200 Amp Panel Upgrade in Los Angeles — EV-Ready, Permit-Handled
Planning a panel upgrade Los Angeles for EVs or renovations? This guide explains when a 200A panel upgrade is truly needed, how we handle permit & inspection ,and why we start with an EV load calculation. In some cases, a clean sub-panel upgrade solves capacity and organization without a full service change.
Do you really need 200A?
Most homeowners don’t need 200A by default. We run a professional load calculation to see if managed charging, a right-sized EV circuit, or a sub-panel meets your needs. When the numbers say 200A is the smart path, we explain why, where, and how—in plain English. Final approval is by your local AHJ (e.g., LADBS).
Why Go 200 Amps? Why Now?
- Power capacity: 200 amps ensures your home supports EV chargers, high-demand HVAC systems, and modern appliances without tripping or browning.
- Future-proofing: The shift to EVs and smart tech means 200 amp service is fast becoming standard in Los Angeles homes.
- Increased home value: A high-capacity, code-compliant panel signals reliability and adds resale appeal.
Ready for a precise, EV-ready plan? We handle the permit & inspection, run a professional load calculation, and complete most 200A upgrades in one day after approval.
Estimating Your 200 Amp Panel Upgrade
At Farashi Electric, we understand every home in Los Angeles is unique. Instead of general pricing, we provide custom estimates tailored to your home’s electrical layout and requirements. After conducting a thorough assessment with our licensed team, you’ll receive a clear, transparent quote—no guesswork, no surprises.
Learn how our main panel upgrade services improve safety, headroom, and resale value. Only short on spaces? You might add a subpanel instead of replacing the service.
What a 200A Upgrade Typically Includes
- Meter socket / meter-main or panelboard (listed for 200A)
- Service conductors and service raceway, weatherhead/drip loop as applicable
- Main OCPD and full panel schedule with permanent labeling
- Grounding & bonding: water/gas bonding jumpers, GES verification (rods/UFER), and EGC continuity
- Surge protection (SPD) at service when required; emergency disconnect labeling for one-/two-family dwellings
- As-built photos and permit close-out
Grounding & Bonding
For detached buildings fed by a feeder, a grounding electrode system is required at that building. If using ground rods, one rod may be acceptable if it measures ≤ 25Ω; otherwise install a second rod at least 6 ft away. For panels in the same building, we do not add a separate electrode— we carry the EGC with the service and keep neutrals/grounds separated in sub-panels.
Load Calculation Before You Choose 200A
We run a standard method dwelling load calculation to confirm service size with your current loads and planned additions (EV charger, heat pump, ADU, PV/ESS). Many homes qualify for 200A; some benefit from panel-space optimization or a meter-main + sub-panel layout instead of oversizing.
What Makes Us the Best 200 Amp Panel Upgrade in Los Angeles
- Licensed expertise: Farashi Electric holds all C‑10 credentials and L.A. compliance certifications.
- All-in-one service: We handle electrical panel upgrade in Los Angeles, permitting, inspections, testing, and neat installation.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees—what we quote is what you pay.
- Precision in trouble spotting: We always include full electrical troubleshooting in Los Angeles, checking for wiring, grounding, or breaker issues during setup.
- Post-upgrade support: 30-day follow-up is standard practice to ensure functions and peace of mind.
Understand permit and utility coordination before planning a 200A upgrade.
Timeline: How Long Does a 200 Amp Panel Upgrade Take?
- Typical duration: A standard upgrade takes 6–10 hours (single day) for two technicians.
- Quick job report: Reddit reports even faster installations—around 3 hours conversion with meter box and grounding.
- Complex cases (flush mount, rewiring, relocate) can extend to 1.5–2 days plus city inspection.
if you want to know more about How Long Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?, read this content.
How to Prepare for Your Upgrade
- Clear the area around the current panel.
- Disconnect sensitive electronics.
- Plan for a daytime power outage (6–10 hours).
- Ensure access for trucks and inspectors.
- Let our Los Angeles Electrician technicians handle the rest flawlessly.
What’s included with Farashi Electric
- Permit filing & inspection scheduling (LADBS/AHJ)
- Clean, code-compliant installation (NEC + local code)
- Labeling every circuit + panel directory for your records
- Site protection & full cleanup
- Written warranty on workmanship and approved components
- Brands we install: Siemens, Eaton, Square D (UL-listed)
Mini case scopes
- Encino (91316): 100A → 200A meter-main combo, grounding upgrade, EV-ready. Passed inspection same day.
- Burbank: Panel relocation to meet working clearance; added 60A sub-panel for ADU; full labeling.
- West Hollywood: Load calc showed 200A need; hardwired L2 with tidy cable management.
Permits & Utility Coordination (Los Angeles)
Electrical permits are required in the City of Los Angeles (LADBS) and LA County for service/panel upgrades. Many residential 200A swaps qualify for Express/e-Permit (no plan check). We pull the permit, coordinate utility disconnect/reconnect (LADWP/SCE), and schedule the final inspection with your AHJ.
Timelines & Costs
Straightforward meter-main swaps often complete the same day after permit approval and utility scheduling. Longer conduit runs, exterior relocations, stucco/drywall preservation, or trenching can add time. We provide a written schedule and fixed proposal after the site assessment.
Rebates & Incentives
Some programs may help when the panel upgrade enables an eligible improvement (e.g., heat pump or EV charging). Availability and amounts vary by utility and program rules. We’ll point you to current options during the assessment.
Some of Our Recent 200 Amp Panel Upgrade Projects in Los Angeles
Bahram Farashi
C-10 Licensed Electrician (CA Lic. #1102687) — 10+ years installing residential/commercial Electrical Services.
FAQs
It depends on jurisdiction and scope. Some owner-builders may perform work with permits and inspection, but most homeowners choose a licensed C-10 for service equipment due to safety, warranty, and utility coordination.
Paul
Copper or aluminum feeders for 200A?
Farashi Electric
Both are code-compliant—aluminum is larger gauge and cost-effective; use antioxidant and torque to spec.