How much does a 200A electrical panel upgrade cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of a 200A panel upgrade in Los Angeles depends on the age of your existing service, the number of circuits, and whether LADWP requires a meter base replacement. LED Guys provides on-site estimates with a flat-rate quote so you know the full price before any work begins. There are no surprise fees and no overtime charges.

Electrical Panel Upgrades Los Angeles | 200A-400A

Why LED Guys

The Panel Upgrade Specialists Los Angeles Trusts

An outdated electrical panel is more than an inconvenience — it is a safety hazard and a barrier to everything modern homeowners want to add: EV chargers, solar, home additions, and battery backup. Whether your 100A service is tripping constantly or you are replacing a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel your insurance carrier flagged, LED Guys delivers clean, code-compliant 200A and 400A panel upgrades across Los Angeles County. Every job is pulled with a proper LADBS permit, and we coordinate the LADWP power disconnect and reconnect on your behalf so the process is completely hands-off for you.

Jorge has performed panel upgrades across the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Koreatown, and commercial properties throughout greater Los Angeles. We replace Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, Split-Bus, Pushmatic, and outdated fuse box panels with modern Square D, Siemens, or Eaton equipment — all rated for California seismic standards and compatible with LADWP and SCE service. Every installation is inspected and signed off by the city before we consider the job complete.

We schedule most panel upgrades as a single full-day job with our own crew — no subcontractors, no surprise overtime billing, and no unanswered calls. From the first estimate to the final inspection sign-off, you have one point of contact throughout the entire process.

Permit Authority

LADBS Counter Plan Check — 201 N. Figueroa St.

Utility Coordination

LADWP Direct Coordination (SCE where applicable)

Service Sizes

100A, 200A, and 400A Upgrades

Typical Job Time

Most Residential Jobs Completed in One Day

Panel Brands Installed

Square D, Siemens, Eaton

Overtime Charges

Zero Overtime — Flat-Rate Estimates

Los Angeles Context

Why So Many LA Homes Need Panel Upgrades

The bulk of the San Fernando Valley's single-family housing stock was built during the postwar construction boom, roughly 1947 through 1975. The electrical panels installed in those homes were sized for that era's demands: a refrigerator, a television, a window AC unit, and a few lamps. A 60A or 100A service was standard. The panel brands installed during that period — Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, and Pushmatic — have since been identified as fire hazards: their breakers can fail to trip under overload, which means the protection that is supposed to prevent electrical fires may not function reliably.

Today, those same homes routinely support central air conditioning, home offices, gaming setups, EV chargers, and solar inverters with battery backup. Assessing the total connected electrical load of a home confirms that most 1,500-square-foot 1960s ranch houses in Encino or Sherman Oaks — running a new EV charger and central AC — no longer have sufficient headroom on a 100A panel.

The most urgent cases are homes that still have Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels, Zinsco panels, or original fuse boxes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued warnings on Federal Pacific breakers. Many homeowner insurance carriers may require replacement before issuing or renewing a policy. If you are in this situation, call (818) 588-7819 to schedule an estimate. For Van Nuys homeowners specifically, see our detailed guide to Zinsco and Sylvania panel replacement in Van Nuys, including the local housing history, aluminum branch circuit wiring, and what the replacement process involves.

Common Panels in LA Homes

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok

1950s – early 1980s

Fire Hazard

Zinsco / Sylvania

1950s – 1970s

Fire Hazard

Pushmatic

1950s – 1970s

Obsolete

Split-Bus Panel

1960s – 1970s

Outdated

Square D, Siemens, Eaton

Modern — Current

Code Compliant

The Process

How a Panel Upgrade Works With Us

A four-step process from your first call to the final city sign-off — no surprises, no delays.

On-Site Estimate

Jorge visits your property, reviews your existing service panel and connected load, and provides a flat-rate quote. No hidden fees, no overtime clauses.

LADBS Permit & LADWP Scheduling

We file the Counter Plan Check application at LADBS (201 N. Figueroa St.) and coordinate the LADWP power disconnect date. You get a confirmed installation date with everything pre-approved.

Same-Day Installation

Our licensed crew removes the old panel, installs your new 200A or 400A service, reconnects all circuits, and restores power — all in one visit. Most residential jobs are done before end of day.

City Inspection & Sign-Off

We schedule the LADBS electrical inspection, meet the inspector on-site, and deliver your final permit documentation. You have official city approval in writing before we close out the job.

LADBS Permitting

Panel Upgrades Require LADBS Counter Plan Check — Not an Express Permit

Electrical work in the City of Los Angeles falls under two permit tracks at LADBS. Smaller work — a new branch circuit, an EV charger outlet, a subpanel for a garage — qualifies for an Express Permit through the PermitLA online portal, often issued same day for under $100. Panel upgrades are different. Because a panel upgrade modifies the service entrance — the point where LADWP power enters your home — it requires Counter Plan Check review by an LADBS electrical plan checker at the Development Services Center at 201 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

The Counter Plan Check process involves submitting electrical drawings and project documentation for review. Turnaround for a straightforward residential upgrade is typically 1 to 5 business days. Once approved, the permit is issued and we schedule the installation date to align with the LADWP disconnect window.

Properties outside the City of Los Angeles have their own jurisdictions. Burbank uses Burbank Building and Safety. Glendale uses Glendale Building and Safety. Pasadena uses the Pasadena Building and Safety Division. Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County use the LA County Building and Safety. We handle permit coordination across all of these jurisdictions and know which process applies to your address before work begins.

Application Submitted

Jorge submits the electrical permit application and plans to LADBS Counter Plan Check on your behalf.

Plan Review (1–5 days)

LADBS electrical plan checker reviews the scope of work and approved panel equipment.

Permit Issued

Permit in hand. LADWP disconnect date confirmed. Installation scheduled.

Final Inspection

LADBS inspector signs off the completed work. You receive official documentation.

LADBS Development Services Center

Address: 201 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Jurisdiction: City of Los Angeles only. Independent cities (Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena) have separate building departments.

Permit type for panel upgrades: Counter Plan Check — not an Express Permit.

What we handle: Permit application, drawings, inspection scheduling. You do not need to visit LADBS at any point.

Utility Coordination

LADWP Coordination for Panel Upgrades

Every panel upgrade in an LADWP service area requires the utility to disconnect power at the meter before work begins and reconnect after installation is complete. LADWP controls this schedule on their own calendar. We submit the disconnect request once the LADBS permit is approved, and LADWP typically schedules the disconnect appointment 2 to 5 business days out. This is why most panel upgrades cannot happen on 48-hour notice — the LADWP schedule drives the installation date.

If your upgrade increases the service amperage — for example, from a 100A meter base to a 200A service entrance — LADWP may also require a meter base upgrade. Their inspector must verify the new meter base before reconnection is authorized. We assess whether a meter base change is needed during the on-site estimate and include it in the project scope if required, so there are no delays on installation day.

For properties served by Southern California Edison (SCE) rather than LADWP — common in portions of the eastern San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities — the coordination process is similar but the timelines and application requirements differ. We handle SCE coordination the same way. When you call for an estimate, we confirm your utility provider up front so the scheduling process is accurate from day one.

Typical Project Timeline

Day 1

On-site estimate. Flat-rate quote provided.

Days 2–7

LADBS Counter Plan Check application submitted and reviewed.

Day 7–12

Permit issued. LADWP disconnect request submitted.

Day 10–14

LADWP disconnect window confirmed. Installation date set.

Install Day

Panel replaced, circuits reconnected, power restored. Same day.

Final

LADBS inspection scheduled and completed. Job closed out.

Warning Signs

Signs Your Panel Needs to Be Upgraded

Los Angeles homes and businesses often run on panels that were never designed for today's energy demands. Here are the most common warning signs.

Breakers That Trip Repeatedly

If your breakers trip under normal household loads — appliances, HVAC, lighting — your panel's amperage is too low for your current demand. A 200A upgrade resolves this permanently and gives your home the capacity modern electrical loads require.

Burning Smell or Warm Panel

Heat and burning odors near your panel are a fire hazard and require immediate inspection. Loose connections or overloaded breakers inside an aging panel can ignite without warning. Do not ignore this sign.

Lights Flicker When Appliances Run

Flickering lights when your AC, washer, or dryer kicks on signals that your panel cannot supply stable voltage. This is especially common in older Los Angeles homes with 100A or split-bus panels from the 1960s and 1970s.

Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Fuse Box

These panel brands are documented fire hazards that fail to trip under overload conditions. If your Los Angeles home still has one, replacement is strongly recommended. Insurance carriers may require it before issuing or renewing your homeowner policy.

Installing an EV Charger or Solar

Level 2 EV chargers and solar inverters require dedicated high-amperage circuits. Most older panels do not have available capacity, making a panel upgrade a required first step. We assess your existing load before any EV charger installation.

Home Addition or ADU Build

Adding square footage, a new kitchen, or a garage ADU significantly increases electrical load. LADBS requires sufficient panel capacity before approving permits for major additions, making an upgrade a prerequisite in many cases.

Verified Google Reviews

5.0 Stars — Verified Google Reviews

Real feedback from homeowners and business owners across Los Angeles who trusted LED Guys with their electrical panel and lighting projects.

★★★★★

“I recently hired Jorge to install LED strip lights for my custom cabinets, and I couldn’t be happier. Professional, punctual, and incredibly skilled. The wiring was neatly hidden and the setup works seamlessly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch electrical work.”

— AAdesign Firm

★★★★★

“Very knowledgeable and punctual. Easy to work with and reasonably priced. I will definitely use them in the future for all my lighting and electrical needs.”

— Yacoub Kawaja

★★★★★

“Jorge is the man for any electrical work. He completed lighting installations for my shop and did an excellent job. Professional, efficient, highly satisfied. I highly recommend Jorge for any electrical issues or projects.”

— Zubair Kohbandi

★★★★★

“You can’t ask for a better electrician than George. He’s reliable, communicative, on time, reasonably priced and a pleasure to work with. I’ve called George for multiple projects, including panel upgrades, recess lighting and even technical issues and he has performed like a champion every time.”

— Paul H

★★★★★

“I’ve worked with many electricians over the years, and he’s by far the best. His prices are great, he’s always on time, reliable, and gets the job done without any issues. If you need an electrician you can truly count on, reach out to him — you won’t be disappointed.”

— Bardia Danesh

★★★★★

“LED Guys were awesome! They replaced and repaired my open sub panel quickly and made the whole process super easy. Friendly, professional, and explained everything in a way that made sense. Great to have peace of mind knowing the job was done right.”

— Ryan Schneider

Read All Reviews on Google

General Contractors in Van Nuys

FAQ

Electrical Panel Upgrade — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions Los Angeles homeowners and business owners ask most before scheduling a panel upgrade.

The cost of a 200A panel upgrade in Los Angeles depends on the age of your existing service, the number of circuits, and whether LADWP requires a meter base replacement. Use our panel upgrade cost estimator to get a detailed price range before calling. LED Guys provides on-site estimates with a flat-rate quote so you know the full price before any work begins. There are no surprise fees and no overtime charges.

Yes — every panel upgrade we perform in Los Angeles is pulled with a proper LADBS electrical permit through Counter Plan Check at 201 N. Figueroa Street. We handle the permit application, schedule the city inspection, and ensure the work is signed off before we close out the job. You receive a copy of the final inspection approval for your records.

Panel upgrades require Counter Plan Check at LADBS, not the PermitLA Express Permit portal. Service entrance work cannot be approved online — it requires an in-person application at the LADBS Development Services Center at 201 N. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. Jorge handles this process on your behalf. Smaller electrical work such as a new EV charger circuit or a branch circuit can often qualify for an Express Permit and be issued same-day online for under $100.

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels are documented fire hazards: their breakers are known to fail to trip under overload conditions, which means the circuit protection that should prevent electrical fires may not function reliably. The CPSC has issued warnings on Federal Pacific breakers. Many insurance carriers may require replacement before issuing or renewing a homeowner policy on a home with one of these panels. Call (818) 588-7819 to schedule an estimate.

LADWP controls the utility service entrance to your home. Before any panel upgrade, they must disconnect power at the meter, and after installation they reconnect service. LADWP schedules disconnects on their own calendar — typical lead time is 2 to 5 business days. If your upgrade changes the service amperage, LADWP may also require a meter base replacement, which their inspector must verify before reconnection is authorized. We handle all LADWP scheduling on your behalf so you never have to coordinate with the utility directly.

Most residential 200A panel upgrades are completed in a single day. Our crew arrives in the morning, coordinates the LADWP power disconnect, installs the new panel, reconnects all circuits, and restores your power before we leave. Commercial 400A installations may require a second day for larger properties. We do not charge overtime regardless of project size.

The answer depends on your home's total connected load. Most single-family homes in Los Angeles with an EV charger, central AC, and standard appliances fall within 200A service. Larger homes over 4,000 square feet, properties with multiple EV chargers, or homes with solar inverters and battery backup systems may warrant 400A. Jorge reviews your service requirements on-site and gives you a clear recommendation before any work begins.

In many cases, yes. Level 2 EV chargers require a dedicated 50-amp circuit, and older 100A panels often do not have the available capacity to support one safely. We assess your existing panel load before any EV charger installation and let you know whether an upgrade is required. If it is, we can combine both jobs into a single coordinated visit so you only deal with one LADWP disconnect and one LADBS permit process.

We install Square D, Siemens, and Eaton electrical panels — all rated for California seismic requirements and compatible with LADWP and SCE service. We do not install Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or off-brand panels. If your existing panel is one of those brands, we strongly recommend replacing it, and we will walk you through the safety concerns during the estimate.

Yes. LED Guys performs panel upgrades for single-family homes, multi-unit residential buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, offices, and commercial properties throughout Los Angeles County. Commercial 400A three-phase installations are available and we handle all associated LADBS and utility coordination regardless of project scope.

200A & 400A Electrical Panel Upgrades in Los Angeles — Federal Pacific & Zinsco Replacements, LADBS Permits and LADWP Coordination Handled

The Panel Upgrade Specialists Los Angeles Trusts

Why So Many LA Homes Need Panel Upgrades

Common Panels in LA Homes

How a Panel Upgrade Works With Us

On-Site Estimate

LADBS Permit & LADWP Scheduling

Same-Day Installation

City Inspection & Sign-Off

Panel Upgrades Require LADBS Counter Plan Check — Not an Express Permit

Application Submitted

Plan Review (1–5 days)

Permit Issued

Final Inspection

LADBS Development Services Center

LADWP Coordination for Panel Upgrades

Typical Project Timeline

Complete Electrical & Lighting Services