Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If it can't keep up with modern demands, everything downstream suffers, from tripping breakers to genuine fire risk. Here's what DFW homeowners need to know.
If your home has a 100-amp panel, a fuse box, or a brand on the recall list (Federal Pacific, Zinsco), an upgrade isn't just convenient, it's a safety priority. Panel upgrades in DFW typically cost $1,800–$4,500 and take one day.
Your electrical panel (also called the breaker box or load center) is where utility power enters your home and gets distributed to every circuit, lights, outlets, appliances, HVAC, and everything else that uses electricity.
Each breaker in the panel protects a circuit. When a circuit draws too much current, the breaker trips to prevent overheating and fire. When the panel itself is outdated, undersized, or damaged, this safety system doesn't work the way it should.
Think of it this way: your panel is sized for a specific electrical load. A home built in the 1980s with a 100-amp panel was sized for that era's needs, no home office, no EV charger, no smart home devices, and possibly no central air conditioning. Today's homes routinely need 200 amps or more.
A burning smell near your electrical panel is an emergency. This indicates arcing, melting insulation, or an overheated connection, all of which can cause an electrical fire. Don't reset breakers, don't touch the panel. Call a licensed electrician immediately.
| Panel Size | Best For | Typical Home |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Amp | Small homes with gas appliances, no EV | Under 1,500 sq ft, minimal electrical load |
| 150 Amp | Mid-size homes with moderate loads | 1,500–2,500 sq ft, standard appliances |
| 200 Amp | Most modern homes, the current standard | 2,000–4,000 sq ft, central HVAC, electric range |
| 320–400 Amp | Large homes, EV chargers, workshops, pools | 4,000+ sq ft or heavy electrical demand |
| Most DFW homes benefit from 200-amp service. We assess your actual load and recommend accordingly, no upselling to capacity you don't need. | ||
A Level 2 EV charger draws 30–50 amps, a significant addition to any electrical system. If you're considering an EV or already have one, make sure your panel can handle it. Many 100-amp panels can't support a Level 2 charger without an upgrade. Talk to us before installing.
Some electrical panels manufactured between the 1950s and 1990s have been linked to fire hazards due to breakers that fail to trip during overloads. If your home has one of these brands, replacement isn't optional, it's urgent.
| Brand | Issue | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pacific (FPE / Stab-Lok) | Breakers fail to trip during overloads | 🔴 High, Replace Immediately |
| Zinsco / GTE Sylvania | Breakers melt to bus bar, can't be reset | 🔴 High, Replace Immediately |
| Pushmatic (Bulldog) | Push-button breakers wear out over time | 🟡 Moderate, Evaluate & Plan |
| Challenger (some models) | Certain breakers known to fail | 🟡 Moderate, Inspect |
Not sure what brand your panel is? Open the panel door, the brand name is usually printed on the inside or on the breakers themselves. If you see "Federal Pacific," "FPE," "Stab-Lok," or "Zinsco," call us. We'll prioritize your replacement.
Many insurance companies in Texas are now requiring panel upgrades during policy renewals or home sales. Some will deny coverage for homes with Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels. A panel upgrade can actually lower your homeowner's insurance premium.
| Service | Typical Cost (DFW) | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement (same amperage) | $1,800–$2,800 | 4–6 hours |
| 100A to 200A upgrade | $2,500–$4,500 | 1 day |
| 200A to 400A upgrade | $4,000–$7,000 | 1–2 days |
| Sub-panel addition | $1,200–$2,500 | Half day |
| Hazardous panel replacement (FPE/Zinsco) | $2,000–$4,000 | 1 day |
| Prices include permit, panel, labor, and inspection. Costs vary by panel location, meter base condition, and scope. We provide exact pricing after assessment. | ||
Panel upgrades are an investment in your home's safety and value. We offer flexible financing options so you can get the work done now without a large upfront payment.
If you're planning a panel upgrade, it's the perfect time to address other electrical needs, adding circuits, installing a whole-home rewire, upgrading to LED lighting, or adding an EV charger circuit. Bundling saves on labor since we're already working on your electrical system.
Panel upgrades in DFW typically cost $1,800–$4,500 depending on the amperage change, condition of existing wiring, permit requirements, and whether the meter base needs replacement. A same-amperage panel swap costs less than a full 100A-to-200A service upgrade. We provide exact pricing after assessment.
Watch for frequently tripping breakers, a panel that's warm to the touch, visible corrosion, burning smells, flickering lights, a fuse box instead of breakers, and a panel that's completely full with no room for new circuits. Homes with 100-amp panels supporting modern electrical loads are strong candidates for upgrade.
Yes. Texas requires a permit for panel upgrades and replacements. The work must be done by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local building authority. We handle all permitting and inspection scheduling as part of the job, it's included in our price.
If your home was built before 2000, it likely has 100-amp service. With central HVAC, electric appliances, home offices, and EV chargers, 100 amps often isn't enough. If you're tripping breakers regularly or planning any major electrical additions, 200-amp service is the modern standard and a smart investment.
Typically 4–8 hours on the day of installation. We coordinate with Oncor for the temporary disconnect and work to restore power as quickly as possible. We'll let you know the expected timeline before we start so you can plan accordingly.
Yes. A modern 200-amp panel is a selling point for buyers and removes a common flag on home inspections. It also satisfies insurance requirements and supports future upgrades like EV chargers, pools, and home additions, all of which increase property value.
An outdated panel isn't just inconvenient, it's a fire risk. Our licensed electricians will assess your panel and give you a clear, honest recommendation. Same-day assessments available.
