Electrical Panel Upgrades in the Seattle-Tacoma Area
Licensed electricians for fuse box replacements, panel swaps and 200-amp service upgrades across the Seattle-Tacoma area: a $179 visit with diagnostics, free upgrade estimates and a written price before any work begins.
Locally-owned since 1977 • Licensed, bonded and insured in Washington (WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD) • WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC • BBB Accredited Business since 2002 • Best Pick 2025 and 2026
Electrical panel upgrades, at a glance
Home Comfort Alliance's licensed electricians replace and upgrade electrical panels across the Seattle-Tacoma area, from fuse boxes and 100-amp panels to 200-amp service for heat pumps, EV chargers and remodels. We pull the permit, coordinate with your utility when your home needs more amps, and give you a written, upfront price before any work begins.
A visit is $179 and includes a 30-minute diagnostic. Panel and service upgrade estimates are free. Book 24/7 by phone or online. Our electricians work Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with same-day service when possible. Call (425) 645-0404 or use the form at the end of this page.
WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC and WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD. Check both on L&I Verify a Contractor.
Hot, buzzing or burning panel? If you can do it safely, switch off the main breaker and keep people away from the panel. For smoke or fire, call 911. For a downed or sparking power line, stay well away and call your utility. Then book us for the first business-hours visit.
Signs you need a new electrical panel
- Breakers trip often, or a fuse blows when two appliances run at once.
- A breaker trips again soon after you reset it. Stop resetting it, note what was running, and book a visit.
- Lights dim or flicker when the furnace, dryer or microwave starts.
- The panel feels warm, buzzes, smells hot, or shows scorch marks or rust.
- You still have a fuse box, or a panel brand inspectors and insurers flag (see older panels below).
- There is no space for new breakers, or past work added doubled-up breakers to make room.
- You are adding a heat pump, EV charger, hot tub, generator or addition, and the load check shows you are near the limit.
- The home has 60-amp or 100-amp service.
- A home inspector or your insurer has asked for the panel to be replaced.
Repair, replace or upgrade?
Not every panel problem needs a new panel. One failed breaker is a repair, and we replace it for $171. A panel replacement swaps a damaged, obsolete or full panel for a new one at the same amperage. A service upgrade adds capacity, for example from 100 to 200 amps, and changes the meter base and the wires from the utility, so your utility is part of the job.
| Job | What changes | Utility involved? | Typical reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaker or connection repair | One breaker or connection | No | A breaker that won't reset, a loose or burnt connection |
| Panel replacement (swap) | The panel and breakers, same amperage | Usually only to cut and restore power | Fuse box, obsolete or recalled panel, no breaker space, damage |
| Service upgrade | Panel, meter base, service cable or mast, often grounding | Yes, by application | More amps for a heat pump, EV charger, addition or all-electric home |
Which one you need comes from a load calculation, not from the age of the panel alone.
How many amps does your home need?
| Service size | Usually enough for |
|---|---|
| 60 amps | Older homes with gas heat and few large appliances; replacement is common |
| 100 amps | Smaller homes with gas heat; often tight once a heat pump or EV charger is added |
| 150 amps | Mid-size homes with some electric appliances |
| 200 amps | Most all-electric homes with a heat pump and an EV charger |
| 400 amps | Large homes with several heat pumps, EV chargers, a hot tub or a shop |
These are general guides. We run a load calculation on your home before recommending a size. Planning a heat pump, an EV charger or a standby generator? Ask us to check the panel in the same visit.
Options that can avoid a service upgrade
When the load check shows you are close to the limit, there may be ways to add equipment without more amps: a subpanel for an addition or garage, a load management device or smart panel that turns large loads down when the house is busy, or an EV circuit-sharing splitter. Tacoma Power customers can get a $400 bill credit toward a smart splitter, up to $600 in total EV charging credits (Tacoma Power, as of September 2026). We install smart panels, and we will tell you which option fits your home.
Older panels: fuse boxes, Federal Pacific, Zinsco and others
Many Puget Sound homes built before the 1980s still have fuse boxes or panels that are no longer made. Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok), Zinsco (also sold as Sylvania), Challenger and Pushmatic panels are the ones home inspectors and insurers ask about most, and replacement parts for them are hard to find.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission closed its investigation of Federal Pacific breakers in 1983, saying the data it had did not establish a serious risk of injury (CPSC, 1983). So we judge each panel by its condition, not by scare statistics. Newer panels can have problems too: Square D QO plug-on-neutral load centers made from February 2020 to January 2022 were recalled in 2022 for thermal burn and fire hazards (CPSC recall).
Permits: who issues yours
Electrical work in Washington needs a permit and an inspection, and the permit is bought by the electrical contractor or by a homeowner doing the work personally (L&I). Which office issues it depends on where you live. We pull the required permits for every installation.
| Where your home is | Who issues the electrical permit |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) |
| Tacoma, Fircrest, University Place, Fife, parts of Lakewood and Steilacoom, and unincorporated Pierce County as far south as Roy, where Tacoma Power is the utility | Tacoma Power |
| Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Mercer Island, Renton, Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Federal Way, Milton | The city |
| Everett, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Marysville, Olympia, Lacey | The city |
| Most other areas, for example Bremerton, Puyallup, Sumner, Kent, Auburn, Bothell, Edmonds and unincorporated King, Snohomish and Kitsap counties | Washington L&I |
Source: L&I list of cities that issue their own electrical permits, checked 8 October 2026.
Working with your utility on a service upgrade
A panel swap at the same size usually needs the utility only to cut and restore power. A service upgrade needs the utility's approval before the work starts. We handle the paperwork with your utility and the inspector and schedule the power-off time with you.
| Utility | What it needs | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle City Light | An electric service application; City Light asks you to allow 4 to 6 weeks for initial processing. SDCI inspects first, then City Light, and fees are paid before connection. | City Light service applications |
| Puget Sound Energy (PSE) | A construction project request that moves from application and design through permits and inspection to the new meter | 1-888-321-7779 |
| Tacoma Power | An approved engineering design before service work starts; connection and permit fees are paid before the permit is issued | 253-502-8311 |
| Snohomish County PUD | A New Service Questionnaire with your electrical load information | 425-783-1000 |
What does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
A panel replacement in the Seattle area averages about $2,022, with most projects between $870 and $3,202, according to Angi's Seattle estimate (a regional estimate, updated July 2026). Service upgrades that change the meter base, mast or service cable cost more, and permit fees are extra. Your exact price comes from a free estimate.
Home Comfort Alliance prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Electrical visit, 30-minute diagnostic included | $179 |
| Breaker replacement | $171 |
| Standard outlet replacement | $104 |
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Free estimate and a written, upfront price |
Prices as of Sep 2026.
Current offers: $200 off an electrical panel upgrade, and 10% off electrical service or repair.
Regional estimate (Angi, Seattle)
| Measure | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Average | $2,022 |
| Most projects | $870 to $3,202 |
| Low end | $200 |
| High end | $6,300 |
| Permit fees | $240 to $365 |
Source: Angi, electrical box replacement cost in Seattle, updated 9 July 2026. A regional estimate, not Home Comfort Alliance's price.
What moves the price: the amperage; whether the meter base and service cable change; where the panel is and any wall repair; grounding and bonding updates; circuits to move or add; and permit and utility fees.
Rebates and tax credits (updated October 2026)
- The federal 25C tax credit, which once covered some panel upgrades, ended for property placed in service after 31 December 2025 (IRS).
- Washington has not launched the federal panel rebate yet, and the Department of Commerce says there is no rebate guarantee for work done before the program starts (Commerce, June 2026).
- The state HEAR program lists electric panel and wiring upgrades needed for new electric equipment as eligible for income-qualified households (at or below 150% of area median income), through local administrators including the City of Seattle, City of Tacoma, King County and Pierce County. Amounts are not published; ask us to check (Commerce HEAR).
- Tacoma Power customers adding an EV charger can get the credits listed above.
Financing
Low monthly payment plans starting at $179/month*, through Salal Credit Union and Synchrony, for repairs, installations and replacements. 0% interest options for qualifying customers, with instant online approval. See financing.
*Financing through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, subject to credit approval. Rates, terms and monthly payments depend on the amount financed, the plan and your credit. 0% interest options are available to qualifying customers. See lender for full terms.
Get a free estimateAn in-home visit and a written, upfront price before any work begins.
How a panel upgrade works with us
- Visit and inspection. An electrician checks your panel, service and grounding, and asks what you plan to add.
- Load calculation. We work out how many amps the home needs now and with the equipment you are planning.
- Written, upfront price. A panel swap, a service upgrade or a lower-cost option, priced before any work begins.
- Permit and utility. We pull the permit from the right office and file the utility application when your service changes.
- Installation. We schedule the power-off time with you, install the panel and label every circuit.
- Inspection. The electrical inspector checks the work; for a service change the utility reconnects after approval.
What you get with Home Comfort Alliance
- Licensed electricians (WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC), licensed, bonded and insured in Washington
- We pull the required permits and handle the utility paperwork for service upgrades
- Upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins
- 1-year labor warranty on installations
- One company for the heat pump, EV charger or generator and the panel it needs
- Residential and commercial electrical service
- All major panel brands, including Square D, Eaton and Siemens, and smart panels
- Best Pick 2025 and 2026, and a BBB Accredited Business since 2002
Where we upgrade electrical panels
Our electricians work from four branches: Redmond (Seattle and the Eastside), Everett (Snohomish and Skagit counties), Bremerton (Kitsap County) and Sumner (Pierce and south King County).
Local panel upgrade pages: Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Bremerton.
Electricians in your city: Seattle, Renton, Issaquah, Kenmore, Duvall, Lynnwood, Monroe, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Federal Way, Des Moines, Olympia. See all electrical services.
Electrical panel upgrade FAQ
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Common signs are breakers that trip often, lights that dim when large appliances start, a warm or buzzing panel, a fuse box, no space for new breakers, and plans to add a heat pump, EV charger or hot tub. A load calculation tells you whether you need a new panel, more amps, or neither.
What is the difference between a panel replacement and a service upgrade?
A panel replacement swaps the panel and breakers at the same amperage. A service upgrade adds capacity, for example 100 to 200 amps, and changes the meter base and the service wires, so it needs your utility’s approval and usually takes longer to schedule.
Can I upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps?
Usually, yes. It is a service upgrade: we replace the panel and meter base, the utility approves and reconnects the larger service, and the work is permitted and inspected. Your utility decides what service it can supply to your home.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Washington?
Angi’s Seattle estimate puts the average at about $2,022, with most projects between $870 and $3,202 (regional estimate, updated July 2026); service upgrades and permit fees add to that. Our electrical visit is $179 with a 30-minute diagnostic included, and panel and service upgrade estimates are free, with a written price before any work begins.
Do I need a permit, and who issues it?
Yes. Electrical work in Washington needs a permit and an inspection. Seattle homes get it from SDCI, homes served by Tacoma Power get it from Tacoma Power, many cities, including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Everett and Federal Way issue their own, and everywhere else the permit comes from L&I. We pull the required permits for every installation.
Do I have to contact my utility?
Only when your service changes. A same-size panel swap usually needs the utility just to cut and restore power. A service upgrade needs an application to Seattle City Light, PSE, Tacoma Power or Snohomish County PUD before work starts, and we handle that with you.
Do I need a new panel for a heat pump or EV charger?
Not always. Many homes with 200-amp service can add a heat pump or a Level 2 charger. Homes with 100 amps or less often need an upgrade or a load management option. We check your panel and run a load calculation before you buy anything.
Are Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels dangerous?
They are obsolete, parts are hard to find, and home inspectors and insurers often ask for them to be replaced. The CPSC closed its investigation of Federal Pacific breakers in 1983 without finding a proven serious risk, so we judge each panel by its condition. If you have one, have an electrician look at it.
Are there rebates or tax credits for a panel upgrade in Washington?
The federal 25C tax credit ended for property placed in service after 31 December 2025, and the federal panel rebate has not launched in Washington (Commerce, June 2026). Income-qualified households may get help through the state HEAR program in Seattle, Tacoma, King County and Pierce County, and Tacoma Power offers EV charging credits. Ask us to check.
Can a homeowner do their own panel work in Washington?
L&I lets owners do electrical work on their own home only in limited cases, for example when they do the work personally and will not sell the home within 12 months, and the work still needs a permit and an inspection. For a panel or service change, we recommend a licensed electrical contractor.
How long will my power be off?
It depends on the job and on your city's electrical permit and inspection process, since the inspection and the utility's disconnect and reconnect set the schedule. A same-size panel swap is usually shorter than a service upgrade with new meter work. We schedule the shutoff with you and give you the plan for your home before work starts.
Do you offer same-day or emergency electrical service?
You can book by phone or online. Our electricians work Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with same-day service when possible. For smoke or fire call 911, and for a downed power line call your utility.
Sources
- Washington L&I, electrical permits, fees and inspections
- Washington L&I, cities that issue their own electrical permits (checked 8 October 2026)
- Seattle City Light, apply for new or upgraded service
- PSE, construction project steps
- Tacoma Power, electrical permitting
- Snohomish County PUD, construction and remodel
- Angi, electrical box replacement cost in Seattle (updated 9 July 2026)
- Washington Commerce, HEAR and IRA Home Energy Rebates
- CPSC, Federal Pacific breaker investigation, 1983 and Square D QO recall, 2022
- IRS, energy efficient home improvement credit
- Tacoma Power, EV charging incentives
Why Choose Home Comfort Alliance for Panel Upgrades?
Your Comfort is Our Promise
We promise...
Reliable heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical service, all from one trusted company.
To educate and guide you through your options so you’ll find the right solution at the right price.
Knowledgeable and respectful workers who ensure both your own comfort during the installation process, and lasting comfort from your home systems.
Outstanding service, communication, and follow-up, so your home is comfortable now and for years to come.
Get a free panel upgrade estimate
Tell us about your panel and anything you plan to add. A licensed electrician will call to set up a visit.
Request an electrician
Book 24/7. Our electricians work Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with same-day service when possible.