Upgrade your electrical panel to meet modern demands. From 100-amp to 400-amp upgrades, our licensed electricians ensure your home is safe, code-compliant, and ready for today's power needs.
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If your Austin home was built more than 20 years ago, there's a strong chance your panel is struggling to keep up with the electrical demands of modern living. Today's homes use far more electricity than ever before, powering everything from central HVAC systems and smart home devices to EV chargers and home office equipment. An outdated panel isn't just inconvenient when breakers trip constantly — it can be a serious fire hazard.
At Volt Masters Electric, we've been upgrading electrical panels across the Austin metro area for over 15 years. Our licensed electricians (TECL #28475) will assess your current system, recommend the right panel size for your household, and complete the installation to meet all current National Electrical Code (NEC) and City of Austin requirements.
Most older Austin homes were originally wired with 60-amp or 100-amp service, which simply can't handle the load of a modern household. Here's a breakdown of what each upgrade level provides:
100-Amp Panel: Suitable for smaller homes with gas heating and minimal high-draw appliances. This is considered the bare minimum for modern living but may be insufficient if you plan on adding an EV charger or hot tub.
200-Amp Panel: The current standard for most residential homes. A 200-amp upgrade provides ample capacity for central air conditioning, electric ranges, dryers, home offices, and even Level 2 EV charging. This is the most popular upgrade we perform in Austin.
400-Amp Panel: Ideal for larger homes, properties with detached workshops or guest houses, or homeowners planning significant electrical additions like pools, spas, or multiple EV chargers. A 400-amp service typically involves two 200-amp panels fed by a single meter.
If your Austin home has a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, we strongly recommend immediate replacement. These panels have been linked to thousands of house fires nationwide due to breakers that fail to trip during an overload. Insurance companies are increasingly refusing to write policies on homes with these panels, and home inspectors will flag them every time.
Our team has replaced hundreds of Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels throughout Austin. We handle the entire process, including pulling permits, coordinating with Austin Energy for the meter disconnect, and scheduling the final inspection.
Every panel upgrade starts with a thorough assessment of your existing electrical system. We evaluate your current service amperage, the condition of your wiring, and your household's power demands. From there, we provide a clear, upfront quote with no hidden fees.
On installation day, we coordinate with Austin Energy for the meter pull, remove your old panel, install the new panel with properly rated breakers, and reconnect all circuits. We label every breaker clearly, test all circuits, and walk you through the completed work. Finally, we schedule the City of Austin inspection to ensure everything is permitted and approved.
Electrical panel upgrades in Austin require a permit from the City of Austin Development Services Department. Working without a permit is not only illegal but can void your homeowner's insurance and create problems when selling your home. Volt Masters Electric handles the entire permitting process for you, from application through final inspection.
Common questions about electrical panel upgrades in Austin
Panel upgrade costs vary depending on the scope of work. A standard 200-amp panel upgrade in Austin typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,500, which includes the new panel, breakers, labor, permits, and inspection. Upgrading from 100 to 400 amps or replacing a Federal Pacific panel may cost more due to additional work required. We provide free, detailed estimates before any work begins.
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day, typically 6 to 8 hours. Your power will be off for a portion of that time while we swap the panel and reconnect circuits. We schedule the Austin Energy meter pull in advance to minimize downtime and always aim to have your power restored before the end of the workday.
Yes. The City of Austin requires an electrical permit for all panel upgrades and service changes. This ensures the work is performed safely and meets current code requirements. Volt Masters Electric handles the entire permitting process, including scheduling the final inspection with the city inspector. Never hire an electrician who offers to do panel work without pulling a permit.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels have been the subject of extensive investigation and are widely considered a fire hazard. Independent testing has shown that FPE breakers can fail to trip up to 60% of the time during an overload, dramatically increasing the risk of electrical fires. If your home has an FPE panel, we recommend scheduling a replacement as soon as possible for your family's safety.