Breakers trip repeatedly when running the microwave, AC, and dryer at the same time
Electrical · Greater Seattle
Electrical Panel Upgrade — Greater Seattle
Most panel upgrades in Greater Seattle run $2,200 to $4,500, depending on amperage and panel brand. This covers replacing an old fuse box or undersized panel with a new 150-200 amp panel, updated breakers, grounding, and permit coordination with local jurisdictions. Homeowners typically need this when adding an EV charger, heat pump, or hot tub, or when wiring is outdated.
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An electrical panel upgrade replaces your home's main service panel with a new one sized for current and future loads, typically stepping up from 100 amp to 150 or 200 amp service. The job includes a new panel and breakers, grounding and bonding updates, coordination with PSE or Snohomish PUD for the service connection, and permit inspection through your city. Older homes across King and Snohomish counties often need this before adding central AC, an EV charger, or a heat pump.
Symptoms we see daily
Signs you need electrical panel upgrade
Your panel is a fuse box or shows less than 100 amp service on the label
Lights flicker or dim when a large appliance starts up
The panel cover feels warm, smells burnt, or shows rust or discoloration
You're adding a heat pump, EV charger, or hot tub and the panel can't support the extra load
No surprises
How a electrical panel upgrade visit works
1
Site assessment
An electrician inspects the existing panel, wiring condition, and runs a load calculation to size the new panel correctly.
2
Permit and utility coordination
We pull the electrical permit with your city and coordinate any temporary shutoff needed with PSE or Snohomish PUD.
3
Panel installation
Power is shut off, the old panel is removed, and the new panel, breakers, and grounding are installed to code.
4
Inspection
The local electrical inspector reviews the work and signs off before the panel is energized and put back into service.
5
Walkthrough
We label the new panel, walk through the breaker layout with you, and answer questions about the upgraded system.
Why quotes range from $2,200 to $4,500
These factors decide where your job lands in the range — and we walk you through each one on the written quote.
- Target amperage, since a 100 to 150 amp upgrade costs less than a jump to 200 amp service
- Whether the service line from the street also needs upgrading, not just the panel itself
- Panel location, since a finished wall may need drywall repair after the swap versus an open basement
- City permit and inspection fees, which vary between Seattle and other King and Snohomish County jurisdictions
Flat-rate pricing
Electrical Panel Upgrade — what it costs
Conservative ranges for the Seattle metro. Your written quote is exact before work begins.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| In-home estimateExact flat quote for your home | Free |
| Standard electrical panel upgradeTypical single-system job | $2,200–$2,970 |
| Mid-range electrical panel upgradeHigher-capacity or multi-zone equipment | $2,970–$3,730 |
| Complex electrical panel upgradePremium equipment or difficult access | $3,730–$4,500 |
Prices reviewed by Sergei Petrov · July 2026. Parts availability can shift ranges — the quote you sign is final.
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Straight answers
Electrical Panel Upgrade questions we hear most
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most upgrades take one full day, from shutoff to inspection-ready. Power is off for roughly 4 to 8 hours during the swap. If the service line from the street also needs upgrading or the utility has to schedule a meter change, the job can stretch to two days.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Seattle or Snohomish County?
Yes. Every jurisdiction in King and Snohomish counties requires an electrical permit and inspection for panel replacement. SPS Pro Services pulls the permit and schedules the inspection as part of the job, so you don't have to deal with the city directly.
Will my power be shut off during the upgrade?
Yes, power is off for the hours it takes to disconnect the old panel and connect the new one, usually 4 to 8 hours. We coordinate the outage window with you in advance so you can plan around it and keep refrigerators closed during that stretch.
Is 200 amp service enough for a heat pump and EV charger?
For most single-family homes, 200 amp service covers a heat pump, EV charger, and standard appliances with room to spare. Larger homes with electric everything, a hot tub, and multiple EV chargers sometimes need a load calculation to confirm, which we include in the initial assessment.
Senior Electrician, SPS Pro Services
Washington 01 Journey Level Electrician12+ years in the trade
Reviews the pricing and service guidance on this page against SPS Pro Services's actual job records across King and Snohomish counties.
Prices reviewed July 2026
Need electrical panel upgrade? Get a straight answer today.
Call (206) 427-8907, Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm, to schedule a panel assessment, or select your city below for local scheduling.