Electrical Panel Upgrades in Los Angeles

Updated October 2025
Your electrical panel is the heart of your system, and when it is outdated or overloaded it puts your property at risk of overheating, nuisance tripping, and potential fire. RG Electric replaces unsafe or undersized panels with modern, code-compliant equipment across the Los Angeles area, and we handle permits and inspections for you.

• Electrical panel installation, new main and sub-panels
• Electrical panel upgrades, 100A to 200A and beyond
• Electrical panel repair and troubleshooting
• Brand replacements, Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Pushmatic, Challenger

Licensed C-10, insured, serving the greater Los Angeles metro. Free on-site estimates for homeowners and property managers.

Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?

Older LA housing stock, added appliances, and new EV chargers push many panels beyond their safe capacity. Consider an upgrade if you notice any of the following:

• Frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights when large loads start
• Breakers that feel unusually hot, burning smell, scorch marks
• Limited spaces for new circuits, or multiple tandem breakers stuffed into one slot
• Aluminum branch circuits, cloth or brittle insulation near the panel
• Known legacy brands, Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Pushmatic, Challenger
• Plans for EV charger installation, an ADU, or electrification upgrades

Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Pushmatic, and Challenger Risks

Many insurers in California flag these older panel brands because of documented overheating and mechanical wear. If your apartment building or home still uses one of these panels, replacement improves safety and can help with insurance underwriting. RG Electric performs like-for-like circuit mapping, labeling, and modern AFCI/GFCI protection as required by code.

Permits and Inspections in Los Angeles

Panel replacements in Los Angeles require a permit and a final inspection. Our team pulls the permit, coordinates any utility shut-off as needed, and schedules inspection. You receive clear documentation for your records, which is especially important for property managers and HOAs.

What to Expect on Upgrade Day

• Assessment, verify service size, grounding, bonding, and load requirements
• Preparation, protect work areas, photograph existing labeling, confirm shut-off window
• Swap, remove legacy panel, install new enclosure, breakers, and labeling
• Safety testing, torque checks, fault testing, verify GFCI and AFCI where required
• Clean up, power restoration, walkthrough, inspection scheduling

Costs and Timeline

Pricing depends on service size, grounding upgrades, relocation, and permit requirements. Most residential main panel upgrades are completed in about a day once work begins, with inspections typically scheduled soon after. For an accurate quote, request a free on-site estimate and, if possible, include a clear photo of your existing panel and main disconnect.

Add Whole-House Surge Protection

Surge protective devices help shield sensitive electronics from voltage spikes related to storms or grid fluctuations. The most cost-effective time to add surge protection is during a panel upgrade. Learn more about our whole-house surge protector installations in Los Angeles.

Related Electrical Services

• Circuit breaker replacement and troubleshooting
• Emergency electrician in Los Angeles
• Commercial and multi-unit electrical upgrades
• Wiring repairs and rewiring
• EV charger installation

Electrical work is hazardous. Consult a licensed electrician like RG Electric for inspections, permits, and code-compliant installations.