πŸ“ Los Angeles, CA  Β·  C-10 #981578  Β·  EVITP #4051604☎ (818) 302-5614

200 Amp Panel Upgrade Cost in Los Angeles:
Complete Pricing Guide [2026]

Complete guide to electrical panel upgrade costs in Los Angeles. 100A to 200A pricing, permit info, LADWP considerations, and licensed electrician tips.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs in Los Angeles

Upgrading your electrical panel is one of the most common electrical projects for Los Angeles homes. Whether you need more capacity for modern appliances, EV charging, or an aging panel replacement, here's what you'll pay in 2026.

Panel Upgrade Cost Breakdown

ItemTypical Range
100 Amp to 200 Amp Upgrade$2,500 – $4,500
200 Amp to 400 Amp Upgrade$4,500 – $8,000
Panel Replacement (same amperage)$1,800 – $3,500
Main Breaker Replacement$500 – $1,200
New Subpanel Installation$800 – $2,000
Permit & Inspection Fees$200 – $500
Meter Upgrade (SCG/LADWP coordination)$1,000 – $2,500

Older homes with knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuits may require additional remediation. Free estimate provided.

Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Panel

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Frequently Tripping Breakers

If breakers trip regularly when multiple appliances run simultaneously, your panel likely lacks capacity.

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Flickering Lights

Lights dimming when AC, dryer, or oven turns on indicates your panel is near its load limit.

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Two-Prong Outlets

Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets throughout the home often signal outdated wiring needing replacement.

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Panel Over 40 Years Old

Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and other older panels manufactured before 1990 are known safety hazards.

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Planning an EV Charger

Most EV chargers require a 50A dedicated circuit. If your panel lacks space or capacity, an upgrade is needed.

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Adding Major Appliances

New AC units, heat pumps, tankless water heaters, or kitchen renovations often require a panel upgrade.

What to Expect During a Panel Upgrade

1
Load Calculation

We assess your current and future electrical needs to determine the right panel size.

2
Permit with LADBS

All panel upgrades in LA require a permit. We handle the application and scheduling.

3
Power Shutdown

We coordinate with LADWP or your local utility for a brief planned outage during the swap.

4
Panel Replacement

We remove the old panel, install the new one, route all circuits, and label everything clearly.

5
City Inspection

City inspector verifies code compliance. We attend and address any issues immediately.

Is a Panel Upgrade Worth the Investment?

A 200-amp panel upgrade typically costs $2,500–$4,500 and offers high ROI. Beyond eliminating tripped breakers and dimming lights, a modern 200-amp panel:

  • Increases property value and buyer appeal
  • Enables EV charger installation
  • Supports modern appliances and smart home systems
  • Reduces fire risk from outdated or overloaded panels
  • May lower homeowner insurance premiums

Frequently Asked Questions About Panel Upgrade Costs

How much does a 200 amp panel upgrade cost in Los Angeles? β–Ύ
Most Los Angeles homeowners spend between $2,500 and $4,500 for a 100A to 200A panel upgrade, which includes the permit, labor, materials, and inspection. The exact cost depends on your home's wiring condition, the complexity of the panel swap, and whether additional work like a meter upgrade or LADWP coordination is needed.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Los Angeles? β–Ύ
Yes. All electrical panel upgrades in Los Angeles require a permit from LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety). A city inspector must verify the work meets the California Electrical Code before the project is considered complete. AMY Electric handles all permit paperwork and inspection coordination for you.
How long does a panel upgrade take from start to finish? β–Ύ
The physical panel replacement itself takes 4 to 8 hours for a standard upgrade. However, the full process including permit application, LADWP coordination for the power shutoff, installation, and final city inspection typically takes 1 to 3 weeks from start to finish.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact AMY Electric for a free estimate. Our licensed, C-10 certified team serves all of Greater Los Angeles.

☎ Call (818) 302-5614 Free Estimate
Amy β€” Licensed C-10 Electrician, AMY Electric

Written by Amy

California C-10 Licensed Electrician Β· EVITP Certified Β· 15+ Years Experience

Amy is the founder and lead electrician at AMY Electric, serving Greater Los Angeles since 2012. He holds a C-10 Electrical Contractor License (#981578) and EVITP Certification (#4051604). All recommendations are based on first-hand experience from over 200 completed projects.