Why You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Service to 200 Amps: A Smart Move for Today’s Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in Ocean or Monmouth County, you’ve probably noticed how much more electricity your home uses now compared to when it was built. From air conditioners and electric vehicle chargers to smart appliances and home office setups, modern homes demand more power than ever before.

One of the most important yet overlooked electrical upgrades is increasing your service capacity to 200 amps. At E&E Electric, we regularly help clients upgrade their electrical panels and service to meet the power needs of today’s lifestyle.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading to 200-amp service, why it’s important, how it benefits your home, and when to call a professional licensed electrician like E&E Electric to get the job done safely and correctly.

What Is Electrical Service Amperage?

Your home’s electrical service refers to the total amount of power that can be delivered to your house at any one time. It’s measured in amperes (amps).

Common amperage sizes include:

• 60-amp: Typical in older homes, now considered outdated and unsafe

• 100-amp: Still found in many mid-20th century homes

• 150-amp: An upgrade over 100-amp but still limited for large families or high-demand homes

• 200-amp: The modern standard for new homes or homes with high electrical loads

Think of amperage like a water pipe — the bigger the pipe, the more water (or in this case, electricity) can flow through it. A 200-amp service upgrade gives your home the “bigger pipe” it needs to safely handle your electrical load.

Why Upgrade to 200 Amps?

Here are the top reasons why homeowners are upgrading their service to 200 amps — and why you should seriously consider it too.

1.

Meet the Demands of Modern Living

Today’s homes use more electricity than ever before. Think about the power needed for:

• HVAC systems

• Hot tubs and pool pumps

• Tankless water heaters

• Electric vehicle chargers

• Multiple refrigerators or freezers

• Smart home systems

• Home office setups

• Kitchen renovations with multiple appliances

All of these place a heavy load on your existing panel. If your service is 100 amps or less, you may already be at capacity. A 200-amp upgrade ensures your system can handle these loads without tripping breakers or overheating.

2.

Prevent Electrical Hazards and Overloads

One of the most common problems with undersized service is overloading. This happens when your demand for electricity exceeds what your service panel can handle, leading to:

• Frequent tripped breakers

• Flickering lights

• Overheated wires

• Fire hazards

Upgrading to 200 amps adds capacity and gives your electrical system room to breathe, which reduces strain and improves safety.

3.

Add New Circuits and Appliances

Planning to finish your basement, add a new HVAC system, build an addition, or install an EV charger? You’ll likely need additional circuits. A 100-amp panel is often full, leaving no room to expand.

With a 200-amp service upgrade, you get a larger breaker panel with more slots giving you the flexibility to add new circuits whenever needed.

4.

Increase Home Value and Attract Buyers

Upgrading your electrical service is a long-term investment that increases your home’s value and appeal. Smart buyers look for updated systems and a modern 200-amp service tells them your home is equipped to handle today’s tech-heavy lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, upgrading your panel could be a selling point that gives you a competitive edge in the market.

5.

Comply with Local Codes and Insurance Requirements

In many cases, local codes and National Electrical Code (NEC) updates require or recommend 200-amp service, especially during major renovations. Some insurance companies may also require an upgraded service for homes with outdated panels before offering coverage.

If you’re doing work that requires permits such as remodeling or adding a sub-panel you may be required to upgrade to 200 amps to pass inspection.

Signs You Need a 200-Amp Electrical Service Upgrade

Not sure if your current system is outdated? Here are some signs that you may need an upgrade:

• You have an old fuse box or outdated breaker panel

• Your breakers trip frequently

• Lights flicker or dim when large appliances run

• You’ve added or plan to add high-powered appliances

• You’re planning a home addition or renovation

• You’re installing central air or electric heat

• You want to install an EV charger

• You feel limited by your current panel’s capacity

If any of these apply to you, it’s time to call an experienced electrician in Ocean or Monmouth County for a panel and service evaluation.

What’s Involved in a 200-Amp Service Upgrade?

A typical upgrade involves:

1. Replacing the existing panel with a larger 200-amp panel

2. Installing a new service entrance cable and weather head

3. Upgrading the main breaker and service disconnect

4. Coordinating with your utility company to increase your electrical supply

5. Upgrading grounding and bonding for safety and code compliance

6. Inspection and permitting through your local municipality

At E&E Electric, we handle the entire process from start to finish — including permits and utility coordination — so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

How Much Does a 200-Amp Service Upgrade Cost?

The cost to upgrade to 200 amps can vary based on:

• Your existing setup

• Whether your service is overhead or underground

• Panel location

• Local permitting fees

• Any necessary rewiring or code updates

Most upgrades range between $4,500 and $6,500. While it may seem like a big investment, it pays off in the long run with increased safety, functionality, and home value.

At E&E Electric, we offer transparent pricing, and we’ll give you a detailed quote before we begin any work. We also provide financing options if needed.

Why You Should Never DIY an Electrical Service Upgrade

Electrical panel upgrades are not a DIY job. It’s dangerous and often illegal for homeowners to perform this kind of work themselves. Working with high-voltage systems requires:

• Proper permits

• Inspections

• Utility coordination

• Code compliance

• Specialized tools and experience

Improper installation can result in fire hazards, insurance denial, or costly fines. Always hire a licensed electrician like E&E Electric to ensure the job is done right and safely.

Trust E&E Electric for Your 200-Amp Upgrade

With years of experience serving Ocean County and Monmouth County, E&E Electric is your trusted local electrician for service upgrades. We’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to providing reliable and professional service on every job.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose us:

• Fast and accurate estimates

• Honest recommendations

• High-quality materials and workmanship

• Compliance with all codes and safety standards

• Excellent communication from start to finish

Whether you’re upgrading your panel, adding new circuits, or remodeling your home, we’ll make sure your electrical system is ready to meet your needs now and in the future.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your electrical service to 200 amps isn’t just about more power — it’s about making your home safer, more efficient, and future-ready. With rising energy demands, smart home technology, and electric vehicles becoming the norm, now is the perfect time to invest in your electrical infrastructure.

Don’t wait until your current system fails. Let the experts at E&E Electric help you plan your service upgrade with confidence.

Ready to upgrade your panel?

Call 732-267-3512 or visit www.eandeelectricco.com to schedule your consultation today.

Proudly serving Toms River, Brick, Manahawkin, Point Pleasant, Freehold, and all of Ocean & Monmouth Counties.