If your Seattle home still runs on a 100-amp panel — or worse, an old fuse box — you've probably wondered what an upgrade really costs. The honest answer: it depends on your home, but the factors that drive the price are the same for everyone. Here's how to think about it like an electrician does.
The short answer
For most Seattle-area homes, a full electrical panel upgrade is a four-figure project. Industry averages for a 200-amp upgrade typically fall in the low-to-mid thousands of dollars, and the final number depends on the condition of your existing service, the panel location, utility coordination, and permit requirements. The only way to get a real number for your house is an on-site evaluation — Galaxy Electric provides free estimates throughout Seattle and the Eastside.
What actually drives the cost
1. Panel size and type
Moving from 100 amps to 200 amps is the most common upgrade in Seattle, largely driven by EV chargers, heat pumps, and induction ranges. A larger panel with more breaker spaces costs more, but gives your home room to grow.
2. Service entrance condition
If the wiring from the utility connection to your panel (the service entrance, meter base, or weatherhead) is aging, it often needs replacement at the same time. This is common in Seattle's older housing stock — Ballard, Wallingford, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill homes frequently have services dating back decades.
3. Utility and permit coordination
Inside Seattle city limits, service changes involve Seattle City Light and an electrical permit with inspection. In Shoreline, Edmonds, and most surrounding cities, permits go through Washington State L&I. A licensed contractor handles this paperwork and schedules the utility disconnect and reconnect — a big part of why this is not a DIY project.
4. Code corrections
When a panel is replaced, inspectors expect the work to meet current code: proper grounding and bonding, AFCI/GFCI protection where required, and correctly sized breakers. If your home needs code corrections, they're usually done in the same visit.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
How the process works with Galaxy Electric
FAQ
Do I need 200 amps for an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation tells us whether your current service can support a Level 2 charger — sometimes a load management device lets you keep your existing panel.
How long does the power stay off?
Typically part of one working day. We coordinate the utility disconnect and reconnect so downtime is as short as possible.
Is a permit really required?
Yes — in Seattle and everywhere in Washington, panel replacement requires an electrical permit and inspection. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance and home sales.
Ready for a real number? Call (206) 414-1211 or book online — Galaxy Electric is a family-owned, licensed electrical contractor serving Seattle and the Greater Seattle area for over 20 years.