Meter-Main Combo vs Main Breaker — What Los Angeles Homes Actually Need

If you’re planning a panel upgrade Los Angeles—often for EVs or remodels—don’t assume you must swap the entire service. Many LA homes use a meter-main combo, others have a separate main breaker ahead of the load center. At Farashi Electric, we start with an EV load calculation and check permit & inspection requirements. Sometimes a tidy sub-panel upgrade is enough; when you truly need capacity, a 200A panel upgrade is designed to pass inspection the first time.

Don’t replace what you don’t need

“Just make it 200 amps” sounds simple—until trenching, relocation for clearances, and utility coordination appear. The right choice isn’t always “bigger service,” it’s the cleanest, code-compliant path to the power you actually need. This guide explains, in plain English, when a meter-main combo helps, when a main breaker panel is enough, and where a sub-panel can save time and money.

Meter-main combo vs main breaker

• Meter-main combo: One outdoor enclosure with the utility meter and a service disconnect (main breaker). From there, feeders go to your indoor/outdoor load center(s). Common on many LA homes, especially where inspectors want the service disconnect outside and clear.
• Main breaker panel (separate meter): The meter socket is separate; the main breaker lives in the load center. Works well when placement allows proper working space and the utility service doesn’t need relocation.

Why it matters: The enclosure type and location determine whether you’ll need relocation for clearances, larger feeders, or coordination with your utility. Choose the path that reduces disruption while keeping future upgrades simple.

What inspectors actually care about

• Working clearances: Safe access in front of the service equipment. No obstructions or ignition sources too close.
• Grounding & bonding: Correct electrode system, bonds, and terminations.
• Conductor sizing & protection: Breakers match conductor ampacity; AFCI/GFCI where required.
• Enclosure & listing: Weather-rated equipment outdoors; clean penetrations and proper fittings.
• Labeling: Every circuit clearly labeled so inspection and future service go smoothly.

Want the step-by-step? See permit & inspection for how we file, schedule, and pass cleanly.

When a meter-main combo makes life easier

• Outdoor disconnect required/preferred: If your AHJ prefers an exterior service disconnect, a combo is often the neatest solution.
• Space or relocation constraints: The combo can be placed to meet clearances; feeders then travel to indoor panels.
• Future-proofing: Easy to add sub-panels later (garage/ADU/workshop) without reworking the service disconnect.
• Multiple panels: A meter-main can feed more than one load center, organizing present and future circuits.

When a simple main-breaker panel works fine

• Existing location passes clearances: If your load center meets working space and environment rules, keeping a separate meter + main breaker is clean and economical.
• No service relocation needed: If the utility drop/service conductors stay as-is, you avoid scope creep.
• Capacity is adequate: After a load calculation, if 100–125–150A genuinely covers your needs, a right-sized circuit or sub-panel may be smarter than a full 200A jump.

EV charging & future circuits: start with math, not parts

The fastest way to a reliable EV setup isn’t always a bigger service—it’s a professional load calculation. We check present loads plus near-term plans (second EV, kitchen remodel, mini-split, tools). Results guide whether you need:

• A dedicated EV circuit (plug-in 14-50 or hardwired Level-2),
• Managed charging (current-limiting) to stay within capacity,
• A nearby sub-panel to shorten runs and organize circuits,
• Or a full 200A panel upgrade when the numbers—and your goals—demand it.

Explore EV options here: Level 2 EV charger installation