Signs your panel is overloaded, 100A vs 200A, and the permitting process
Your electrical service is the single point of failure for everything electrical in your building. When it's undersized, nothing works right — and worse, it creates fire hazards most people don't recognize until it's too late. Here's how to know when it's time to upgrade.
• Breakers trip frequently
• Lights dim when appliances start
• Burning smell from outlets
• Discolored outlet covers
• Buzzing from the panel
• Extension cords as permanent wiring
• Two-prong outlets still in use
• Panel is warm to the touch
A 100A service was fine in 1985 when homes had gas heat, gas water heaters, and maybe window AC units. Today's homes have central AC (30-50A), electric dryers (30A), electric ranges (40-50A), and increasingly, EV chargers (40-60A). Add it up and a modern home easily exceeds 100A demand.
200A is the standard for any home built or significantly remodeled after 2000. If you're planning to add AC, a pool, an EV charger, or a workshop, and you still have 100A, you need an upgrade before you add a single new circuit.
We document every circuit, every appliance, and calculate your actual demand per NEC Article 220.
We notify PG&E of the service change. They verify transformer capacity and schedule the meter pull.
We pull the electrical permit with your city/county, including plans, load calc, and panel schedule.
New panel, new meter base, new grounding system. Utility disconnects in the morning, reconnects when we're done.
City inspector verifies code compliance. We coordinate the inspection and handle any corrections.
Federal Pacific (FPE): Breakers fail to trip 30-40% of the time. Known fire hazard. Insurance companies deny coverage.
Zinsco/Sylvania: Breakers melt to the bus bar. Can't be removed without destroying the panel. Fire risk.
Pushmatic: No AFCI/GFCI breakers available. Cannot be brought to modern code.
If your panel is more than 25 years old, or you're adding significant electrical loads, you need an evaluation.
Schedule a Service Evaluation →