Panel upgrade · 200A → 320/400A
200A to 320/400A Service Upgrade Cost
Plan-level cost for the premium service upgrade. State labor multipliers, utility-side work, and when 400A is actually necessary vs. 200A + smart load management.
Quick answer: $5,000–$10,000 installed, roughly double a 100A→200A. Rarely necessary for residential — verify with an NEC 220.83 load calc before committing.
Estimated installed cost
$3,100
Typical range $1,850 – $5,925 · 100A → 200A panel upgrade
Low
$1,850
Best case
Mid
Typical$3,100
Typical
High
$5,925
Worst case
Itemized cost breakdown
Click a row for math & sources| Line item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Equipment | $700 | $1,100 | $1,700 |
Labor State labor multiplier applied (CA). | $1,093 | $1,562 | $2,187 |
Permit & inspection | $150 | $300 | $600 |
Job complexity adjustment Reflects installation difficulty, home type, and timing. | $0 | $148 | $1,449 |
| Total | $1,850 | $3,100 | $5,925 |
- Is this a panel replacement, service upgrade, or subpanel install?
- Is utility coordination and disconnect/reconnect included?
- Is the meter and main being replaced?
- Is grounding and bonding work included to current code?
- Will this support future EV charging and heat pump loads?
- Are smart load management devices an alternative to a full upgrade?
- Is permit and inspection included, and how long is the typical wait?
- What is the warranty on labor and the panel itself?
- Will any drywall repair, paint, or fire patching be needed?
- How long will my power be off during the upgrade?
What can change this price
- Estimates are planning ranges, not contractor quotes. Actual prices depend on your home, local labor rates, equipment, code requirements, utility rules, and contractor availability.
- BLS OEWS — Electricians (47-2111)— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reviewed 2026-05-01
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to upgrade from 200A to 320/400A service?
A 200A→320A or 200A→400A upgrade typically runs $5,000–$10,000 installed, often double a 100A→200A upgrade. The work involves a higher-capacity meter base, a 320/400A main panel (often paired with a 200A subpanel), upgraded service-entrance conductors, and significant utility coordination — the utility may need to upgrade the transformer or service drop on its side.
When is 320/400A actually necessary?
Honest answer: rarely for residential. The cases where it makes sense are (1) multiple Level 2 EV chargers running simultaneously plus a heat pump plus an electric pool/spa, (2) a home with electric resistance backup heat plus full electrification, (3) a workshop or detached structure with substantial loads, or (4) building from scratch where the marginal cost is small. For most all-electric retrofits, a 200A panel + smart load management is the better answer.
Does a 320A service really mean 400A capacity?
Yes. "320A" service uses the industry-standard 320A continuous-rating meter base with two 200A main breakers, giving 400A total capacity. The 320A rating is the continuous-load number per NEC; the panel itself is sometimes labeled as 400A or as a "320/400A" combo. The terminology is confusing but they refer to the same hardware.
Are there federal incentives for a 320/400A service upgrade?
No. The federal 25C credit ended December 31, 2025 (OBBBA, signed July 4, 2025). Even when 25C applied, the panel cap was $600 — small relative to a $7,000+ service upgrade. State and utility programs vary; check /rebates/. IRS reference: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit