Key Takeaways
- Many older San Diego homes have electrical panels that can’t handle modern appliances and devices, making upgrades essential for safety and functionality.
- Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing outlets, and reliance on extension cords are clear warning signs that your panel may be outdated.
- Delaying an upgrade increases fire risk, exposes your home to insurance issues, and can accelerate panel deterioration, especially in coastal areas.
- Modern homes with multiple electronics, EV chargers, air conditioning, smart systems, and solar panels often exceed the capacity of older panels, requiring professional upgrades.
- Point Loma Home Pros provides licensed, experienced, and full-service electrical solutions in San Diego, ensuring safe, reliable, and code-compliant panel upgrades for older homes.
Why Your San Diego Home May Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Many San Diego homes were built decades ago when electrical needs were far lower. A home that once ran smoothly on 60-amp service may now struggle to power modern appliances, electronics, and conveniences. Recognizing when your electrical panel needs upgrading can prevent hazards and protect your valuable devices.
Warning Signs of an Outdated Electrical Panel
Frequent breaker trips, dimming or flickering lights when major appliances run, buzzing sounds, warm outlets, or burn marks are all warning signs of an outdated electrical panel. Overreliance on extension cords and power strips also indicates inadequate circuits. Panels with fuses should be replaced immediately. Any panel over 25–30 years old warrants a professional inspection.
Safety Risks of Delaying an Upgrade
Old panels can overload circuits, creating heat that melts insulation and sparks fires. In fact, 51,000 home fires occur annually due to electrical failures in the U.S. Outdated panels often lack safety features like GFCIs and AFCIs. Coastal salt air can accelerate corrosion, and insurance companies may refuse coverage for homes with outdated panels, leaving homeowners at financial risk.
Modern Power Demands vs. Older Panel Capacity
Today’s homes have far more electronics, over 40 devices on average, compared to just a few in the 1970s. High-demand kitchen appliances, air conditioning, home offices, EV chargers, smart home devices, and solar panels all require greater electrical capacity. Older panels may not support these safely, making upgrades essential for functionality and peace of mind.
Protecting Your Home and Devices
Upgrading your electrical panel ensures your home meets modern demands, safeguards your family, and protects your electronics. In San Diego, professional electricians can evaluate and upgrade panels to meet current safety standards, keeping your home safe, efficient, and ready for today’s technology.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in San Diego?
Upgrading your electrical panel involves several factors that influence the overall cost, from materials to labor. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect.
Materials
Upgrading an electrical panel typically involves several components, with material costs averaging around $1,225. This includes the new panel itself ($400), circuit breakers ($300 for about 15 breakers), wiring and conduit ($250), grounding ($200), and miscellaneous installation supplies ($75).
Labor
Professional installation and removal of the old panel generally account for the largest portion of the cost. Labor costs can range around $1,528, including roughly 8 hours to install the new panel and 4 hours to demolish the existing setup.
Total Estimated Cost
Combined, the average total for a complete electrical panel upgrade in San Diego comes to approximately $2,753.
San Diego’s Permit Process for Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading an electrical panel in San Diego requires coordination with both the city and your utility company to ensure safety, code compliance, and modern electrical capacity. Understanding each step can help homeowners plan efficiently.
Request Service Change & Job Planning
The process begins by submitting a work order request with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to upgrade or increase your electrical service. After submission, SDG&E assigns a planner who designs your project and specifies requirements such as conduit size, meter height, and panel location. This step ensures your installation meets utility and safety standards.
City Permit & Pre-Inspection for Underground Service
All electrical panel upgrades require a city permit to confirm compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. For underground services, SDG&E also reviews the planned conduit route before any excavation begins. These steps prevent mistakes, protect existing utilities, and ensure the project is safe and legal.
Trench Excavation, Conduit Installation & Grounding
If your service is underground, your electrician excavates the trench and installs the conduit. SDG&E inspects the work before backfilling to verify proper placement. At this stage, the grounding and bonding system is installed, including ground rods and cold water bonds, providing essential safety for your home and appliances.
Disconnect, Panel Removal & Installation
On installation day, SDG&E safely disconnects power at the utility source. The old panel is removed, and the new, appropriately sized panel is installed, with all circuits, breakers, and grounding connected in accordance with the code. Power is only restored after inspection to ensure safety.
Repair & Final Inspection
Any cuts to stucco, siding, or other exterior surfaces are patched and waterproofed. Finally, a city inspector reviews the completed work. Once approved, SDG&E restores permanent power, completing the upgrade and giving you a modern, safe, and reliable electrical system.
Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor in San Diego
Upgrading an electrical panel is a major home improvement that requires experience, precision, and strict adherence to safety standards. Choosing the right contractor ensures your home remains safe, your systems function reliably, and the work is done correctly the first time.
Why Experience in Older Homes Matters
San Diego is full of older homes in neighborhoods like Point Loma, North Park, La Mesa, and La Jolla. These homes often have outdated wiring, aluminum circuits, and panels not designed for today’s high-demand appliances and devices.
A contractor experienced with older homes understands these unique challenges, such as safely working around legacy wiring, upgrading systems without compromising the home’s structure, and ensuring code compliance. Without this expertise, mistakes or costly repairs can occur.
Key Qualities to Look For
The best contractors combine technical expertise with professionalism. Look for:
- Licensed and insured contractors who meet California safety standards.
- Safety-focused technicians who prioritise proper grounding, bonding, and installation practices.
- Technical expertise with modern electrical systems, EV chargers, and high-demand appliances.
Additionally, checking references and reputation in the local community ensures reliability and consistent quality work.
Benefits of Hiring a Full-Service, Trustworthy Team
Working with a full-service company like Point Loma Home Pros offers clear advantages. Coordinated scheduling across electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems means fewer headaches for homeowners.
Experienced technicians understand how different systems interact, reducing the risk of miswiring or overload. Homeowners also benefit from high-quality, safety-first installations and a team that keeps them informed and confident throughout the process.
Questions Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring
Before signing a contract, homeowners should ensure they fully understand the contractor’s capabilities and approach. Key questions include:
- Are you licensed and insured in California?
- How much experience do you have with older San Diego homes?
- Can you handle EV charger installations and high-demand panel upgrades?
- Will you manage permits, inspections, and coordination with SDG&E?
- Can you provide references or examples of recent work?
DIY vs. Professional Panel Upgrades: Why You Should Always Hire a Pro
While DIY projects work for many home improvements, electrical panel upgrades are not one of them. This is high-stakes work where mistakes can lead to electrocution, fires, or severe property damage. Even experienced DIYers should leave panel upgrades to licensed professionals.
Serious Safety Concerns
Electrical panels involve direct interaction with high-voltage power. A single misstep can cause fatal shocks, arc flashes, or fires. Even when the power is supposedly off, improper procedures can leave live circuits. Professional electricians have years of training, protective equipment, insulated tools, and specialized devices to safely manage these risks.
Legal Requirements & Liability
In San Diego County, all panel upgrades require permits and must be completed by licensed contractors. DIY installations violate building codes, can void insurance coverage, and may result in fines. Unpermitted work is flagged in home inspections, potentially affecting resale and leaving sellers legally liable for undisclosed defects. Professional installations provide permits, inspections, and documentation that protect both safety and property value.
Long-Term Reliability
Professional installations offer superior performance and longevity. Licensed electricians ensure correct load balancing, proper wire sizing, and precise torque on connections. They also provide warranties on parts and labor, protection that a DIY approach cannot offer. This results in safer, more reliable, and durable electrical systems for your home.
Trust Point Loma Home Pros for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
At Point Loma Home Pros, we understand the unique challenges older homes present. From flickering lights to outdated panels, our licensed electricians specialize in keeping homes safe, comfortable, and running smoothly, handling every issue the right way the first time.
Licensed, Skilled & Safety-Focused
Our team provides precise, code-compliant panel upgrades, whole-home rewiring, and EV charger installations. With decades of experience, we prioritize safety, efficiency, and long-lasting results on every project.
Full-Service, Local Home Experts
We don’t just handle electrical work; we also provide plumbing, heating, and air services. Coordinated scheduling, clear explanations, and high-quality workmanship ensure homeowners feel informed, confident, and cared for throughout the process.
Schedule Your Panel Upgrade Today
Don’t wait until an outdated panel becomes a safety risk. Contact Point Loma Home Pros to schedule your electrical panel upgrade or repair. Our professional, friendly team is ready to protect your home and provide peace of mind.
Ready for a safer, more reliable electrical system? Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take in San Diego?
A standard 200-amp panel upgrade usually takes 6–10 hours and is often completed in one day. Complex jobs with underground service or extensive rewiring may take 2–3 days, while the whole process, including permits, typically spans 2–4 weeks.
How do I know if my electrical panel needs an upgrade?
Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights, warm outlets, buzzing sounds, or reliance on extension cords. Homes with panels that are 25–30 years old or from outdated brands should be evaluated by a licensed electrician.
How long will my power be off during the upgrade?
Power is typically off only during the panel swap, usually 6–10 hours for standard upgrades. Complex jobs may extend downtime, but electricians work efficiently to minimize disruptions to your home.
Can upgrading my panel increase my home’s value?
Yes. A modern, code-compliant panel supports current electrical demands, EV charging, and smart home systems. It also reassures buyers during inspections, enhancing resale value and meeting insurance requirements.
What size electrical panel do I need for my San Diego home?
Most homes benefit from a 200-amp panel to safely handle standard appliances, air conditioning, and workshops. Larger homes, EV chargers, or ADUs may require 300–400 amps. Our team at Point Loma Home Pros can assess your home’s electrical needs and recommend the correct panel size, ensuring safe, code-compliant upgrades that support current and future power demands.
