Key Takeaways
- Most modern homes need a 200-amp service panel to safely power electric appliances.
- Older homes with 60 or 100 amps often need upgrades to meet today’s energy needs.
- Your home’s electrical panel size should match your appliances, square footage, and future plans.
- Checking the amperage of your breaker box can prevent electrical issues before they start.
- An undersized panel can lead to tripped breakers, fire risks, and problems with insurance claims.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, also called a breaker box or main service panel, distributes electricity through your home’s electrical system. It takes power from the utility and sends it to individual circuits that power lights, appliances, and outlets. Each breaker in the panel protects part of your home by shutting off if too much electricity flows through a circuit.
Understanding Amperage: What Those Numbers Actually Mean
Electrical panel size is measured in amps. That number tells you the total amount of electricity your panel can safely deliver.
- 60 amps: Not enough for today’s homes. Found in older homes. Can’t support central air, EV chargers, or modern kitchens.
- 100 amps: Okay for small homes with limited electric use. Struggles with larger loads.
- 150 amps: Better for mid-sized homes with electric dryers or water heaters.
- 200 amps: Standard for most new homes. Supports all modern appliances and future upgrades.
- 400 amps: Designed for very large homes or homes with electric heating, solar systems, or home theaters.
Still using a 60-amp panel? That’s a safety issue. It’s likely overloaded and should be upgraded to avoid risk.
Overcurrent protection is handled by breakers. These protect individual circuits so your wiring doesn’t overheat or cause fires.
How to Check Your Current Panel Size
Find your breaker box. It’s usually in the garage, basement, utility room, or outside.- Open the panel door. Look for the main breaker at the top or bottom. It will have a number like 100 or 200.
- That number is your panel’s amperage.
If there’s no number, the panel may be outdated. You’ll need an electrician to check it. Signs your label is wrong or your system is overloaded include:
- Lights dimming when you turn on appliances
- Frequent breaker trips
- Buzzing or heat around the panel
What Size Panel Do You Actually Need?
Estimate Your Total Load
Use this quick guide based on total wattage:
| Appliance Type | Estimated Watts |
|---|---|
| Electric range | 5,000W |
| HVAC system | 3,500W |
| EV charger | 7,200W |
| Water heater | 4,500W |
| Clothes dryer | 5,000W |
| Heat pump | 3,000–6,000W |
| Induction stove | 3,700W |
Convert total watts ÷ 240 volts = Amps needed
Examples
- Standard modern home: Needs 200 amps
- Home with EV charger: Needs 200+ amps
- Electrified home with solar, heat pump, induction stove: Consider 300–400 amps
Think 10 years ahead. Adding solar panels, a second EV, or electric heating later? Size your panel now to handle it.
Panel Size by Home Type and Square Footage
| Home Type | Suggested Panel Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condo (under 1,000 sq. ft.) | 100 amps | Minimal electric load, no major upgrades |
| Townhome (1,000–1,500 sq. ft.) | 150 amps | Room for moderate appliances |
| Single-family home (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.) | 200 amps | Best for most families and electric systems |
| Large home (over 3,000 sq. ft.) | 300–400 amps | Consider dual panels or a 400A main panel |
These suggestions assume standard electric appliances and systems. If your home uses gas or doesn’t have AC, your needs may be lower.
When (and Why) You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your panel isn’t meeting your home’s electrical needs, it’s time to upgrade. Look for:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Circuit breakers that trip often
- Adding an EV charger, hot tub, or electric stove
- Upgrading to heat pumps or a home theater
- Buying a generator or installing solar panels
Some home insurance providers will not cover homes with outdated or unsafe panels. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that new panels meet modern load standards.
Do I need to upgrade for solar? Yes, if your panel is full or rated below 200 amps. Solar adds load that must be safely managed.
Smart Panels vs Traditional Upgrades
Smart panels like Span or Leviton give more control over your home’s electrical use. You can:
- Track usage by circuit
- Cut power remotely
- Prioritize energy usage during outages
- Add more circuits without expanding the box
Cost: Smart panels cost more upfront but offer long-term energy savings and data visibility.
Good for: Electrified homes, solar installs, energy monitoring, and EV integration.
FAQs
What is the standard electrical panel size for a modern home?
200 amps is standard for most homes built after 2000. It supports today’s appliances and future upgrades.
Do I need 200 amps for an EV charger?
Yes. Most Level 2 EV chargers pull 30–50 amps. Your panel needs room to handle that safely.
Is 100 amps enough for a 1,500 sq. ft. house?
Only if you use gas for heat, water, and cooking. Otherwise, 150–200 amps is safer.
Can I install a second panel instead of upgrading?
Yes. A subpanel can be added if your main panel still has capacity. It doesn’t increase your main service amperage, though.
Is a 400-amp panel overkill?
Not if your home is large or fully electrified. It’s a smart choice if you’re planning multiple EVs, solar, or electric HVAC.
Upgrade Your Panel Safely with Help from Comfort Experts
Your home’s electrical panel is the core of your electrical system. Choosing the right panel size protects your appliances and your safety. Whether you’re upgrading a small breaker box or planning a full home electrification, working with a licensed electrician is the safest choice.
If you’re in Ft. Worth, TX or nearby and you’re ready to upgrade, contact our team. We offer fast, safe, code-compliant panel upgrades backed by expert service.
Call the Electrical Genius today.
