Definition
Replacement or upsizing of the main electrical panel and service — common when adding EV, heat pump, or retiring fuse boxes.
When does a home actually need a panel upgrade?
Three common triggers: the panel is full and a new circuit (EV charger, heat pump, hot tub) has nowhere to land; the service is 100 amps and a load calculation shows planned electrification exceeding it; or the equipment itself is a known hazard — fuse boxes and recalled brands like Federal Pacific and Zinsco. A load calculation decides it, not the sticker on the door: plenty of 100A homes electrify fine with load management.
What does panel work cost in the Puget Sound?
As honest planning ranges: a like-for-like 200A panel replacement commonly runs $4,000–$9,000 installed, and a full 100A-to-200A service upgrade — new meter base, mast, utility coordination — typically $8,000–$16,000. Income-qualified WA HEAR funding can contribute up to $4,000 when the upgrade enables electrification, which is exactly the scenario most upgrades serve.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Plan for one working day of scheduled power-off for a like-for-like replacement, with the utility disconnect/reconnect window driving the timing on a full service upgrade. The inspection happens before energizing or shortly after, depending on the jurisdiction. Fridges ride through fine; plan laptops and medical equipment around the outage window your electrician gives you.
In the Puget Sound
Permitting is city-specific here: Seattle (SDCI), Bellevue, Everett and several other cities run their own electrical inspections, Tacoma Power inspects its territory, and everywhere else in Washington it's state L&I — a detail your contractor should handle, not you.
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Trade: Electrical