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When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

A Sacramento Homeowner’s Guide

Is your home’s electrical panel ready to meet today’s power demands?
Many Sacramento homeowners aren’t sure — and waiting too long to upgrade could put your safety (and your wallet) at risk.

At Peak Electrical Contractors Inc., we specialize in meter panel upgrades and replacements across Sacramento. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to make the switch.

1. Your Lights Flicker or Breakers Frequently Trip

If your lights dim or flicker when you turn on appliances, or your breakers trip often, your panel may be struggling to keep up.
Frequent resets are a clear warning that your system is overloaded or deteriorating.

2. You Still Have a 60-Amp or 100-Amp Panel

Older homes (especially those built before 1980) often have panels rated for 60 or 100 amps — far below the demands of modern living. Adding an EV charger, air conditioner, or major appliance can overload these smaller systems quickly. Most modern homes require a minimum of 200 amps for safe, efficient operation.

3. You Notice Signs of Physical Damage

Rust, corrosion, burn marks, buzzing sounds, or warmth near your panel are all red flags.
These symptoms could signal dangerous conditions inside the panel, including loose connections or overheating.

4. You’re Planning a Remodel, Solar Installation, or Adding New Appliances

Upgrading your kitchen? Installing a new HVAC system? Adding solar panels or an EV charger?
You’ll likely need a panel upgrade to safely support the additional electrical load — and we can help you plan it.

Learn more about how SMUD rebates on new electrical circuits can reduce your upgrade cost here!

5. Your Insurance Company Recommends or Requires It

Many insurance companies are flagging outdated panels (especially Zinsco and Federal Pacific) during inspections.
A panel upgrade may be required to maintain or renew your policy. Learn more about how to file a claim with your home owners insurance and reduce your upgrade cost here!

Why Upgrade Your Panel Now?

• Improve home safety and reduce fire risk

• Support modern appliances and technologies

• Increase home value and future resale appeal

• Qualify for potential utility rebates (like SMUD’s programs)

FAQ

• How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Sacramento?

  Costs vary based on panel size and complexity, but most Sacramento homeowners spend between $3,200–$5000 for a full upgrade, including permits and inspection. We provide clear, upfront estimates.

• Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?

  Yes. In Sacramento and surrounding areas, a city or county permit is required for all panel upgrades. We handle all permitting and inspections for you.

• Will I need to upgrade my panel to install an EV charger?

  Possibly. If your current panel is older or fully loaded, adding a 40-amp EV charger may require a 200-amp upgrade. We’ll assess your load and give you honest recommendations.

• Can SMUD rebates help cover my panel upgrade?

  Yes! SMUD offers rebates up to $2,500 for electrical upgrades tied to electrification projects like EV chargers and heat pumps. As a SMUD contractor, we handle the rebate process for you.

Trust Peak Electrical Contractors Inc. for Safe, Professional Panel Upgrades

At Peak Electrical Contractors Inc., we provide licensed, bonded, and insured electrical panel upgrades across Sacramento.
We handle the permits, inspections, and utility coordination — so you can upgrade safely and stress-free.

Click here if you’d like to find out more about upgrading your main service panel.