Upgrading Your Home to 200 Amp Service? Here’s What the Process Looks Like
While 100-amp panels were once the norm, this amount of electrical service is becoming obsolete in the face of today’s energy demands. Most households will require at least 200 amps of electrical service, especially as more and more electrical upgrades are added to homes. If you’re interested in upgrading to 200 amp service, you may be wondering what is involved in that process. Luckily, most of the process will be handled by the electrician you partner with.
At TCA Electric, we’ve completed many service upgrades for numerous homeowners throughout Vancouver. This service helps to make homes safer and makes room for new electrical devices, such as EV charging stations and additional appliances. If you’re looking to upgrade to 200 amps, here’s what you can expect from the process.
Choose the Right Contractor
Before any work can begin, we recommend researching potential contractors to complete the job. Your electrical panel is the first line of defense for your home against hazards such as surges, electrical fires, and more. That means it’s crucial that the panel replacement and service upgrade is completed by a licensed and qualified electrician.
At TCA Electric, our team is highly experienced in service upgrades as part of our residential electrical services. We’ve perfected our process and will ensure your new electrical panel is installed safely, reliably, and up to standards.
Complete an Inspection
With your electrical contractor chosen, the next step is for your electrician to complete a full inspection. This will help them to plan out the installation and take note of any potential complications to plan around.
Your electrician may ask questions about your electricity usage and work with you to choose the best electrical panel for your needs. For instance, some homeowners might prefer a smart panel while others may be happy with a basic version.
Your electrician will also coordinate with a building inspector and your utility provider to approve the panel replacement and increase power later on.
Pull Permits
Replacing your electrical panel and upgrading your service will require permits. Your electrician will gather all the necessary information and complete your permit application on your behalf. No electrician should attempt to complete work without a permit, as this can leave you liable for damages and incur harsh penalties.
Cut Power and Remove Panel
Now that everything is prepared, let’s take a look at what is involved with actually replacing your panel and upgrading your home to 200 amp service. Before any replacement can be completed, your electrician will need to cut power to your existing panel. This means your home will be without power for a period, but with proper planning your electrician will be able to minimize electricity downtime.
Install New Panel
With the old panel removed, it’s time to install the new one. In some cases, wiring around your electrical panel may need to be replaced as well. If the new device is physically larger, your electrician may also have to make room for it. However, all of this will be planned out prior to starting work on your home.
Complete Final Inspection and Increase Electrical Service
Now that the new panel is in place, the building inspector will complete a thorough inspection of the work to ensure everything is up to code. If standards are met, the inspector will grant approval and power can be provided to the panel once more.
Your electrician will coordinate with the utility company to ensure all necessary connections are made and to ensure your home receives the correct amount of power to the new panel.
Reach Out to TCA Electric to Book an Initial Inspection!
At TCA Electric, we feel it’s important for our customers to understand the process and know what is involved when completing various services, including upgrading your home to 200 amp service. This ensures you’re never left in the dark throughout the process and helps you to make educated decisions about your home.
If you’re interested in upgrading your service to 200 amps, our licensed and qualified electricians can help! Our professional contractors provide high-quality work alongside friendly service to ensure the process of upgrading your home goes smoothly. Reach out today to book an inspection!