Upgrade to 200-amp service for modern electrical capacity. Expert panel installation in Orinda and surrounding areas.
Your home's electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, distributing power safely throughout your property. If your Orinda home still has an outdated 60-amp or 100-amp panel, you're likely experiencing frequent breaker trips, dimming lights, and insufficient capacity for modern electrical demands. At Orinda Electrician, we specialize in professional electric panel upgrades that bring your home's electrical infrastructure into the modern era.
With over 25 years of experience serving Orinda, Sleepy Hollow, Orinda Woods, and the greater North Bay area, we've upgraded thousands of electrical panels for residential and commercial properties throughout Contra Costa County. Our licensed electricians understand California's stringent electrical codes and work efficiently to minimize downtime during your panel upgrade project.
Whether you're adding an electric vehicle charger, installing solar panels, upgrading your HVAC system, or simply need more electrical capacity for modern living, a panel upgrade is often the first critical step. We provide comprehensive panel upgrade services including complete service upgrades, subpanel installations, and emergency panel replacements for hazardous Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels.
Our panel upgrade process includes thorough assessment, proper permitting, professional installation, and final inspection coordination with local building departments. We handle all aspects of your electrical panel upgrade from start to finish, ensuring your Orinda home has the safe, reliable electrical service it deserves.
Don't wait for a catastrophic electrical failure. These warning signs indicate your Orinda home needs an immediate panel upgrade:
Frequent circuit breaker trips
Lights dimming when appliances turn on
Burning smell from electrical panel
Rust or corrosion on panel
Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel (fire hazard)
Panel warm to the touch
Buzzing or crackling sounds from panel
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels are known fire hazards. If your Orinda home has one of these panels, contact us immediately for emergency replacement. These panels have been linked to thousands of fires and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Upgrading your electrical panel delivers immediate safety improvements and long-term value for your Orinda property.
Support modern appliances, HVAC systems, EV chargers, and home additions with 200-amp service.
Modern circuit breakers with AFCI and GFCI protection prevent electrical fires and shocks.
Meet current California electrical codes and pass home inspections with confidence.
Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for homes with updated electrical panels.
An upgraded electrical panel is a major selling point that increases property value.
Prepare your home for solar panels, battery storage, and emerging smart home technology.
Choosing the right panel size depends on your home's electrical demands and future plans. Here's what we recommend for Orinda homes:
Suitable for smaller homes (under 1,500 sq ft) with basic electrical needs. May be insufficient for modern appliances.
Typical Use: Older homes, minimal electrical demands
Mid-range option for medium-sized homes (1,500-2,500 sq ft) with moderate electrical usage.
Typical Use: Standard modern homes without EV chargers
Recommended for most modern homes. Supports all appliances, HVAC, EV chargers, and future expansion.
Typical Use: Most common upgrade choice in Orinda
High-capacity service for large homes (3,000+ sq ft), multiple EV chargers, or commercial properties.
Typical Use: Large estates, commercial buildings
OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR MOST ORINDA HOMES
We typically recommend 200-amp service for modern Orinda homes. This provides ample capacity for all current needs plus room for future expansion including EV chargers, solar panels, and home additions.
| Service Type | Description | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 200 Amp Upgrade | Standard residential panel upgrade with new breakers | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| 200 Amp New Installation | Complete 200-amp service installation from utility | $3,500 - $6,000 |
| Subpanel Installation | Additional panel for garage, workshop, or addition | $800 - $2,000 |
| Emergency Panel Replacement | Same-day FPE or Zinsco panel replacement | $3,000 - $5,500 |
| 400 Amp Service Upgrade | High-capacity service for large homes or commercial | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Permits & Inspection | Required city permits and final inspection | $300 - $800 |
Power is typically off for 4-8 hours during the panel upgrade process. We schedule the work to minimize inconvenience and can often coordinate with your schedule. For most residential upgrades in Orinda, we complete the work in a single day and restore power by evening.
Yes, all electrical panel upgrades in Orinda require permits from the local building department. We handle all permit applications and coordinate inspections as part of our service. Attempting to upgrade a panel without proper permits can result in fines and complications when selling your home.
No. Electrical panel work must be performed by a licensed electrician in California. Panel upgrades involve working with high-voltage service lines and require specialized knowledge, tools, and permits. DIY panel work is extremely dangerous and illegal. Always hire a licensed professional for panel upgrades.
No, upgrading your panel does not increase your electric bill. The panel simply distributes power more safely and efficiently. Your bill is based on actual electricity consumption, not panel capacity. In fact, modern panels with better organization can help you identify and reduce energy waste.
The main panel receives power directly from the utility company and distributes it throughout your home. A subpanel is a smaller panel fed from the main panel, typically used for garages, workshops, home additions, or areas far from the main panel. Subpanels provide convenient circuit organization and capacity expansion without replacing the main panel.
Most modern Orinda homes should have 200-amp service. This provides adequate capacity for all standard appliances, HVAC systems, EV chargers, and future expansion. Homes under 1,500 sq ft with minimal electrical demands might be fine with 150-amp service, while larger homes (3,000+ sq ft) or properties with multiple EV chargers may need 400-amp service. We assess your specific needs during our consultation.
Open your electrical panel door and look for the manufacturer name. Federal Pacific panels typically have "FPE" or "Federal Pacific" stamped on the breakers or panel door. Zinsco panels are labeled "Zinsco," "Magnetrip," or "Sylvania-Zinsco." These panels are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately. If you're unsure, send us a photo or schedule a free inspection.
It depends on your current service capacity. If you already have 200-amp service from the utility but an old or damaged panel, we can replace just the panel. However, if you're upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service, we'll need to coordinate with PG&E to upgrade the service lines and meter. We handle all utility coordination as part of our service.
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers detect dangerous electrical arcs and prevent fires. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers protect against electrical shocks, especially in wet areas. California code requires AFCI protection in bedrooms and living areas, and GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets. All our panel upgrades include these safety features where required.
Absolutely. An upgraded electrical panel is a significant selling point for Orinda homes. Buyers appreciate modern, safe electrical systems and are often willing to pay more for homes that don't require immediate electrical work. Additionally, updated panels can lower insurance premiums and eliminate potential deal-breakers during home inspections. It's one of the best ROI home improvements you can make.
Get a free estimate for panel upgrades in Orinda. Licensed, insured, and trusted for 25+ years. Same-day emergency service available.
CALL (309) 306-9040