Upgrading your electrical panel might not sound exciting—but it’s one of the best things you can do for your home’s safety and power. If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or you’re planning to add new appliances, it might be time for an upgrade.
If you’re living in Placer County, you’ll want to make sure your panel meets current code and can handle your home’s energy needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s the gray box, usually in your basement, garage, or utility room, that holds all your breakers. It controls how electricity flows through your home.
When your home needs more power—maybe because of a new EV charger, AC unit, or hot tub—you may need a larger panel. That’s when it’s time to upgrade.
Signs You Need an Upgrade
Here are some common signs that you might need an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County:
- Lights dim or flicker often
- Breakers trip when using multiple devices
- Your panel is over 25–30 years old
- There’s no space left for new breakers
- You smell something burning near the panel
- You’re using lots of extension cords
These signs shouldn’t be ignored. Electrical problems can be dangerous.
Why It’s Important
Old panels weren’t designed to handle today’s electrical loads. Think about it: older homes didn’t have microwaves, dishwashers, flat screens, or smart devices all running at once.
Upgrading your panel keeps your home safe and up to date. It also helps prevent fires, reduces the risk of overloaded circuits, and adds value to your home.
Plus, if you’re planning a remodel or adding new appliances, you’ll likely need an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County to stay up to code.
Local Codes and Permits
Placer County follows California’s strict electrical code standards. You’ll need a permit to do this kind of work. That also means your project will be inspected once it’s done to ensure it’s safe.
You can get the permit through your local building department. If you hire a licensed electrician, they’ll usually take care of the permits for you.
Never skip this step. It protects your home and your insurance coverage.
How the Upgrade Works
Here’s what happens during an electrical panel upgrade:
- Power is turned off (either at the panel or by the utility company)
- The old panel is removed
- A new panel with higher capacity is installed
- New breakers are added
- Wiring is reconnected and inspected
- Power is turned back on
This usually takes a few hours to a full day, depending on your setup. A good electrician will make the process smooth and safe.
If you’re not experienced with electricity, don’t try to do this yourself. It’s always better to hire a licensed pro who handles electrical panel upgrades in Placer County.
Choosing the Right Panel Size
Most older homes have a 100-amp panel. Today, many new homes use 200 amps or more. Some larger homes or those with EV chargers or solar systems may even need a 300 or 400-amp panel.
If you’re unsure, your electrician can calculate your home’s power needs. It’s better to go a little bigger now than upgrade again later.
Cost of Panel Upgrades
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County can vary depending on:
- Panel size
- Labor
- Permit fees
- Whether any rewiring is needed
On average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500. But this can go higher if your home needs major changes. It’s a smart investment that can improve safety and support future upgrades.
Hiring a Qualified Electrician
Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Electrical work is serious business. Look for a licensed and insured electrician with experience in panel upgrades.
Ask for references. Check online reviews. Make sure they’ve done electrical panel upgrades in Placer County and understand local codes.
The right electrician will:
- Pull the proper permits
- Handle everything safely
- Explain your options
- Offer a warranty on the work
How Long Does It Take?
Most panel upgrades can be completed in one day. However, it might take longer if there are issues with your wiring or if you need to upgrade your meter or service line.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll be without power during the upgrade. Your electrician should let you know how long the outage will last, so you can plan accordingly.
What Happens After the Upgrade?
Once the new panel is in place, the work isn’t quite done. The county will need to inspect the installation to ensure it meets code.
After it passes inspection, you can enjoy your upgraded system with peace of mind. You’ll now have more room for new circuits, better safety, and fewer power issues.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Even if your current panel is doing okay, it’s smart to upgrade before you have problems—especially if you’re planning to:
- Install solar panels
- Add a hot tub or EV charger
- Do a major remodel
- Rent out part of your home
Upgrading now can save you money later. And it’ll help you avoid the stress of emergency repairs.
For any growing household in the area, an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County is a great step toward future-proofing your home.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade in Placer County?
Yes, a permit is required. The work must also be inspected after completion to ensure safety and code compliance.
Q: How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Placer County?
Most upgrades cost between $1,500 and $3,500. The price depends on the size of the panel and the complexity of the job.
Q: How long does a panel upgrade take?
Usually 4–8 hours. Some jobs may take longer if other electrical upgrades are needed.
Q: Can I upgrade my panel myself?
It’s not recommended. Electrical panel upgrades are complex and dangerous if done wrong. Always hire a licensed electrician.
Q: How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
If you have flickering lights, a full panel, frequent tripped breakers, or an old 60–100 amp panel, it might be time for an upgrade.
Upgrading your electrical panel might seem like a big task—but it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your home. It keeps your family safe, powers modern appliances, and sets you up for the future.
If you’re in Placer County and thinking about upgrading, talk to a local pro today. A proper electrical panel upgrade in Placer County will give you peace of mind—and a better, safer home.
