100A to 200A Upgrades
The most common panel upgrade — replacing an undersized 100-amp panel with a modern 200-amp service to handle today's electrical demands.
Electrical Panel Upgrades — Raleigh-Durham, NC
Electrical Panel Upgrades & Service Changes in NC
Ark Solutions Electrical LLC upgrades outdated electrical panels, replaces fuse boxes, and installs 200-amp service throughout Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, and surrounding NC communities. Free estimates. Licensed and code-compliant.
- Licensed NC electrical contractor
- Free estimates on all panel work
- Permit handled by Ark Solutions
- 200A, 150A & service upgrades
What Is a Panel Upgrade?
Why Your Home or Business May Need a New Panel
Your electrical panel — also called a breaker box or load center — controls the flow of electricity throughout your property. When your current panel can't handle your electrical load safely, or when it's too old to meet modern code standards, an upgrade becomes necessary.
Panel upgrades are one of the most common and most important electrical projects in older North Carolina homes. Many homes built before the 1990s still have 100-amp panels or fuse boxes that simply weren't designed for modern appliances, EV chargers, home offices, or added square footage. A properly sized, modern 200-amp panel gives your home the capacity and protection it needs for years to come.
Fuse Box Replacement
Older homes with glass fuse boxes are upgraded to modern circuit breaker panels for improved safety, reliability, and insurance eligibility.
Service Entrance Upgrades
When the utility service entrance itself is outdated, we coordinate with Duke Energy or the local utility for a full service upgrade from meter to panel.
Subpanel Installation
Adding a detached garage, workshop, ADU, or addition? A subpanel brings power to the new space without overloading your main panel.
Breaker Replacements
Individual circuit breakers that trip repeatedly or fail to reset are replaced with code-compliant breakers, including AFCI and GFCI types where required.
EV Charger-Ready Upgrades
Adding an EV charger requires a dedicated 240V circuit that many older panels can't support. A panel upgrade makes your home EV-ready.
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
When to Call for a Panel Inspection
Common Warning Signs
- Breakers that trip frequently under normal use
- You have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers
- Lights dim when appliances turn on
- You need to run extension cords frequently
- Your panel is 20+ years old
- You're adding an EV charger or major appliance
- Your home insurance has flagged the panel
- You're planning an addition or renovation
What Triggers a Required Upgrade
- Selling a home — inspectors flag undersized panels
- Installing a Level 2 EV charger (requires 240V dedicated circuit)
- Adding a hot tub, sauna, or pool equipment
- Installing central A/C or upgrading HVAC
- New home office requiring dedicated circuits
- Building permit that requires updated service
- Zinsco or Federal Pacific panel (known safety hazards)
Cost Guidance
How Much Does a Panel Upgrade Cost in NC?
Panel upgrade costs in the Raleigh-Durham area vary depending on panel size, current service condition, permit fees, and whether the meter base or service entrance also needs replacement. Below are typical ranges for common panel projects — all estimates are free and no-obligation.
100A to 200A Panel Upgrade
The most common upgrade — replaces undersized service with a modern 200-amp panel. Includes permit and inspection.
$1,500 – $3,000
Fuse Box Replacement (Panel Only)
Replaces glass fuse box with modern breaker panel. Scope expands if service entrance also needs updating.
$1,800 – $3,500
Full Service Entrance Upgrade (200A)
Includes panel, meter base, service entrance wires, and utility coordination. Required for older homes with weatherhead service.
$2,500 – $4,500+
Subpanel Installation
Adds power to a garage, workshop, or addition from the main panel. Cost varies by distance and amperage required.
$800 – $2,000
* All pricing is approximate and subject to change based on site conditions, permit fees, and project scope. Contact Ark Solutions Electrical for an accurate free estimate on your property.
Our Process
What to Expect During a Panel Upgrade
Step 1 — Free Estimate
Ark Solutions visits the property to assess the existing panel, service entrance, and your electrical needs. You receive a clear, itemized quote before any work begins.
Step 2 — Permit Pulled
Ark Solutions handles the electrical permit application with the local building authority — typically Wake County, Durham County, or Orange County depending on your location.
Step 3 — Panel Installed
The existing panel is safely removed and replaced. Power is restored the same day in most cases. All work is done to current NC electrical code standards.
Step 4 — Inspection & Completion
The local inspector verifies the work meets code. Ark Solutions coordinates the inspection and ensures everything passes before the job is closed out.
Free Estimates — Raleigh-Durham NC
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel?
Call now or request a free estimate online. Ark Solutions Electrical serves Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, and surrounding NC communities.
FAQ — Panel Upgrades
Panel Upgrade Questions & Answers
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Raleigh, NC?
A standard 100A to 200A panel upgrade in Raleigh, NC typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000. Full service entrance upgrades can run $2,500–$4,500+. Fuse box replacements range from $1,800–$3,500. Exact pricing depends on your current panel condition, permit fees, and whether the meter base or service entrance also needs work. Ark Solutions Electrical provides free estimates — call 919-638-4437.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in North Carolina?
Yes. Electrical panel upgrades in North Carolina require a permit and inspection by the local building authority. Ark Solutions Electrical handles the permit process as part of every panel upgrade — you don't need to navigate the permitting system yourself.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day. The power is off during the work (typically 4–8 hours depending on scope) and restored before the crew leaves. The inspection is typically scheduled for a separate day after the work is complete.
Will I need to upgrade my panel to add an EV charger?
Many homes — especially those with 100-amp service or older panels with limited space — require a panel upgrade before a Level 2 EV charger can be installed. Ark Solutions assesses your panel capacity during the EV charger estimate and advises you on whether an upgrade is needed.
What brands of panels does Ark Solutions install?
Ark Solutions Electrical installs panels from major manufacturers including Square D (QO and Homeline), Eaton (BR and CH), and Siemens. We recommend and install the brand best suited to your service size, budget, and long-term reliability needs.
Is a Zinsco or Federal Pacific panel dangerous?
Yes. Both Zinsco and Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) panels have well-documented safety issues including breakers that fail to trip during an overload, creating a fire hazard. If your home has either panel, replacement is strongly recommended. Ark Solutions Electrical handles these replacements throughout the Raleigh-Durham area.