The cost of an electrical panel upgrade comes down to four things: the panel and breakers themselves, the labor to install them, permit and inspection fees, and any utility-side work your service entrance needs. Because every home's service entrance, wiring condition, and local requirements differ, the only accurate figure is one based on an on-site evaluation. Electric Falls quotes each job after inspecting the actual load, the existing wiring, and the utility connection rather than working from a flat national average.
That's the part most online estimates skip. A panel swap in a home with clean, modern wiring and an accessible meter base is a straightforward job. The same swap in a 1960s house with a crowded basement, an undersized service mast, and aluminum branch circuits is a different project entirely.
Material costs cover the panel enclosure, the main breaker, branch circuit breakers, grounding and bonding conductors, and surge protection if you add it. Labor covers removal of the old panel, mounting and wiring the new one, terminating every circuit, labeling, and testing.
Two variables move labor more than anything else:
A common mistake is assuming the panel is the whole job. In older homes, electricians often find double-tapped breakers, missing grounds, or cloth-insulated wiring that has to be corrected before the new panel can be energized.
Almost every jurisdiction requires an electrical permit for a panel replacement, and the work must pass inspection before the utility restores or upgrades service. Permit and inspection fees vary by municipality and are set locally, so check with your city or county building department for current amounts.
The step homeowners forget is utility coordination. If your service entrance, meter base, or overhead mast has to change, your utility has its own requirements and its own schedule. That coordination can add days to the timeline even when the electrical work itself is quick.
An outdated electrical panel shows itself through repeated breaker trips, a lack of open spaces for new circuits, rust or scorch marks inside the enclosure, and a brand or fuse type that hasn't been manufactured in decades. Any one of these is worth a professional evaluation.
The clearest signals of an outdated electrical panel:
Rust inside the enclosure matters as much as tripping breakers. Moisture intrusion corrodes bus bars and creates resistance, which generates heat. Heat is what starts panel fires.
Replacement isn't always the answer. If the panel is a modern design with available breaker slots, no corrosion, and adequate capacity, a failed breaker or a loose neutral can be repaired on its own.
Repair is usually the right call when the panel is less than 25 years old, the bus bar is clean, and your load calculation still lands inside the panel's rating. Replacement wins when capacity is the problem, when the panel is a known-hazard design, or when corrosion has reached the bus.
A 200-amp panel is the right choice for most modern homes, while a 100-amp panel suits small homes with gas heating, gas cooking, and no electric vehicle charging (energy.gov). The deciding factor is your calculated load, not square footage alone.
Here's how the two compare in practice:
Factor | 100-Amp Panel | 200-Amp Panel |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Small homes, gas appliances | Most modern homes |
EV charging | Usually not feasible | Supports Level 2 charging |
Electric range and dryer | Tight, sometimes not feasible | Comfortable headroom |
Heat pump or central AC | Limited | Handles both easily |
Future additions | Little room to grow | Room for additions |
Breaker spaces | Fewer, often filled | More open slots |
The drawback of a 200-amp upgrade is that it can require a larger service entrance, a new meter base, and utility coordination, which is where much of the variability in project scope comes from. If your home is small and fully gas-equipped, a 100-amp service may serve you for decades.
A load calculation is a standardized method of adding up the wattage of everything in your home to determine the minimum service size required. Electricians perform it according to the National Electrical Code, which sets the rules for how demand factors apply to ranges, dryers, heating, and cooling.
You don't need to run the math yourself, but understanding the inputs helps you have a better conversation with your electrician:
If the total exceeds the panel rating, you have your answer. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the National Electrical Code is updated on a three-year cycle, and local jurisdictions adopt editions on their own schedules, which is why code compliance requirements vary from one city to the next.
You can add circuits to an old panel only if it has open breaker spaces, adequate capacity, and a bus bar in good condition. If any of those three fail, adding a circuit creates a code violation and a real fire risk.
The question of whether you can add circuits to old panels comes up constantly during kitchen remodels, hot tub installations, and spa circuit additions. Here's the honest breakdown:
A sub-panel doesn't create capacity. It creates space. If your main service is already at its limit, a sub-panel just moves the problem downstream.
A straightforward panel replacement typically takes one day, while projects involving service entrance changes, utility coordination, or wiring corrections can stretch across several days or more. The electrical work is rarely the long pole; scheduling and inspections usually are.
A realistic sequence looks like this:
Plan for the possibility of a partial-day power interruption during the swap. If anyone in the home depends on powered medical equipment, say so up front so the electrician can plan around it.
Three cost factors rarely appear in online estimates: utility service entrance work, smart panel integration, and the insurance implications of an outdated panel. Each can change both the scope and the timeline.
Utility service entrance upgrades. If your service drop, meter base, or mast doesn't meet current utility standards, the utility may require an upgrade before it will reconnect power. Overhead and underground services have different requirements, and the utility sets its own schedule.
Smart panel integration. Smart panels add circuit-level monitoring and remote switching, which some homeowners want for tracking large loads or managing an EV charger. They cost more than a conventional panel, and not every electrician installs them regularly. Ask about compatibility with your existing wiring before committing.
Insurance implications. Insurers increasingly ask about panel age and type during underwriting. A panel on a known-hazard list, or one with evidence of overheating, can affect coverage or trigger a repair requirement. Upgrading to a modern panel with proper grounding and bonding, and adding whole-home surge protection, addresses both the safety concern and the documentation an insurer may request. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that electrical failures remain a leading cause of home fires, which is why insurers pay attention to panel condition.
The real challenge with a panel upgrade isn't picking a number off a list. It's knowing whether your home actually needs one, and getting an honest answer from someone who has inspected the panel rather than guessed over the phone.
Electric Falls has spent more than eight years working on residential electrical systems across Southeast Idaho, including panel upgrades, residential rewiring, whole-home surge protection, and generator installations. Our licensed and insured electricians perform a load calculation and inspect the existing wiring before recommending anything, so you know exactly what your home needs and why. If you're weighing a 100-amp versus 200-amp service, wondering whether you can add circuits to an old panel, or dealing with breakers that trip every time the AC kicks on, get a quote from Electric Falls and get a straight answer about what your home actually requires.
An electrical panel upgrade is often worth it when your current panel cannot safely handle modern electrical loads. Older panels may lack capacity for today's appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics, leading to frequent tripping breakers or electrical hazards. Upgrading improves safety, supports home renovations, and can make your property more attractive to buyers. The decision depends on your home's age, current amperage, and future electrical needs. A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation to determine whether an upgrade is necessary.
Yes, in many cases you can upgrade the electrical panel without a full house rewire. The panel upgrade involves replacing the service panel, main breaker, and related components. However, if your home has outdated wiring such as knob-and-tube or aluminum branch circuits, those may need attention to meet current electrical code and ensure safety. A master electrician will inspect your existing wiring during the panel upgrade and advise whether partial or full rewiring is needed. Often, a panel upgrade alone resolves capacity issues.
The cost to upgrade from a 100 amp to a 200 amp panel depends on labor rates, permit fees, and whether the service entrance needs upgrading. Because pricing varies by region and project scope, we recommend contacting a licensed electrical contractor for a personalized quote. Factors like utility coordination, meter base replacement, and any necessary wiring updates will affect the total. A 200 amp panel provides more capacity for modern homes and is a common upgrade for older properties.
Adding circuits to an old electrical panel is sometimes possible, but it depends on the panel's available space and amperage capacity. Many older panels are already at or near their limit, and adding circuits could overload the system. A load calculation is required to determine if there is spare capacity. If not, a sub-panel or a full panel upgrade may be necessary. A licensed electrician can assess your panel and advise whether adding circuits is safe or if an upgrade is the better option.
Signs of an overloaded electrical panel include frequent tripping breakers, flickering lights when appliances turn on, a burning smell near the panel, warm or discolored breakers, and buzzing sounds. These symptoms indicate the panel is struggling to meet demand and may be a fire hazard. If you notice any of these, have a licensed electrician inspect the panel promptly. An overloaded panel may require a service upgrade or redistribution of electrical loads to ensure safety.
A new electrical panel can increase home value by improving safety and modernizing the electrical infrastructure. Buyers and home inspectors often flag outdated panels, which can delay or kill a sale. An upgrade to a 200 amp panel with surge protection and AFCI/GFCI breakers signals a well-maintained home. While the exact value increase varies, the peace of mind and marketability are significant. Consult a real estate agent for local impact.
A typical electrical panel upgrade takes one to two days for the installation, but the entire process including permit application, utility disconnect/reconnect, and inspection can take one to three weeks. The timeline depends on your utility company's schedule, local inspection availability, and whether additional work like service entrance upgrades is needed. Your electrician will coordinate with the utility and inspector to minimize downtime. Plan for a brief power outage during the swap.
What an excellent experience! I highly recommend this company! from first contact, through quoting, modifications to scope, ordering materials, installation and follow through, there was not a single minute that I didn't know exactly what was going on. The communication, product and service were all impeccable. A+
Gerry T.
Dustin came over to our house and helped us hook up a hot tub. His quote was well below others that we had come over and he was super easy to work with. I would recommend electric falls to anyone who needs a great electrician at an affordable cost!
Hailey W.
These guys are awesome. More than fair pricing, punctual and professional! Highly recommend!
Jim C.
Quick response and fixed the problem efficiently. Would use him again with any needs.
Christine P.
We had a great experience with Electric Falls. We had a need to replace an old fuse box with a breaker box. Dustin was quick to respond, was reasonable in his quote, and did exceptional work. We were pleased with his coordination with us and with Idaho Falls Power. He performed the work when he said he would do it and completed the work within the timeframe that was estimated. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with Electric Falls and will be calling on them again for future needs.
Paul M.
I can not say enough good things about these guys. They got to me so quickly, were incredibly nice, and handled my problem right away. 10/10 would recommend
Whitney P.
Dustin is everything you wish for in every small business owner! He went above and beyond right out of the gate by coming by to do my quote in the evening when he was leaving for a long weekend the next morning. He explained everything about the quote. Price was fair for work being done. He and Cameron showed up as promised and did quick, quality work. Highly recommend!
Robert N.
Dustin was professional from bid thru install of our emergency home generator. In the future I'm going to call for a bid to do the electrical install in our unfinished basement. I'm thinking I don't want you to know about him because he will become too busy to help me. But, go ahead and do with this review as you will but I'm keeping his name at the top of my contacts list. :-)
Korky F.
We had Dustin from Electric Falls come out and install the wiring for a hot tub as well as install a whole home surge protector. Dustin was awesome. He was super informative and got us all set up right away. We are so thrilled that we found a great and reliable electrician. His workers were awesome as well. They were very helpful.
Todd R.
Wonderful customer service and very professional yet personable technicians.
Said what they would do and for how much and they did it
Thank you for all your work
Earl L.
Quick and Efficient! Was able to find the problem and get it all taken care of within the same day so we had our power and utilities working properly again.
Abigail J.
We had Electric Falls run some electricity to our newly built shed. It required trenching the yard to bury some of the lines. They did an awesome job! They were right on time and cleaned everything up. The end price was the exact amount quoted! We will be calling on them again!
Steve C.
Dude was the best, mega polite, answered literally every question we possible had. Pricing was fair and straightforward. He came right away and got out power back up.
Alex M.
What a great job! Electric Falls were professional, quick, knowledgeable and kind. It’s was my first project with them and I will have many more to come. They will be my first choice all things electrical from here on out. Keree 💝❤️🙏
Keree A.
Great to work with! Very knowledgeable, great at explaining the issue, and got the job done fast!
Ryan S.
Dustin was at our home this morning to repair several light issues. He was here on time, got the job done quickly and made several helpful suggestions for upgrades in our home as it is over 40 years old. Very professional and knowledgeable. Will use again.
Dennis B.
These folks worked with me on a very short timeline, even did the job on Sunday. Price was explained in detail and was very reasonable. They went above and beyond to take care of me. I would highly recommend them for any of your electrical or generator needs.
AC
Great service and a good recommendation to solve my problem!
Andy E.
Great friendly, professional, and local service. Prompt scheduling and arrived as promised! Diagnosed my electrical problem quickly and resolved the issue for a fair price.
David S.
Electric falls responded quickly and they worked with me to get my house in much better shape. Dustin was very knowledgeable, the cost for the services were reasonable and he finished everything very quickly.
Katrina S.
Great Service!
Richard J.
Dustin and Cameron came to look and see what they needed to hook up our garbage disposal, and within 30 minutes they had put in a new outlet and hooked up the disposal to a switch. Very kind and respectful gentleman who make electrical problems a breeze for a fair price.
Marissa H.
Super fast and very friendly!
Mackenzie J.
They are very good to work with. Always called to let me know exactly when they were coming. Came on time and finished earlier than expected.
Laura M.
Dustin was recommended to me and within a few hours of calling him he was out to my house in Shelley and fixed the issue. The cost was fair and Dustin was so kind and professional. He was able to work with my schedule and even let me know when he was on his way. Highly recommend if you are in need of an electrician.
Jenna H.
Highly recommend these guys. Cameron and Dustin were fast and efficient and answered all our questions we installed a home surge protector because recently the power went out and blew our furnace.
McKinzi M.
This company is amazing! Very professional and great to work with. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Justin R.
Very personable service. We had a couple of light fixtures changed out to ceiling fans, had a fan installed in a bathroom and a few other light switch modifications done and the work was very good! And they cleaned up any mess well! Would recommend using them.
Susan M.
Dustin was great to work with. Their pricing was fair, they were great to communicate with, and they were prompt to get the work done with a schedule that worked great for me.
Kelly S.
Highly recommend Electric falls, they came out next day, gave us a couple of options with what works in our price range, and got us squared away extremely fast. We will definetly be calling them again very soon for some future needs. Thank you for everything.
Casey D.
Communicated very well. Friendly and easy going. He worked with my schedule. Lead time was only a couple of weeks. I look forward to using his service on the next step of my project.
Andrew M.
Dustin solved our electrical problems with one call. His response was quick and the cost was reasonable. We're very satisfied.
Frank W.
Since I used to DO this work and medically can’t do it myself, it gives me great pleasure to say that ElectricFalls.com will give you the same professional, ethical and proper service to you when you need electrical work done that they gave me. And will give me in my next project.No job too big or too small, all you need to do is ASK.
Carol B.
We had an electrical issue with a heater in our downstairs toy room. We called Dustin Thurman of Electric Falls, and he came out that same day; he was able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and completely. He explained what he thought was probably the problem, and it turned out to be exactly that. He was courteous and professional, explained everything to us, including how to avoid the problem in the future, and we would not hesitate to call Dustin again for any electrical problem. We would highly recommend him to friends and family.
Gail I.
This was a great experience! We called around and didn't get call backs from anyone. We needed a EV charger installed. Electrical Falls answered immediately made it out to our home for a quote within an hour. We agreed on a honest and fair price. Install was done properly and within a time frame that worked perfect for us! Thank you Electric falls you will be our first call in the future and will be highly recommended!
Marcelino S.
Electric Falls was prior in getting back to me and did a quick great job with my electrical needs. Very friendly and really well priced!
Zoey C.
Excellent work and cleans up after the work as well! Plus, Dustin was on time, courteous and friendly. I would have them do more work for me anytime I need it.
Mary Ann C.
Dustin with Electric Falls was absolutely amazing to work with. He answered all our electrical questions while buying a home, and then helped us fix them after closing. His flexibility and kindness made him super easy to work with. I would recommend him for any job, and we will be utilizing him for future projects on our new home. Such a great experience!!
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Danielle S.
Dustin has helped us with several electrical jobs and knocks it out of the park every time. He is efficient, professional, friendly, and cleans up after he's done – not many do this these days! If and when we need more work done we will never hesitate to call Dustin at Electric Falls. Thanks
Madeline
Prompt, efficient, knowledgeable, tidy, honest, friendly, reasonable rates. After all the electricians we have tried, Dustin at Electric Falls is by far the best in every way. I will never call anyone else ever again for our electric needs.
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Debbie H.
Dustin is very responsive, he's a great communicator, and he is reasonably priced. I have hired him for four separate jobs in the last four months, and I plan to hire him for more jobs in the future.
Russell P.
Dustin is great to work with and very fast. He squeezed me in very quickly and worked quickly and efficiently until it was done. Also reasonably priced. I would highly recommend Electric Falls
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Rachael J.
Dustin jumped in and took amazing care of us on short notice! He was able to squeeze us in and took care of business quickly and efficiently without overcharging. We are so appreciative of the work he did! If you ever need a great electrician to help you with your home, whether a new build or a place you’ve been in for years, Dustin is your guy! Give him a call; you won’t be disappointed!!!
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Jarod P.
Dustin has great customer service and is a knowledgeable electrician. He fixed our wall heater, installed a ceiling fan, and corrected some crossed wires on a two-way switch. He also checked out some outlets I had concerns with. He was friendly and professional. I highly recommend.
Amanda G.
Electric Falls is professional,friendly, and fair priced! We will definitely be using them for all our electrical needs in the future.
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Chandler L.
Great company to work with for any electrical needs you have. On time, professional, fair pricing and very knowledgeable. We will definitely use them again!!
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Heather K.
If you're looking for a competent, courteous, and thorough electrician, look no further. Dustin definitely exceeded all of our expectations!
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Mike G.
Very knowledgeable and professional. Would recommend to others.
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Trena T.
Dustin was very pleasant and did an excellent job
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Robert T.
Dustin does excellent work!! Quick, efficient. Very flexible!!
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Lance L.
Very knowledgeable and professional service. I will be using him again and will definitely recommend him to others.
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Donna T.
Dustin is professional, timely, and friendly.
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DJ D.
They were prompt and did a good job.
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Wood F.
Outstanding service, not waiting, answers inquiries fast and to the point.
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Rubi F.
Very happy with their work.
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Glenn W.
We lost all Power at the last outage. It fried our panel and breakers. We also lost a thermostat. He replaced all of that plus put a surge protector so we wouldn't have that problem again. He was very professional and explained things very well along with price before doing anything. I would definitely use them again for electrical problems. I trust them and so can you.
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Bonnie M.
Thank you!
Positive Quality, Professionalism
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Cody F.
Fan installation, Light fixture repair, Electrical outlet & switch installation
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Darin T.
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Welcome to Electric Falls, where our commitment to excellence in electrical services has been illuminating the Southeast Idaho community for several years.
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