Electrical Panel Upgrades in San Diego

Main service panel upgrades

The main service panel is where power enters the building and is divided into circuits. A main panel upgrade replaces it, usually because the building now asks more of it than it was built for, or because the panel itself is worn or outdated.

Subpanel upgrades

A subpanel is a second panel fed from the main one, set closer to where a group of circuits is needed: a garage, an addition, an ADU or a workshop. It adds room for circuits without replacing the main panel, provided the main service can carry the extra load.

Signs a panel is due

• Breakers that trip repeatedly, especially across more than one circuit.
• No open spaces left in the panel for a new circuit.
• Lights that dim when a large appliance starts.
• Warmth, buzzing or a burning smell at the panel.
• Something big coming: an EV charger, an air conditioning system, an ADU, a kitchen remodel, or a move from gas appliances to electric.

Warmth, buzzing or a burning smell at the panel is the one not to wait on.

What to expect

• Call or send the form. Say what the panel feeds now and what you want to add.
• Estimate by phone. Electrical is usually estimated by phone.
• The work. A main panel change usually needs the power to the building off while the panel is swapped and the circuits are reconnected, which normally means coordinating with the utility.

A panel upgrade is often the first step

An EV charger, a new air conditioning system, an ADU or garage conversion or a kitchen remodel each adds load. All of those are on our lists, and electrical, air conditioning and construction are performed in house under the same CSLB license.