How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel to 200 amps in Los Angeles, CA?
A 200-amp panel upgrade in Los Angeles, CA typically costs $1,800–$3,500 including permit and inspection, more if the service line or meter base also needs work. It's the prerequisite for EV chargers, hot tubs, and most additions — and it's a permit job: any quote that skips the permit is a red flag, not a discount.
Likely causes
- Undersized legacy panel — 60- or 100-amp panels in older homes can't feed modern loads.
- Failed or unsafe panel brands — Certain legacy panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco) are known fire risks — replacement is safety, not upgrade.
- New load added — EV charger, addition, or workshop pushes a working panel past its limit.
What you can check yourself
- Read your current panel's rating (sticker inside the door) so you can describe it accurately when calling.
- List what you're adding (EV, hot tub, addition) — it determines whether 200 amps is right or 150 suffices.
- Ask every bidder: permit included? Utility coordination included? Drywall patching included?
Typical cost
Typical range in Los Angeles, CA: $1,800–$3,500 for the panel swap with permit; service-line or meter work can add $500–$2,000.
When to call a pro
Scorch marks, a panel that's hot to the touch, or frequent main-breaker trips — that's not an upgrade timeline, that's a safety call.
Electrician pros in Los Angeles, CA
- Rg Electric Inc · 307 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA · +18884074742
- Jumona Time Enterprises · 437 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA · +12134891248
- EV Safe Charge · 555 W 5th St 35th Fl, Los Angeles, CA · 8443836763
- Global Power Services, Inc. · 427 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA · +13104674575
- GIBBS BROS. ELECTRIC CO., INC. · 1703 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA · +18004711126
- Electrical Express · 1055 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA · +16284009119
- Electric Stars · 1320 E Olympic Blvd Ste 240, Los Angeles, CA · (213) 627-7200
- Power Plus Electrical · 1917 E 7th St Unit 3, Los Angeles, CA · 12137848952
Get free quotes from Los Angeles, CA pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.