How to tell whether you need more capacity
Capacity is about your total load, not just the number of breakers. An electrician calculates the demand of what you have now — HVAC, water heater, range, dryer — and adds what you plan to install. If the total exceeds what the service can safely supply, an upgrade is the fix.
Sometimes there are alternatives. A load calculation may show your existing service can handle an EV charger with the right settings, or a load-management device can share capacity between big appliances. A good assessment explains both paths.
What the work typically involves
Load calculation
Total your current and planned electrical loads to size the service correctly.
Design the upgrade
Choose the panel, service entrance cable and meter base, and plan any relocation.
Permit and utility
Obtain the permit and schedule the utility disconnect and reconnect.
Install, test, inspect
Install the new service, transfer circuits, test and pass inspection.
Common reasons homeowners call
- Installing a Level 2 EV charger
- Switching to a heat pump or electric appliances
- Building a workshop, garage or addition
- Adding a hot tub or pool equipment
- Planning a standby generator
Signs it is time to call an electrician
- Main breaker trips or runs warm
- Lights dim when the AC or dryer starts
- Many tandem breakers or no open slots
- Extension cords or power strips used everywhere
- 100-amp service in a larger, fully electric home
Safety considerations
Coordinate with the utility. A service upgrade involves utility conductors and the meter, which carry power that can't be shut off from inside your home. It requires a permit, inspection and utility coordination.
What an electrician will check
- Current service size and meter base
- Load calculation for existing and planned equipment
- Service entrance cable and mast condition
- Grounding electrode system
- Panel location and working clearances
Related electrical problems
Local pages for this service
Related residential services
Electrical Panel Replacement
Replacing outdated, damaged or problem-brand breaker panels and fuse boxes with a new, properly sized panel.
EV Charger Installation
Level 2 home EV charger installation, including load calculations, dedicated circuits and panel capacity checks.
Whole Home Generator
Permanently installed standby generators sized to power your entire home automatically during outages.
Electrical Meter Services
Repairs to the homeowner-owned meter base, service mast and connections, coordinated with your utility.
Frequently asked questions
The main breaker at the top of your panel is usually labeled with its amperage. An electrician can confirm whether the service cable and meter base match that rating.
Not always. A load calculation determines whether your existing service can support a charger, sometimes at a reduced charging rate or with load management.
Usually. Service upgrades involve the meter and utility connection, so the utility typically disconnects and reconnects power, and may need to approve the new service.
No. A larger service only raises how much power is available; your bill depends on how much you actually use.