WHEN TO REPLACE
YOUR PANEL.

Seven signs your panel is due

1. Brand name Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Challenger, or Sylvania — known failure modes, replacement recommended
2. Under 100A service for a home over 2,000 sq ft or with modern AC
3. Breakers trip regularly under normal load
4. Rust, moisture, or burn marks anywhere on the panel
5. Double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker) or missing knockouts
6. Warm or buzzing panel when loads are active
7. No room for additional circuits and you need more

What a real panel upgrade involves

A panel replacement is not a panel swap. A proper upgrade includes:

• Load calculation to size the new panel correctly for present and near-future loads (EV chargers, heat pumps)
• Service entrance cable and meter evaluation and upgrade if the new amperage exceeds what the existing SEU will carry
• Grounding system brought up to current code (two ground rods, UFER, or water-pipe bond as applicable)
• Whole-home surge protector installed as part of the new panel (now required in many jurisdictions on replacement)
• AFCI and GFCI on the circuits that now require them
• Permit, inspection, and utility coordination to safely disconnect and reconnect service

The utility coordination part

Power comes from the utility. A panel upgrade often requires a temporary disconnect while the meter and SEU are redone. In Florida, that means coordinating with Duke, TECO, Withlacoochee, or your local co-op. A licensed contractor handles that for you — scheduling, paperwork, and the re-energization inspection.

Rough timeline

For a straightforward 100A-to-200A upgrade in a single-family home: one working day for the install, plus permit turnaround (a few days to a week depending on county) and inspection. If the service entrance and meter need replacement, add half a day and utility scheduling.

Related: residential panel upgrades.