Electrical Service Upgrade
We are looking into upgrading our electrical service from 100 to 200 amps. Any suggestions on electricians? Any experience with costs for this work? Thanks in Advance!
Mar 23, 2022
We are looking into upgrading our electrical service from 100 to 200 amps. Any suggestions on electricians? Any experience with costs for this work? Thanks in Advance!
Parent Replies
Fighting Amish Electric did ours. We also got quotes from Guerreros Electric and were similar in price. The work itself by the Electricians should only take a day or two. Most of your time waiting will be on Permits and PG&E. I think it took about 2-3 months for them to finally approve and come inspect the work. Cost will depend on how big your house is and where they can put the panel. We unfortunately couldn't put it in the ideal location due to the gas meter and so had to move the box. You also can't have it like the old way that most houses have it where it is kind of "hidden" inside the walls. I'd budget somewhere in the 10-15k range.
I am curious whether either the OP or the responder lives in Berkeley? We may want to upgrade in the future, but were told that because we live in Berkeley we would have to have whole electrical system checked and upgraded if any old knob and tube remained. So, would be a much more involved and expensive process that just upgrading the panel. Would love to hear from homeowners in Berkeley who upgraded!
For kjporfavor, an internal wiring or K&T replacement is not required by a main panel replacement.
In Berkeley you're encouraged to get a K&T inspection, then mark the attic prior to adding attic or wall insulation. A number of the local electricians will inspect your older electrical system and recommend spot upgrades, then give clearance for the insulation job by others.