PGE Upgrade To 200 Amp Service Cost

Is your home's electrical system starting to show its age? Do you find yourself frequently tripping breakers or blowing fuses? Upgrading to a 200-amp service can help ensure you have enough power for all your needs both now and in the future.

Why Upgrade to 200 Amps?

A home's electrical service is rated based on the maximum amperage it can safely handle. Common residential services are 100 or 150 amps. But as houses add more appliances, electronics, electric vehicles and other power-hungry devices, demands on the system increase.

Upgrading to a 200-amp service provides several key benefits:

• Allows you to run more high-powered appliances simultaneously without risk of overloading the system.
• Eliminates the need to switch off devices to use others or continually trip breakers.
• Future-proofs your home so you won't outgrow the service as technology advances.
• Increases the value and appeal of your home for future buyers.

For most homeowners, waiting until breakers are frequently tripping is too late - upgrading proactively ensures smooth, reliable power for years to come.

Cost of Upgrading to 200 Amps

The average cost to upgrade a home's electrical service to 200 amps ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Variations depend on several factors:

Panel Upgrade

Replacing your electrical panel with a new 200-amp panel typically costs $500-1000 for the panel and installation labor. Larger or more complex installations may be higher.

Main Service Wires

If your existing 100-150 amp service uses aluminum wiring, it will need replacing with copper. Plan on $1,000-2,000 to upgrade the main service wires entering your home.

Additional Circuit Breakers

A 200-amp panel has space for additional breakers, which run $10-50 each depending on type. You may need a few to cover new circuits.

Permits and Inspections

Expect to pay $100-300 in permit fees for your municipality to review plans and inspect the work. This helps ensure it meets electrical codes.

Location and Difficulty

Costs rise if the electrical panel is not easily accessible or if work involves buried cables, difficult routing, structural modifications, etc.

when it's Time to Upgrade

There's no single cutoff point that definitively means it's time to upgrade. However, the following signs often indicate an existing 100-150 amp service is no longer adequate:

• Frequent tripping of breakers or blowing of fuses when operating multiple high-wattage appliances.
• Inability to run an air conditioner or heat pump without tripping breakers.
• Hot breakers that trip at a lower threshold than rated for.
• Arcing, sparking or burned wires that could indicate overloading.
• Planning to add an electric vehicle charging station, hot tub, or other major load.
• More than 8-10 circuits in a 100 amp panel or 10-12 in a 150 amp panel.

If two or more signs apply, it's best to consult a licensed electrician for an evaluation. It may be time for the safety and reliability of a 200-amp upgrade.

Preparing for the Upgrade Process

Once you've decided to upgrade, there are several steps to take beforehand:

Get Quotes

Call 2-3 licensed electricians for in-home estimates of the project scope and cost based on your specific needs. Compare quotes.

Apply for Permits

Submit plans and applications to your local permitting department. This ensures inspections will be scheduled as required.

Clear Your Schedule

Upgrading a panel may take a full day or more of work. Schedule time for the electrician and plan for temporary disruptions to power.

Locate Underground Utilities

If trenching is needed, contact your local utility locator service 3-5 business days in advance to identify buried lines beforehand.

Purchase Equipment

Order the new 200-amp panel and any additional breakers or supplies you'll need once the final scope is determined.

The Upgrade Process

Here are the typical steps involved in upgrading residential electrical service to 200 amps:

1. shut off main breaker and disconnect power from existing panel.
2. Remove existing panel and expose service entrance cables.
3. Install new underground service line if existing is too small.
4. Pull new larger service cables into home and land them at new panel location.
5. Mount and secure new 200-amp panel to wall studs.
6. Terminate and connect main service cables.
7. Install new branch circuit breakers as needed.
8. Relabel circuits clearly inside panel.
9. Perform inspections if required by code or permits.
10. Conduct load test and turn power back on at new panel.

Proper sequencing and safety precautions are critical. A licensed electrician ensures code compliance and safe installation throughout.

Finishing Touches

Even after passing inspection, a few final steps seal the upgrade:

• Provide homeowner manual, warranty, and contact info for questions.
• Disconnect and safely remove old panel for disposal.
• Label main breaker location and circuits clearly outside panel.
• Conduct basic training on panel components and operation.
• Confirm all outlets, lights and major appliances are working.

With the new 200-amp service energized, your home will enjoy optimal power safely for decades to come. Be sure to thank your electrician for a job well done!

Did you find this article helpful? Let me know if you have any other questions about upgrading your home's electrical service panel in the comments below.