Panel upgrades are one of the most-recommended electrical projects. Sometimes absolutely necessary. Other times sold to homeowners who don't need them.
The basics: amperage
- 60 amp: old standard, inadequate. Upgrade usually justified.
- 100 amp: adequate for modest homes without major electric loads.
- 150 amp: middle ground, common in 80s-90s homes.
- 200 amp: current standard for new construction.
- 400 amp: large homes, multiple HVAC, electric heat, EV chargers.
When you actually need an upgrade
You have 60-amp service
Most insurance companies are reluctant to insure homes at 60-amp. Many mortgages require 100-amp minimum.
You're installing major new loads
- EV charger (Level 2 — 40-50 amp continuous)
- Whole-home AC or heat pump conversion
- Electric range, oven, or hot tub
- Workshop with significant power tools
- Solar with battery backup
Your panel is the wrong brand
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok — documented history of breakers failing to trip. Replacement broadly recommended.
- Zinsco / Sylvania Zinsco — similar issues.
- Pushmatic — outdated.
When you probably don't need it
- 100-amp service and your lifestyle doesn't trip breakers
- No major new electrical loads planned
- Contractor recommends it without specific load justification
The future-proof pitch
Contractors sometimes pitch panel upgrades as future-proofing. Ask specifically: what loads do you anticipate adding, and what's the math? A specific answer is meaningful; a vague everyone needs more capacity these days isn't.