Electrical Panel Upgrade in San Diego — Safe, Code-Compliant, Done Right
Your panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. If it's old, undersized, or a known fire risk, we replace it — permitted, inspected, and finished in a day.
Signs you need one
Is Your Panel Trying to Tell You Something?
Panels don't fail all at once. They warn you first. Here's what to watch for:
Breakers Constantly Tripping
If your breakers trip regularly, your panel is struggling to handle your home's load. That's not an annoyance — it's a warning.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that dip when the AC kicks on or an appliance runs point to an overloaded or failing panel.
Zinsco or Federal Pacific Panel
These panels have documented breaker failure rates and are flagged by inspectors and insurers alike. If you have one, replace it — full stop.
Not Enough Power for Modern Life
Power strips everywhere, no room for new circuits, or you're planning an EV charger, remodel, or new HVAC. Your panel wasn't built for this.
Warm Outlets or Burning Smells
Heat or a burning odor near the panel or outlets is an emergency. Call us now — don't wait.
60-Amp or Fuse-Box Service
Still running on 60 amps or screw-in fuses? That was fine in 1960. It isn't now.
What you get
100A → 200A: Built for Today's Power Demands
Most of our upgrades take homes from 100-amp to 200-amp service — the modern standard. That means headroom for everything coming next:
- EV chargers (dedicated 50-amp circuits)
- Central AC, heat pumps, and induction ranges
- Solar + battery backup readiness
- Home additions and ADUs
- Room to add circuits without maxing out
Every panel upgrade includes
- Full panel replacement with a modern, code-compliant unit
- Proper grounding and bonding brought up to code
- Permit pulled and inspection scheduled — we handle it all
- Utility disconnect/reconnect coordination
- Labeled breakers so you actually know what controls what
- Work area left clean
Our process
From First Call to Final Inspection
Free Assessment
We look at your current panel, your power needs, and what's coming (EV? remodel?).
Written Quote
One clear price, in writing. Includes permit fees — no surprises later.
Permit & Scheduling
We pull the permit and schedule around your life. Most jobs take one day.
Install & Inspect
Panel swapped, utility reconnected, inspection passed. Power's typically off only a few hours.
Where we do them
Panel Upgrades Across San Diego County
Older panels are everywhere in this county — mid-century homes in San Diego, beach cottages in Del Mar and Solana Beach, aging tract homes in Carmel Valley and Encinitas, and large estates in Rancho Santa Fe adding EV chargers and guest houses. We do them all.
Common questions
Panel Upgrade FAQ
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
The big ones: breakers tripping regularly, flickering lights, a Zinsco or Federal Pacific panel, or you're adding an EV charger, AC, or remodel and the panel can't keep up. If you're unsure, call (775) 790-3699 — we'll assess it free.
What is the difference between 100A and 200A service?
Amperage is your home's electrical capacity. 100A was standard decades ago; 200A is today's standard and handles modern loads — EV chargers, central AC, induction ranges — without strain.
Are Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels really dangerous?
Yes. Both have documented failure rates where breakers fail to trip during an overload, which is a genuine fire risk. Most insurers and home inspectors flag them. Replacement is the right call.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in San Diego?
Yes — panel upgrades require a permit and inspection in San Diego County. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and coordinate with the utility. It's included in the job.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day. Power is typically off for a few hours while we swap the panel and the utility reconnects.