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. Your flat-rate price comes from a free in-home estimate, in writing before any work starts.
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 tell you what's needed for permitting and inspection, and your flat-rate price comes from a free in-home estimate.
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