100A to 200A, 200A to 400A, or a full meter-main combo—calculate the full installed cost including panel, meter socket, grounding, service entrance cable, and labor so your upgrade quote covers every line item.
A panel upgrade requires the utility to pull the meter before you touch the service entrance, and they schedule the reconnect—sometimes same day, sometimes 24–48 hours later. That uncertainty affects your crew's schedule. Build a realistic buffer, communicate the timeline clearly to the homeowner, and never promise a same-day reconnect unless you've confirmed it with the utility. A customer without power overnight who wasn't warned becomes a problem customer.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels have a documented failure rate of 25–65% in testing—breakers that don't trip on overload. Zinsco panels have similar bus connection failures. Document the existing panel brand with photos on every job. Some insurers refuse to cover homes with these panels. Your written disclosure that you identified and replaced a hazardous panel protects you and your customer. Don't just swap the panel—explain clearly why you're doing it.
A 400A service typically requires a meter-main combo, two 200A panels or a 400A main with sub-panels, and 350–400kcmil service entrance cable. It may also require a utility transformer upgrade—confirm with the utility before quoting. This is a full-day or two-day job with significantly higher material costs than a standard 200A swap. Price accordingly and confirm the utility can support the load before quoting.
The Electrician's Business Starter Kit includes a flat-rate price book for 40 common service calls, NEC quick-reference cards, and a service agreement template. Guide from $19 — Complete Kit with all 19 templates, $49.
Get the Electrician's Kit →Panel upgrades are complex jobs — the cost swings dramatically based on service size, meter can condition, number of circuits, permit requirements, and utility coordination. This calculator accounts for every line item: panel and breakers, labor hours by panel size, permit fees, and any service entrance work. Use it to build accurate panel upgrade quotes instead of ballparking a number you'll regret when the job runs long.