Electric Panel Upgrades in San Diego

Outdated panels are the #1 electrical hazard in San Diego's older and historic homes.

SRP Electric safely replaces them — with 30+ years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews.

Call for a Free Estimate: 858-900-8535

PANEL UPGRADES

We replace and service over 400 panels a year. From a small sub-panel replacement or upgrade to whole meter(s)/panel upgrade and switch gear, we do them at a efficient and high quality standard. We take pride in each panel that we do. From getting your panel ready for future solar, EV, additional load, insurance claim or just making it much safer we have you covered. 


We help you with the SDG&E service order paper work, city inspection(s), permit(s) from start to finish. Our quality work is already known and respected by senior inspectors and SDG&E crews all over town. We are on the phone daily with the city and SDG&E for the fastest service. Trenching?, Relocation a panel? Retrofitting a old panel? Old hard to find panel? No problem give us a call. 

panel upgrades

Why Older Homes Need Panel Upgrades

San Diego's older neighborhoods — from North Park and Kensington to Mission Hills, Point Loma, and

beyond — are filled with beautiful craftsman bungalows, Victorian-era homes, and mid-century

residences. These homes have character and history. But their original electrical systems were designed

for a world before air conditioning, electric vehicles, home offices, and modern appliances.


A home built in the 1940s, 1950s, or 1960s typically came with a 60- or 100-amp fuse box. Today's

households routinely demand 200 amps or more. When an aging system is pushed past its limits, the

results range from frequent tripped breakers to house fires. At SRP Electric, we specialize in bringing older

homes up to modern, safe electrical standards — without sacrificing the craftsmanship that makes them special.

Important: If your home still has a fuse box, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel, or Zinsco panel, these are

known safety hazards. Many insurance companies will no longer insure a home with these systems.

Replacement is strongly recommended — contact us for a same-day safety assessment.

Signs Your Home Needs a Panel Upgrade

Because older wiring and panels degrade gradually, homeowners often don't realize there's a serious

problem until it becomes an emergency. Watch for these warning signs:

Breakers or fuses that trip or blow repeatedly

Flickering or dimming lights — especially when appliances run

Burning smell near the panel, outlets, or switches

Warm or discolored outlet covers and switch plates

 A fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel

Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic panel brand

No GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, or garages

Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets throughout the home

Home insurer requiring an upgrade before coverage renewal

Planning to install an EV charger or major new appliance

Any one of these is reason enough to have a licensed electrician assess your panel. Two or more is an urgent call to action

How SRP Electric Handles Panel Upgrades in Older Homes

Upgrading a panel in an older home is more involved than a straightforward swap in new construction. Decades-old wiring, knob-and-tube systems, aluminum branch wiring, or deteriorated insulation often need to be addressed at the same time. Our process is thorough and transparent every step of the way.

Whole-Home Electrical Assessment

We inspect your existing panel, wiring, grounding, and circuits — identifying every safety concern before any work begins.

Upfront, Itemized Estimate

You receive a clear, written quote covering the panel replacement and any rewiring needed. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Permit Pulling & Coordination

We handle all required permits with the City of San Diego or relevant jurisdiction, keeping your project fully code-compliant.

Panel Replacement & Rewiring

Our licensed electricians replace your outdated panel with a modern 200-amp service and address any problem wiring.

Inspection & Final Sign-Off

We schedule and pass the required electrical inspection, then walk you through everything that was done before we leave.

Panel Upgrades & Electrical Safety

  • How do I know if my home needs a panel upgrade?

    Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, outdated fuse boxes, or adding high-demand appliances like EV chargers. Many older San Diego homes require upgrades to handle modern energy use. Call SRP Electric today to schedule an Electric Panel inspection at 858-900-8535

  • Is a panel upgrade worth it in San Diego?

    Yes. Upgrading your panel improves safety, increases home value, and ensures your electrical system can support today’s appliances and technology. Call us today to schedule an inspection 858-900-8535

  • How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in San Diego?

    Most residential panel upgrades in San Diego range from $2,500 to $5,000+, depending on the amperage,

    the age and condition of the existing wiring, permit fees, and whether rewiring is also needed. Older homes often require additional work to bring branch circuits up to code. SRP Electric provides detailed, upfront estimates before any work begins — so you always know exactly what you're paying for.

  • Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in San Diego?

    Yes. A permit is required for any electrical panel replacement in San Diego. Unpermitted work can void

    your homeowner's insurance, create issues when you sell, and may not be done safely. SRP Electric

    handles all permitting and inspections on your behalf as part of every panel upgrade project.

  • How long does a panel upgrade take?

    A standard panel upgrade typically takes one day. Older homes that also require partial or whole-house

    rewiring may take two to four days depending on the scope. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your

    estimate and do our best to minimize disruption to your household.

  • What is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, and is it dangerous?

    Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels and Zinsco panels were common in homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s. Both brands have documented histories of breaker failures — meaning the breakers may fail to trip during an overload or short circuit, creating a significant fire risk. Many insurers now require removal as a condition of coverage.

  • Can I add an EV charger to my older home's electrical system?

    In most cases, yes — but a panel upgrade is almost always required first. A Level 2 EV charger needs a dedicated 240-volt, 50-amp circuit. Older 100-amp panels generally don't have the capacity to support this alongside existing loads. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel as part of your EV charger installation is the safe and code-compliant path. See our EV Charger Installation page for details.

  • Will my homeowner's insurance require a panel upgrade?

    Increasingly, yes. San Diego insurance carriers routinely flag fuse boxes, Federal Pacific panels, Zinsco panels, and knob-and-tube wiring during home inspections and policy renewals. In some cases, coverage will be denied or canceled outright until upgrades are completed. We can provide documentation of completed work for your insurance company after the job is done.