Residential Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades

An electrical service upgrade increases the power coming into your home from the utility. A panel upgrade replaces the breaker box that distributes that power to your circuits. Many projects need both together.

Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, an outdated fuse box, and difficulty adding new circuits are common signs. Homes adding an EV charger, more HVAC capacity, or major appliances also often need more service capacity. A Brda electrician can evaluate your system and confirm what your home needs.

Most St. Louis homes are well served by 200-amp service, which covers modern appliances, HVAC, and one EV charger. It's the current standard for new homes and a common upgrade for houses 25 or more years old, or when you're adding an electric range, central air, an electric water heater, a hot tub, or EV charging. Step up to 400-amp service for larger homes, extensive remodels, a detached workshop, multiple EV chargers, or an all-electric home running several high-load systems at once. A 400-amp service is typically built to handle up to 320 amps continuously, with short bursts up to 400. A load calculation from a Brda electrician confirms the right size for your home.

A breaker replacement involves swapping out a single faulty breaker to restore proper protection on a single circuit. A panel upgrade replaces the entire breaker box (and often the service equipment) to increase overall capacity, improve safety features, and leave space for future circuits.

Yes, if the existing branch circuits are in good condition and sized correctly, only the panel and service components need to be changed. An electrician will inspect conductor sizes and insulation before reconnecting them to the new panel.

Yes. In most places, including St. Louis, local codes require a permit and inspection for any service change or panel replacement to verify proper grounding, bonding, and load calculations. Brda Electric handles the permit application, utility coordination, and inspection scheduling on your behalf.

The cost of a panel upgrade in the St. Louis area depends on several factors, such as the current amp size, the target amp size, the age and condition of existing wiring, and permit requirements for your municipality. Brda Electric provides a personalized estimate after evaluating your home. Contact us to schedule an assessment.

Most 100- to 200-amp upgrades are completed in a single day, typically six to eight hours. Larger upgrades, such as a 400-amp service or a project involving rewiring or meter base replacement, may require additional time. Your electrician will give you a clear timeline during the assessment.