Residential service
Electrical panel upgrade in Houston
We replace outdated or undersized breaker panels and upgrade your service so your home can safely run what you plug into it today.
What a panel upgrade is
A panel upgrade replaces your home's main breaker panel with new equipment rated for the power your home uses now. When the service itself is too small, the upgrade also includes the meter base and the service wires. Many older Houston homes have 100-amp service; a typical upgrade moves the home to 200 amps.
It is not the same as a repair. If one breaker fails, we can usually replace that breaker. If the panel is undersized, damaged, or a model with a known safety problem, replacing it is the right fix.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
- Breakers trip when several appliances run at the same time.
- Lights dim or flicker when the air conditioner starts.
- The panel feels warm, buzzes, or smells like something is burning.
- You see rust, corrosion, or scorch marks inside the panel.
- There is no space left for new circuits, and you are adding an EV charger, a pool, or a room.
- Your home still has a fuse box, or a Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) or Zinsco panel.
- Your service is 60 or 100 amps.
- A home inspector or your insurance company flagged the panel.
How the work goes
Assessment
We look at the panel, the meter and the service, on site or from a photo, and calculate the load your home actually needs.
Written estimate
You get the scope and the price in writing before any work starts.
Permit and utility
We file the electrical permit. If the service changes, the disconnect and reconnect is coordinated with CenterPoint Energy.
Installation
Power goes off, the old panel comes out, and the new panel, breakers, grounding and bonding go in. Every circuit is labeled.
Inspection
The work is inspected, power is restored, and we walk you through the new panel.
How long it takes
Most panel replacements are finished in one day. Plan for the power to be off for about 4 to 8 hours. A service upgrade that includes a new meter base or service mast can take longer, because it depends on utility and inspection scheduling.
Permits and inspections
Yes, a permit is required. In the City of Houston and the surrounding jurisdictions, replacing a panel or upgrading service needs an electrical permit and an inspection, and the work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. Smart Choice Electrical holds Texas license TECL 32015.
What affects the price
Every panel is different, so we price the job after seeing yours. These are the factors that move the number:
- Panel size in amps and the number of circuits.
- Whether the meter base, service mast or service wires also need to be replaced.
- Where the panel is and how easy it is to reach, or whether it has to be relocated.
- Grounding and bonding updates required by current code.
- Wiring corrections found inside the old panel.
- Added protection, such as arc-fault or ground-fault breakers and a whole-home surge protector.
- Permit fees for your jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need 200 amps?
Most homes with central air, an electric range or dryer, and plans for an EV charger are a good fit for 200-amp service. We run a load calculation on your actual appliances before recommending a size.
How long will my power be off?
Usually 4 to 8 hours on installation day. We tell you the window in advance so you can plan around it.
Do you replace Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels?
Yes. Both are discontinued panels with a documented history of breakers that fail to trip. We recommend replacing them rather than repairing them.
Can I add an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Sometimes. It depends on your panel's capacity and how much load is already on it. We check that first and only recommend an upgrade if the numbers require it.
Can you give me an estimate from a photo?
Yes. Send a photo of the panel with the door open and the label visible, and we reply with an initial estimate. The final price is confirmed on site.
