If you’re a homeowner in Sacramento, chances are you’ve thought about your electrical panel more than once. Maybe you’re adding a new EV charger. Maybe your lights flicker when the AC kicks on. Or maybe your insurance company flagged that old fuse box. Whatever the case, an electrical panel upgrade can feel like a big project.
The first question I get on nearly every call is simple: How long does it take?
It’s a fair concern. Nobody wants to be without power longer than necessary. Let’s break it down, with real timelines, real examples, and a clear picture of what you can expect here in Sacramento.
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The Short Answer: One Day for Most Homes
In my experience, a standard electrical panel upgrade in Sacramento usually takes 6–10 hours from start to finish. That means your home will typically be without power for one working day.
But here’s the thing: every job has its wrinkles. Some panels swap out smoothly, while others turn into full-day (or multi-day) projects.
So what makes the difference? Let’s dig into the details.
What Affects the Timeline?
1. The Age of the Existing Panel
Older homes in East Sacramento or Land Park often have panels from the 1960s or 70s. Some are Zinsco or Federal Pacific units — brands notorious for hidden issues. Removing and replacing these takes extra care, especially if breakers or wiring are brittle.
2. Size of the Upgrade
Are you going from 100 amps to 200? Or jumping to 400 for a large property in Granite Bay? Bigger upgrades mean larger panels, heavier wire, and often trenching or conduit runs. All of that adds time.
3. Utility Coordination
In Sacramento, SMUD (and PG&E in surrounding areas) must disconnect and reconnect power for panel work. Sometimes they show up right on time. Sometimes… not so much. I’ve seen projects delayed by hours waiting on a utility truck.
4. City Permits and Inspections
Sacramento County and City of Sacramento both require permits for an electrical panel upgrade. The inspection process is usually same-day, but if the inspector gets backed up, you could be waiting until the next morning for approval.
Step-by-Step Timeline of a Typical Upgrade
Here’s what a straightforward one-day project looks like:
- Morning Setup (1–2 hours)
- Utility disconnect scheduled.
- Old panel removed.
- Wiring labeled and prepped.
- Panel Installation (3–5 hours)
- New panel mounted and leveled.
- Main service conductors connected.
- Breakers installed and circuits reconnected.
- Inspection (30–60 minutes)
- City or county inspector reviews work.
- Approval given for re-energizing.
- Utility Reconnect (1–2 hours)
- Power restored by SMUD or PG&E.
- Final checks performed.
Total downtime: 6–10 hours in most Sacramento homes.
When Things Take Longer
Not every project runs this smoothly.
- Underground services: Many homes in Elk Grove or newer parts of Roseville have underground utility feeds. If the conduit is damaged, it can take a full extra day to repair.
- Code corrections: I’ve opened panels in Arden Arcade only to find double-tapped breakers, undersized wire, or missing grounding. Fixing these takes time but ensures your system is safe.
- Weather delays: Sacramento summers are no joke. Working in 105°F heat slows crews down and can extend the day. Winter rains sometimes delay trenching or exterior work.
Local Example: Midtown Sacramento Job
A client in Midtown called me last spring. They were renovating a craftsman home and needed a panel upgrade to handle a new HVAC system and future EV charger.
On paper, it looked simple. But once we opened the old panel, we found cloth wiring and a rusted meter socket. The job that was supposed to take eight hours stretched into two full days — one for the panel swap, another for utility coordination and meter replacement.
The homeowner was glad we caught the issue early. As I told them, “Better two days now than a fire hazard later.”
Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Process
I get it. Power outages are inconvenient. But trying to cut corners on an electrical panel upgrade can backfire.
- Skipping permits risks fines and safety hazards.
- Rushing inspections can leave hidden problems unresolved.
- Ignoring utility requirements can delay service restoration.
If you ask me, it’s always worth doing it right the first time, even if it means waiting a few extra hours.
Sacramento-Specific Considerations
Living here, there are unique factors that can affect the timeline:
- Older housing stock: Neighborhoods like Curtis Park and East Sacramento have beautiful historic homes with outdated electrical systems. Upgrades there often take longer.
- Hot summers: Working in August heat can add breaks and slow progress, especially on exterior walls.
- Growth areas: In suburbs like Elk Grove or Natomas, newer homes may already have larger panels. Upgrades are quicker but still require coordination with SMUD.
Cost and Time Together
Since time and money are always linked, here’s a quick snapshot:
| Upgrade Type | Time Estimate | Typical Cost (Sacramento) |
|---|---|---|
| 100A to 200A (standard) | 1 day (6–10 hrs) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 200A to 400A (large homes) | 1–2 days | $4,500 – $7,500+ |
| Panel replacement, same size | 4–8 hours | $1,800 – $3,200 |
Note: Costs vary depending on permits, utility fees, and site conditions.
How Homeowners Can Prepare
If you’re planning a panel upgrade, here are a few ways to keep the project on schedule:
- Clear access: Make sure the area around your panel is free of storage, shelves, or yard debris.
- Plan for downtime: Refrigerators stay closed, phones charged, and maybe dinner out that night.
- Schedule early: Utility disconnects in Sacramento can book weeks out. Lock in your date as soon as possible.
- Ask questions: A good electrician will walk you through the timeline upfront.
When to Call Old Town Electric
If you’re in Sacramento or nearby neighborhoods and wondering, “How long does a panel upgrade take?” — the answer is usually one day, sometimes two.
But the real answer is this: it depends on your home, your panel, and the surprises behind the cover. That’s where experience matters.
At Old Town Electric, we’ve upgraded panels all over Sacramento — from Midtown bungalows to Elk Grove ranch homes to Folsom two-stories. We know the quirks of local housing stock, the rhythms of SMUD scheduling, and the expectations of Sacramento inspectors.
Final Takeaway
An electrical panel upgrade isn’t a project to rush. Most Sacramento homeowners can expect one day of downtime, with some projects running longer depending on utility coordination, code corrections, or hidden issues.
If you’ve been putting off a panel upgrade, now’s the time to plan ahead — before adding that new hot tub, EV charger, or solar system overwhelms your current setup.
Ready to get started? Contact Old Town Electric today for a quote and a clear timeline tailored to your Sacramento home.
