Residential Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades

A 200-amp upgrade is ideal if your home is 25+ years old or you're planning to install modern high-demand appliances. Most new homes are built with 200-amp panels — it's the current standard for residential power needs.

If your current panel is outdated or frequently overloaded, upgrading ensures safe, consistent performance and prepares your home for today's energy demands.

Common reasons to upgrade to 200 amps:

• Adding an EV charging station
• Installing an electric oven or range
• Upgrading to central A/C
• Switching to an electric water heater
• Adding a hot tub
• Replacing or installing a washer/dryer combo
• Adding or upgrading a dishwasher

The process starts with a Brda electrician evaluating your current setup and power needs. Once scheduled, we'll disconnect your old panel, install a new 200-amp breaker panel, and test everything for safety and performance.

Most upgrades take less than a day and cause minimal disruption. Schedule an assessment and receive a personalized estimate from our team.

A 400-amp upgrade is typically reserved for larger homes, extensive remodels, or households that plan to run multiple high-load systems at the same time. If you're adding major square footage, building a workshop, or planning an all-electric home, 400 amps gives you more headroom both now and in the future.

Situations that may call for 400 amps:

• Large homes with multiple EV chargers
• Full-house electric HVAC systems
• A pool, sauna, or spa tub
• Upgrading to all-electric appliances throughout
• Major home expansions or the addition of a second unit or workshop

Note: A 400-amp panel is built to handle up to 320 amps continuously, with short bursts up to 400 amps. Brda Electric can assess your current setup and offer solutions tailored to your home's energy needs.

The process usually begins with an assessment by one of our electricians to determine which parts need to be ordered and whether the existing wiring can accommodate the upgrade. Once the parts have been installed, your electrician will test the system to ensure it is working properly.

Brda Electric is your source for trusted electricians and for addressing your home's power needs. Contact us for a fast, personalized estimate.

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. A licensed electrician typically handles this paperwork and schedules the final inspection 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.