Electrical Panel Upgrade in Utah: Cost Drivers
100A → 200A panel upgrades, Federal Pacific / Zinsco replacement, and combined meter base swaps — what changes pricing and what's included on every install.
Variables
What changes the number
These are the specific factors that determine your quote — knowing them lets you compare quotes apples-to-apples instead of guessing. For your real installed price, use the get an instant electrical quote link below — it accounts for all of these automatically.
Panel brand replaced
Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco panels: full breaker replacement required (no compatibility). Modern panels (Square D, Eaton, Siemens) under 25 yrs old: many breakers can be reused.
Meter base condition
If meter base is rusted, undersized, or pre-1990: replaced as part of the upgrade. Most 1990+ meter bases stay.
Service entrance cable
Existing 100A SEC may be aluminum 2-2-2-4 — undersized for 200A. We replace with copper or aluminum 4/0 if needed.
Number of circuits
Standard panel: 30/40 spaces. Extra-large needed if you have many sub-circuits or planning to add EV charger + heat pump + hot tub.
Scope
What's included vs. extra
Compare this list against any other Utah quote you receive — line items hidden in one quote and itemized in another are how the same job ends up “cheaper” on paper but more expensive after add-ons.
Included in our quote
- 200A main breaker panel (Square D QO, Eaton CH, or Siemens, your choice)
- All branch circuit breakers reused or replaced as needed
- AFCI/GFCI breakers where current code requires (kitchens, bedrooms, baths)
- Whole-home surge protection (built into modern panels)
- New grounding rod + bonding at water meter
- Service disconnect at meter (if not present)
- Rocky Mountain Power coordination for meter pull/reset
- City permit + inspection
- 1-day power shutoff window (typically 6 hours)
- 10-year breaker warranty / lifetime panel warranty
- 1-year labor warranty
Not included (may be extra)
- Service entrance cable replacement (if old SEC is undersized for 200A — adds time + materials)
- New meter base if existing is corroded/damaged
- Sub-panel installation (separate service)
- Knob-and-tube replacement
- Aluminum wiring remediation
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a 200A panel?
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If you have a 100A panel and you're adding any of: EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, electric range, electric dryer, or major remodel — yes. If you're staying with current loads only and the panel is modern/safe, you can defer. If you have an FPE Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, replace regardless of capacity (safety reason, not capacity).
How long does the upgrade take?
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Most 200A residential upgrades take 6–10 hours total. Power is off for ~6 hours of that (we coordinate with Rocky Mountain Power). City inspector signs off within 24 hours. We schedule on a workday morning so power is restored by evening.
Will my insurance carrier non-renew if I don't replace my FPE / Zinsco panel?
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Possibly. Several major Utah carriers have started flagging FPE and Zinsco panels as a non-renewal trigger. Pull your policy and look for any panel-related exclusion. The upgrade typically pays back in 3–5 years of saved premium plus eliminates the fire risk.
Get a real number for your home
Quick capacity-and-scope check. We'll email you a real installed price plus what's needed for permitting and inspection.
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