If you own a home in Sacramento, your electrical panel probably isn’t something you think about, until it starts causing trouble. Maybe a breaker keeps tripping. Maybe your lights flicker when the AC kicks on. Or maybe an inspector pointed out that your panel is outdated.
Here’s the thing… the electrical panel is your home’s power hub. Every light, outlet, and appliance depends on it to work safely. If it’s undersized or worn out, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s a fire hazard waiting to happen.
So, let’s walk through what Sacramento homeowners really need to know about electrical panel upgrades: when to consider one, what’s involved, what it costs, and how to make sure you’re hiring the right electrician for the job.
Table of Contents
What an Electrical Panel Actually Does
Think of your panel like a power intersection. Electricity flows in from SMUD or PG&E, hits the panel, and gets sent down the right “streets” (circuits) to reach different parts of your house.
When too much tries to go down one street, the breaker trips, kind of like a traffic light stopping a dangerous rush. That’s how it prevents overheated wires and potential fires.
A modern electrical panel upgrade in Sacramento can:
- Handle more demand from today’s tech-heavy homes
- Support bigger appliances like EV chargers, central air, or hot tubs
- Keep you in compliance with current California safety codes
5 Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Panels don’t last forever. Sacramento has plenty of homes built in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, and many still have their original equipment. Here’s when to start paying attention:
1. Your Panel Is 25+ Years Old
Older panels, especially those with 60- or 100-amp capacity, weren’t built for today’s electrical loads. If you’re running multiple TVs, computers, an AC unit, and a dishwasher, you’re probably pushing it.
2. Breakers Keep Tripping
Constantly walking out to the garage to reset breakers? That’s a clear sign your panel is overloaded.
3. You’re Adding Big Appliances or Renovating
Kitchen remodel, home addition, EV charger, these projects often require a higher-capacity panel.
4. Heat, Buzzing, or a Burning Smell
If your panel is warm to the touch or making noise, call a licensed electrician immediately. That’s not something to “wait and see” about.
5. Known Problem Brands
If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, you should replace it now. Both have documented safety issues.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Are Upgrading Now
Around here, panel upgrades have been picking up for a few reasons:
- EV Chargers: With more electric vehicles on the road, a lot of people are installing Level 2 chargers, and they need a 240-volt circuit and extra amperage.
- Hot Summers: Sacramento’s heat waves mean longer AC run times, and that’s a big electrical draw.
- Remodeling Trends: Home additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and kitchen overhauls all put more demand on electrical systems.
- Updated Codes: California requires arc fault and ground fault protection in more areas of the home than ever before.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Upgrading isn’t as simple as swapping a box, it’s a process with multiple steps. Here’s what usually happens:
- Inspection & Load Calculation – Your electrician checks your existing panel, wiring, and calculates the electrical load your home needs.
- Permitting – In Sacramento, this means working with the city or county to get approval before starting.
- Utility Coordination – SMUD or PG&E shuts off power while the work is being done.
- Installation – The old panel comes out, wiring gets organized, and the new panel is installed with clearly labeled breakers.
- Inspection – A city inspector signs off to make sure the work meets electrical codes.
What It Costs to Upgrade an Electrical Panel in Sacramento
Prices vary, but here’s a ballpark:
| Upgrade Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| 100 to 200 amps | $2,500 – $4,000+ |
| New 200-amp panel | $3,500 – $5,500+ |
| 400-amp service | $5,000 – $8,000+ |
What changes the price:
- Needing to replace the service mast or meter base
- Adding extra circuits for future expansion
- Moving the panel to a new location
- Quality/brand of the panel
Choosing the Right Electrician in Sacramento
Electrical panel upgrades aren’t DIY jobs. You’re dealing with high-voltage systems and strict code requirements.
When hiring, look for:
- Licensed & Insured in California
- Familiarity with Sacramento permitting and inspections
- Experience with your panel brand and upgrade type
- Positive local reviews
- Clear, written estimates
Pro tip: Ask about adding whole-home surge protection during your upgrade, it’s cheaper to do it now than later.
Local Example: East Sacramento Upgrade
One homeowner in East Sacramento called us when they were adding a pool and a second AC unit. Their old 125-amp panel just couldn’t keep up.
We replaced it with a 200-amp panel, added dedicated breakers for the pool pump and AC, and installed surge protection. The job took a day, the inspection passed the next morning, and they haven’t had a single breaker trip since.
Maintaining Your Panel After the Upgrade
Once you’ve invested in a new panel, keep it in good shape:
- Have it inspected annually by a licensed electrician
- Keep the area around it clear, at least 3 feet of space
- Make sure circuits are labeled clearly so you’re not guessing in an emergency
Repair or Replace?
If your only issue is one bad breaker, a repair might be fine. But if you’re dealing with constant trips, an undersized panel, or a recalled brand, replacement is the smarter, safer choice.
Electrical panel upgrades aren’t just about convenience, they’re about safety, efficiency, and being ready for the way we live today.
At Old Town Electric, we’ve helped homeowners across Sacramento, from Midtown bungalows to Natomas new builds, upgrade their panels and bring their electrical systems up to code.
If you’re noticing signs of trouble or planning a remodel, don’t wait for an emergency. Call us today for an inspection and a clear, honest plan for your electrical panel upgrade.
