efficient.

100 Amp vs. 200 Amp: What’s the Difference?

The key difference is capacity. A 200 amp panel can handle twice the electrical current of a 100 amp panel. That doesn’t mean it uses more electricity. It means it has the ability to power more things at once without overload.

Here’s a quick comparison:

When Should You Consider Upgrading to 200 Amps?

Here are some of the most common signs and situations where a 200 amp panel makes sense.

You’re Planning a Remodel or Addition

If you’re renovating your kitchen, finishing a basement, or adding new rooms, your power needs will likely increase. A 200 amp panel can accommodate new lighting, outlets, and appliances without pushing your system beyond its limits.

Building codes often require upgraded service if the calculated load of the home exceeds the panel’s capacity. Your electrician can perform a load calculation to confirm.

You’re Installing High-Demand Appliances

Appliances that draw a lot of power include:

• Electric ranges and ovens

• Central air conditioning

• Tankless water heaters

• Electric dryers

• Heat pumps

• Hot tubs

• EV chargers

• Saunas

Adding even one of these could require new circuits or exceed what your 100 amp panel can handle. A 200 amp upgrade ensures you have the space and capacity needed.

You’re Experiencing Electrical Issues

If your lights dim when the fridge turns on, your breakers trip frequently, or outlets feel warm, it could be a sign your panel is overloaded. These issues should never be ignored. They may indicate insufficient service or faulty wiring.

An upgrade may not only improve performance but also reduce the risk of fire or appliance damage.

You’re Installing an Electric Vehicle Charger

EV chargers typically require a dedicated 40 to 60 amp circuit. This alone could exceed the available capacity in a 100 amp panel, especially if your home already has other large appliances.

If you’re preparing for a future EV purchase, upgrading your panel now may be a smart long-term decision.

Your Panel Is Old or Outdated

If your panel is more than 40 years old, it may be time to replace it regardless of amp size. Some older panels, such as those made by Federal Pacific or Zinsco, have known safety issues and are no longer code compliant.

A 200 amp panel replacement can bring your system up to current safety standards while improving performance.

You’re Concerned About Home Value or Insurance

Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that can accommodate modern lifestyles. A 200 amp panel is a selling point, especially in the Lehigh Valley where many homes were built in the 1950s and 60s.

Some insurance companies may also require an upgrade if your panel is undersized or out of compliance.

Benefits of Upgrading to a 200 Amp Panel

Even if your current setup is functional, an upgrade offers numerous advantages:

• More circuits available for future needs

• Reduced risk of overloads and overheating

• Greater reliability and fewer power disruptions

• Support for modern appliances and EV chargers

• Compliance with current electrical codes

• Improved home resale value

• Peace of mind knowing your home is ready for growth

Will You Need a Utility Upgrade?

Upgrading to a 200 amp panel may require coordination with your electric utility. The service drop (the overhead or underground wires connecting your home to the grid) must be properly sized.

In some cases, the utility already provides adequate service, and only the panel needs to be upgraded. In others, the service connection may need to be replaced. Your electrician will handle this coordination to ensure everything meets local requirements.

How Long Does the Upgrade Take?

Most 200 amp panel upgrades can be completed in one day, although some projects may take longer depending on complexity.

Here’s what the typical process looks like:

1. On-site evaluation and load calculation

2. Permitting and scheduling with utility and inspector

3. Power shutoff and removal of the old panel

4. Installation of the new panel, breakers, and grounding system

5. Inspection by the local authority

6. Restoration of power

You’ll usually be without power for several hours on the day of the upgrade. Kelley Electric ensures everything is coordinated to minimize downtime and restore service quickly.

Do You Need to Upgrade Your Wiring Too?

Not always. If your existing wiring is in good condition and rated for the circuits you’ll be using, it may not need to be replaced. However, some older homes have aluminum wiring or ungrounded circuits that may require updating during the process.

Your electrician will inspect your wiring and recommend any necessary upgrades to bring your system into compliance with code and safety standards.

What to Ask Your Electrician

Before committing to a panel upgrade, ask the following:

• Will my existing service drop support 200 amps?

• Will the panel include all new breakers?

• Will you install new grounding and bonding systems?

• Do I need to upgrade any wiring or subpanels?

• Will you handle permits, inspections, and utility coordination?

• What warranties are included with the panel and installation?

At Kelley Electric, we believe in educating our customers. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, explain your options, and ensure the job is done safely and to code.

Future-Proofing Your Home

Electricity use is only going to increase. More people are working from home, installing EV chargers, switching to electric appliances, and adding smart devices. A 200 amp panel gives your home the flexibility to grow with your lifestyle.

You’ll have the confidence to add appliances, remodel, or expand your living space without worrying about exceeding your electrical system’s capacity.

Key Takeaways

• A 200 amp panel upgrade is ideal for homeowners planning additions, remodels, or high-draw appliances

• It offers more capacity, increased safety, and future flexibility

• Electrical issues such as flickering lights or tripped breakers may indicate an undersized panel

• Upgrading is often required when adding EV chargers, heat pumps, or new circuits

• An experienced electrician can help you evaluate your needs and manage the entire upgrade process

Schedule Your Electrical Panel Evaluation with Kelley Electric

If you’re unsure whether your home is ready for a 200 amp panel, Kelley Electric is here to help. We’ve been serving homeowners across the Lehigh Valley for decades, and we specialize in upgrades that improve safety, performance, and value.

Our licensed electricians will evaluate your current system, perform a load calculation, and help you decide if a panel upgrade is the right move for your home. We’ll also handle permitting, inspections, and utility coordination from start to finish.

Contact Kelley Electric today to schedule your evaluation and take the next step toward a safer, smarter electrical system.