How Long Does a Panel Upgrade Take? Your Complete Timeline Guide
Most straightforward 200A panel swaps finish in one working day after permit approval and utility scheduling. Projects take longer when we add new conduit runs, relocate the service/panel, preserve stucco/drywall, trench for feeders, or coordinate PV/ESS interconnections. We confirm your AHJ requirements and give you a written schedule at the assessment.
Wondering how long does a panel upgrade take? At farashi electric, we handle everything—from planning and permitting to electrical panel upgrade in Los Angeles—in just a single day for standard jobs, and up to two days for more complex scenarios. This detailed guide breaks down every step, helping you set clear expectations, avoid surprises, and get your system upgraded efficiently and safely.
What Affects How Long Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?
- Size and complexity: A basic swap usually completes in 4–8 hours with two technicians . Add rewiring or relocation, and it can span multiple days
- Panel amperage: Installing a 200-amp service typically needs one workday (6–10 hours)
- Pre-existing wiring condition: Old or damaged wiring adds extra time for electrical rewiring in Los Angeles.
- Location & permits: Moving the panel or dealing with city inspections extends the timeline. Surface-mounted work often wraps in a day; flush-mounted may require two workdays plus inspections.
Book Your Panel Upgrade Assessment
Clear schedule, permit & final inspection handled — Greater Los Angeles.
Typical Timeline — What to Expect
- Pre-work (scheduling & permits): We verify AHJ rules, pull the LADBS/LA County permit, and book utility disconnect/reconnect if needed.
- Installation day: De-energize, swap meter-main/panel, update grounding & bonding, label circuits, restore power.
- Final inspection: We schedule the final inspection and close out the permit; you receive as-built photos and the updated panel schedule.
Exterior relocations, long conduit routes, wall/finish preservation, service size changes, or coordination with PV/ESS can add time. We call these out in your written proposal.
What We Do on Installation Day
- Replace meter socket / meter-main or panelboard listed for your service size
- Install service conductors & raceway; verify working clearance (~30″ wide, 36″ deep; door opens 90°)
- Set main OCPD, label the panel schedule
- Verify grounding & bonding (water/gas bond, GES continuity; add/verify electrodes as required)
- Provide service SPD and emergency disconnect labeling where adopted
- Torque to spec, restore power, test circuits
Panel Upgrade with EV Charger: What to Expect
Planning for a future ev charger Installation in Los Angeles?
- Add 1–2 hours for panel capacity checks and load calculations.
- Potentially upgrade wiring to allow for a 200-amp service—adds 2–4 hours + permit/inspection time.
When It Takes Longer: Watch for These Factors
- A. Complete Rewiring: Extensive rewiring adds 4–12+ hours.
- B. Panel Relocation: Moving a panel (e.g., garage to utility area) may add full additional workday.
- C. Inspection Scheduling: City timing can delay final approval (24 hours to a week).
- D. Unexpected Issues: Aging wiring, damaged conduits, or tight panel spaces can stretch timelines.
Why Choose farashi electric?
- Experienced technicians: Smooth, one-day upgrades in typical homes.
- Advanced troubleshooting tools reduce delays.
- One-stop service: Panel upgrade, electrical rewiring in Los Angeles, and complete system tests—kept in-house.
- Transparent scheduling: You’ll know exactly how long your job will take—and we deliver accordingly.
Does Panel Size Matter? Timeline by Amperage
| Panel Size | Crew | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 amp panel upgrade | 2 electricians | 4–6 hours | Minimal disruption |
| 150–200 amp upgrade | 2 electricians | 6–10 hours | Permits standard |
| 200 amp + EV setup | 2–3 electricians | 8–12+ hours over ~1.5 days | City & utility inspections |
| Relocated panel (flush) | 2 electricians + stucco work | 2 days + inspection | Weather-dependent |
Permits & Utility Coordination (Los Angeles)
Electrical permits are required for panel upgrades in the City of Los Angeles (LADBS) and LA County. Many residential swaps qualify for Express/e-Permits. We handle the permit, then coordinate utility disconnect/reconnect (e.g., LADWP/SCE), and schedule the final inspection with your AHJ.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Panel Upgrade
- Clear access to the panel area.
- Disconnect sensitive electronics before power outage.
- Keep pets and children clear during work.
- Plan around typical off-times (9 AM–5 PM).
- Choose farashi electric for a streamlined and professional experience.
At farashi electric, our goal is to provide the answer to “How long does a panel upgrade take?” clearly—typically one full day, or one and a half days for more complex scenarios like a 200-amp service upgrade or panel relocation. We combine expert workmanship, transparent scheduling, and full-service support to deliver safe, reliable, and minimally disruptive upgrades.
Bahram Farashi
C-10 Licensed Electrician (CA Lic. #1102687) — 10+ years installing residential/commercial Electrical Services.
FAQs
It depends on AHJ workload and scope. Many residential projects use Express/e-Permits; we schedule the final inspection and coordinate utility as needed.
Steven
The day-by-day timeline sets expectations well for homeowners.