100-Amp vs. 200-Amp Panel: Do You Need an Upgrade?
Quick answer
Do I need to upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp electrical panel?
Upgrade to 200 amps if you are adding a Level 2 EV charger, a heat pump, an electric range, a hot tub, or a shop subpanel — or if your 100-amp panel is already full and relying on tandem breakers. A 100-amp service is still legal and safe for a small all-gas home with no large electric loads, but almost any modern electrification project pushes past it.
Last updated by Art Electric & HVAC · Rockwall, TX
Keep 100A
$0 (or $350 – $750 per added circuit)
- No cost today
- Adequate for gas heat, gas range, gas water heater
- No Oncor coordination or meter work
- No headroom for EV, heat pump, or shop
- Often already full of tandem breakers
- Older 100A panels may be a recalled brand
Upgrade to 200A
$2,400 – $4,500 installed
- Room for EV charging, heat pump, and future loads
- New breakers with AFCI/GFCI protection
- Removes obsolete or hazard-brand equipment
- Often lowers homeowner insurance
- Requires permit, inspection, and an Oncor disconnect
- Power is off for 4–8 hours on install day
Our recommendation
Any electrification plan in the next five years — EV, heat pump, or induction range — makes 200A the cheaper long-run choice, because you only pay for the Oncor coordination once.