Tripping breakers, a fuse box, a Federal Pacific panel or a new EV charger? Learn the signs you need a 200 amp panel upgrade and what it costs in Texas.
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. Most Texas homes built before the 1990s were wired for 100 amps or less — long before EV chargers, tankless water heaters, 5-ton air conditioners and home offices became normal. Here are the signs it's time for an electrical panel upgrade.
If the AC and the dryer can't run at the same time without a trip, your panel is at capacity. A 200 amp panel upgrade gives you headroom for years.
Fuse boxes aren't inherently dangerous, but they're usually 60 amp services with no room to add circuits. Insurance companies increasingly require a breaker box replacement.
These brands have a documented history of breakers failing to trip. If you see one, schedule an inspection — most electricians recommend replacement.
Any discoloration at the panel, a warm cover or a burning smell is an emergency. Call a 24/7 emergency electrician.
A Level 2 EV charger needs a 40–60 amp circuit. Many 100 amp panels simply can't spare it.
Loose bus connections and overloaded panels cause flicker and hum. These are early warnings worth taking seriously.
Two wires on one breaker means a previous electrician ran out of space. A sub panel or main panel upgrade fixes it properly.
Buyers' inspectors flag old panels. Upgrading before listing avoids last-minute renegotiation.
Most 200 amp upgrades run $1,800–$4,500 depending on the meter base, grounding, permit fees and whether the utility needs to upgrade service. Get a local quote on our city pages — for example panel upgrade in Houston, Dallas, Austin or San Antonio.