What Pierce County Homeowners Should Know Before A 200-Amp Panel Upgrade
If you are adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or planning a remodel, you may be wondering if your current electrical service is enough. A 200-amp upgrade gives your home room to grow, improves safety, and
helps you meet today’s code requirements. Here is a clear, local guide to when a 200-amp service makes sense in Pierce County, what the work includes, how permitting and inspection work in Washington, how long it
takes, and what it typically costs.
100 Amp vs 200 Amp, what you really gain
A 100-amp service can support basic lighting, outlets, and a few large appliances. Many older Tacoma and Pierce County homes still have 60A or 100A service, which can feel tight when you add modern loads. A 200-
amp service provides about double the available capacity, which means:
More circuits for big appliances and future projects
Fewer nuisance trips when multiple loads run at once
Better flexibility for EV chargers and heat pumps
A path to meet current code for AFCI and GFCI protection in required areas
Can you replace a 100-amp panel with a 200-amp panel? Yes, provided the service conductors, meter base, mast, and grounding meet requirements. In short, 200A is worth it if you plan to add high-demand equipment or
you are already seeing signs of overload, such as dimming lights, warm breakers, or frequent trips.
Should your house have 100A or 200A? If you have gas heat, no EV, and modest electrical use, 100A might be fine. If you are adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or ADU circuits, go 200A. It is the most common
choice for modern homes and gives you future headroom.
What is included in a 200-amp service upgrade
A true 200-amp upgrade covers more than just the panel. Expect these components to be evaluated and replaced as needed:
Service panel (load center): New 200A panel with labeled circuits, tidy wiring, and modern breakers
Service mast and weatherhead (overhead services): Correct mast height, drip loop, and weather-sealing
Meter base: A 200A rated meter socket that meets utility requirements
Service conductors: Properly sized conductors from the weatherhead to the panel, or underground if applicable
Grounding and bonding: Ground rods, grounding electrode conductor, bonding to water and gas piping (where required)
, and bonding jumpers
AFCI/GFCI protection: Arc fault and ground fault protection where required by current code
Surge protection (optional but recommended): Whole home surge protection to protect electronics and appliances
Labeling and documentation: Clear circuit directory, permit documentation, and inspection sign-off
We also coordinate with Tacoma Power or Puget Sound Energy when utility coordination is needed for meter pulls, temporary disconnects, or service upgrades.
Washington permits and inspections, what to expect
In Washington, this work is permitted and inspected to keep you safe and code compliant. The process typically looks like this:
1. Site visit and estimate: We evaluate your existing service, loads, grounding, and location-specific needs. You receive up-front pricing with a written scope.
2. Permit: We pull the electrical permit with the appropriate jurisdiction.
3. Utility coordination: For meter pulls and service conductor changes, we schedule with the utility (TPU or PSE).
4. Installation day: Power is shut off, the old equipment is removed, and the new service equipment is installed.
5. Inspection: The city or state inspector reviews the work. Corrections, if any, are addressed promptly.
6. Final utility work: Power is restored once inspection requirements are met.
You do not have to manage the paperwork or calls. We handle permitting, utility coordination, and scheduling so the process is smooth.
How long a 200-amp upgrade takes, plus downtime
Most panel and service upgrades take one day on site, with total power downtime of 4 to 10 hours depending on the complexity and how quickly the utility can support the work window. Some projects extend to a
second day if we are moving the panel location, converting from overhead to underground service, or correcting major code issues inside the wall. Inspections are usually same day or next business day, and we schedule
them to minimize disruption.
How to prepare your home
A little prep makes your day easier:
Clear a 3-foot workspace in front of the panel and meter location
Secure pets and plan for refrigeration and internet downtime
Charge phones and devices; have flashlights ready
If you have medical devices that rely on power, let us know so we can plan temporary power options
We will remind you before the appointment and confirm timing so you know exactly when the power will be off and when to expect it back.
Local cost ranges and what drives price
How much should a 200 amp panel upgrade cost? In Pierce County, typical residential 200A upgrades range from about $3,000 to $10,000. The wide range reflects real-world variables:
Panel location and accessibility
Overhead versus underground service
Condition of existing grounding and bonding
Need to relocate the panel or meter base
Number of circuits and labeling quality
Masonry or stucco surfaces that require careful work
Utility coordination complexity and scheduling
Add-ons like whole home surge protection or dedicated EV circuits
We provide free estimates and up-front pricing so you know the total investment before work begins.Is a 200-amp upgrade worth it
If you are adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, sauna, workshop tools, or planning an ADU, yes, it is usually worth it. You reduce nuisance trips, meet modern protection requirements, and avoid ripping things back
open later. If your home has an older 60A or 100A service and you are already seeing flicker or warmth at breakers, the safety case is strong.
Panel upgrades, EV chargers, and tax credits or rebates
Is there a tax credit for upgrading an electrical panel? Panel work alone usually does not qualify, but some incentives apply when the upgrade is needed to support qualifying equipment.
Federal credits: The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) can cover 30 percent of qualifying electrical panel costs when the upgrade is needed for a qualifying heat pump, heat pump water heater, or
other eligible equipment, up to annual caps. There are also EV charger credits for certain installations in specific census tracts. Rules can change, and eligibility depends on your equipment and location, so check
current IRS guidance or talk to your tax professional.
Utility rebates: Tacoma Power and Puget Sound Energy periodically offer incentives for heat pumps and related electrical work tied to that installation. Panel upgrades may be covered when required for the project.
City and state programs: Some local programs support electrification readiness. Availability shifts over time. We can point you to active programs when we prepare your proposal.
If you are planning an EV charger or heat pump, tell us during the estimate. That way we can size the panel correctly and help you document any rebate or credit requirements.
What needs to be done to upgrade to 200A service, in brief
Load calculation and capacity plan
Permit application
Utility coordination
Replace panel, meter base, conductors, and mast as needed
Update grounding and bonding
Add AFCI and GFCI protection where required
Label circuits, test systems, and schedule inspection
Everything is handled by licensed, insured electricians and inspected for safety.
Friendly, local help when you are ready
Wired Up Electrical Co LLC is a local, family-owned contractor serving Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, Gig Harbor, and nearby Pierce County communities. You get:
Licensed and insured electricians
Up-front pricing with free estimates
Tidy, labeled, code-compliant work
24/7 emergency support at 253-431-2957
If you are planning an EV charger or full panel replacement, our team can help you compare your options and coordinate utility and permitting. For more details on panel work and related services, see our page for tacoma
panel upgrade. If you are exploring home charging, check out tacoma ev charger installations as a next step. And if you are comparing local pros, you can always reach a trusted electrician tacoma for a quick estimate and
scheduling.
Quick answers to common questions
How much should a 200 amp panel upgrade cost? Often $3,000 to $10,000 locally, based on scope and site conditions.
What needs to be done to upgrade to 200 amp service? Panel, meter base, conductors, mast, grounding and bonding, and code-required AFCI/GFCI, plus permits, utility coordination, and inspection.
How long does a 200 amp service upgrade take? Most are completed in one day, with 4 to 10 hours of power downtime.
Can you replace a 100 amp panel with a 200 amp? Yes, with proper service equipment upgrades and utility coordination.
Should a house have 100 amp or 200 amp service? Choose 200A if you want room for EVs, heat pumps, or future projects; 100A can suit modest loads.
Is a 200 amp upgrade worth it? Yes for most modern homes that plan to add high-demand equipment or want fewer breaker trips.
Is there a tax credit for upgrading an electrical panel? Sometimes, when the upgrade is required for a qualifying heat pump or EV project; confirm current rules and your eligibility.
Summary
A 200-amp service upgrade improves safety, capacity, and flexibility for modern homes in Pierce County. You get a new panel, meter base, service equipment, and updated grounding, all permitted and inspected. Most
projects take a day with planned downtime, and the local cost ranges from about $3,000 to $10,000 depending on site details. If you are planning an EV charger or heat pump, you may be able to claim incentives when
the panel work is needed for that equipment. When you are ready, we provide free estimates, up-front pricing, and licensed, insure