Determining if You Need a 200 Amp Service
Upgrading to a 200 amp electrical service provides more power to your home. Here are some signs that indicate you may need an upgrade:
- Your existing 100 amp service frequently trips the main circuit breaker when multiple appliances are running. This is a sign it's overloaded.
- You want to add high power appliances like an electric vehicle charger, hot tub, or other large motor loads. A 100 amp service may not provide enough power.
- Your home is over 2500 square feet. Homes this size often need a 200 amp service or larger.
- You're renovating your home and want to upgrade the electrical to add more circuits.
If any of these apply, a 200 amp service upgrade is recommended. The extra capacity will provide room to add more circuits and avoid overloading.
Hiring an Electrician
Warning: Working on your home's electrical service carries serious risks of injury or death from shock and electrocution. Always hire a licensed electrician for this job.
When hiring an electrician, ask the following:
- Are they licensed in your state/city?
- Do they carry liability insurance?
- Will they pull the required permits and arrange inspections?
- Can they provide references from past electrical service upgrades?
Get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing. The electrician will assess your existing electrical setup before finalizing the project scope and pricing. Expect to pay $2000-$4000 for a full 200 amp service upgrade.
Electrical Service Components
Upgrading to 200 amps requires replacing several parts of your electrical service:
-
Meter/main panel - The main breaker panel must be rated for 200 amps. A new outdoor meter socket may also be needed.
-
Conductor wires - Thicker 2/0 or 4/0 AWG aluminum/copper wire must run from utility pole to panel. This handles the higher 200 amp current.
-
Conduit - Wires are run through conduit for protection. May require larger conduit for thicker 2/0 or 4/0 AWG wire.
-
Grounding - Proper grounding via rods/wires must be installed for safety. This gives electricity a safe path to flow if something shorts out.
The electrician will assess all wiring and components to bring them up to code for the 200 amp service.
Running New Wires to Panel
The key steps to running the new 200 amp wire from the utility connection point to main panel:
-
Shut off power at the pole. The electric company must fully disconnect power to avoid electrocution risk.
-
Mount new exterior conduit if needed. Run it from the overhead connections or underground to the meter/panel location.
-
Feed the new 2/0 or 4/0 AWG wire through conduit from utility pole to main panel. Additional wire may be needed to also replace the wire connecting the meter to the main panel.
-
Make proper connections on service wire ends. Torque connections to specification to avoid loose wires.
-
Have the electric company re-establish the utility connections to the home.
Installing New 200 Amp Main Panel
With power off, the electrician will install the new 200 amp main panel and associated components:
-
Mount new 200 amp rated main panel near the existing one. Often a larger size is needed to fit extra breaker spaces.
-
Connect the new service wires to the main lugs or main breaker. Double check connections are tight.
-
Connect the neutral and ground wires/buses properly in the panel. Keep them isolated based on code.
-
Connect existing branch circuits to new breakers of matched amperage. Additional breaker spaces allow adding new circuits.
-
Ensure the panel is properly grounded. This ties the ground wires to a grounding rod.
Passing Inspection and Restoring Power
The final steps involve inspections and power restoration:
-
Call the electrical inspector to check all work done and ensure it meets National Electrical Code. Fix any issues to pass.
-
Verify no live power is exposed anywhere. Double check panel cover is on. Close and secure all panels.
-
Have the electric company restore utility power once the inspector approves it.
-
Turn main breaker on and verify normal operation of electrical system. Check outlets and lights.
-
Get your new 200 amp service professionally inspected each year for continued safety. Consider arc-fault breakers as an added safety measure.
A licensed electrician can ensure your home's electrical system is upgraded properly and safely to 200 amps. This investment provides the capacity you need for today's high power appliances and electronics.