Upgrade Your Home's Electrical Service to 200 Amps - Costs & Components

Upgrading to a 200 Amp Electrical Service

If your home's electrical needs have outgrown your current service panel, it may be time to upgrade to a larger 200 amp service. A 200 amp panel provides significantly more power and allows you to run more high-wattage appliances and equipment without overloading the system. Upgrading involves installing a new weatherhead, service mast, meter socket, panel, and wiring. Here's what to know about the process:

What is a 200 Amp Service?

The amperage rating of your home's electrical service indicates how much power is available. Most homes built in the 1950s-1980s have 100 amp panels, while newer constructions typically have 200 amps. 200 amps can handle around 40 circuits powering appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, and more.

A 200 amp 120/240 volt single phase service provides 24,000 watts (24 kW) of power. With this capacity you can run most any residential appliance like stoves, dryers, heat pumps, machinery, Tesla chargers, etc. It will support larger homes with more lighting, outlets, and equipment without overloaded circuits or tripped breakers.

When to Upgrade to 200 Amps

Signs your home needs a 200 amp upgrade:

• Frequently tripping breakers
• Not enough circuits or available space for new wiring
• Dimming/flickering lights when appliances turn on
• Needing heavy duty appliances like EV chargers or welding equipment
• Renovating or expanding living space

As a rule of thumb, consider upgrading once your main breaker panel exceeds 70% capacity. Contact a qualified electrician to evaluate your current system and determine if an upgrade is warranted.

200 Amp Service Components

A complete 200 amp service upgrade includes:

• Weatherhead - Mounted on service mast, connects overhead service wires to your electrical system.
• Service drop - Overhead wires running from utility pole to weatherhead.
• Service mast - Conduit pipe containing service entrance wires from weatherhead to meter.
• Meter socket - Mounted to home exterior, houses the electric meter.
• Panel or breaker box - Safely distributes electricity throughout the home.
• Grounding - System of buried rods/wires for electrical grounding.

All components must be properly sized and installed to handle 200 amps of power. The service mast, for example, is typically 2" conduit. Wiring must be 3 AWG copper. Let's look at each part in more detail:

Weatherhead

The weatherhead is a protective cap fitted to the top of the service mast. It prevents rain, snow, animals, and debris from entering the mast while allowing the service drop wires to connect securely. A 200 amp weatherhead has three openings for the hot wires and a fourth for the neutral.

Weatherheads are made of durable galvanized steel or aluminum. They utilize a bushing design to protect wires from abrasion. Proper installation is angled downward to keep moisture out. Overall height and location will vary depending on overhead lines.

Service Mast

The service mast is metal conduit that encloses the service entrance wires running from weatherhead to meter socket. It provides protection and structural support. 2-inch rigid galvanized conduit is used for a 200 amp service mast.

Installation involves mounting the mast securely to the home's exterior wall. Proper weather sealing is critical to prevent leaks.Height is dictated by service drop clearance requirements, typically 10 feet from ground to weatherhead bottom. The mast must be plumb for good wire pulling.

Meter Socket

After the service mast, wires connect to the meter socket. This is a specially designed enclosure where the utility company installs the electric meter to measure your home's energy use. For a 200 amp service, a socket that can accommodate a Form 12S meter is required.

Meter sockets feature a test bypass so power remains on while the meter is removed. They also have a weatherproof cover and lockable door. New code requires arc-fault protected sockets. Proper grounding, bonding, and clearance from doors/windows is critical.

200 Amp Panel

At the heart of the upgrade is replacing the existing main breaker panel with a new 200 amp model. This should be located centrally in the home or garage for convenient access. Install a 42 space, 200 amp panel to allow for future expansion.

Panels have a single main breaker plus multiple branch circuit breakers. Use a main lug panel for 200 amp service. Copper bus bars distribute power to the branch circuits. Install a surge protective device for extra protection.

Choose a panel with ample wattage to allow for large motors, AC condensers, electric vehicle chargers, etc. Select an outdoor-rated NEMA 3R enclosure if installing outside.

Underground Service

For underground power, the service mast is replaced with rigid nonmetallic conduit buried 18-24 inches deep. No weatherhead is needed. The service lateral connects to the meter socket located on an exterior wall.

A ground wire is buried with the conduit for the system ground. Rigid PVC Schedule 40 or thicker plastic piping is used to protect wires underground. Install a pull string for easy wire pulling.

Cost for 200 Amp Service

A full 200 amp electrical service upgrade typically costs $2,500 to $4,000. Breakdown:

• Meter socket - $200
• 200 amp panel - $400
• Breakers - $200
• Labor & wiring - $1,500
• Permit fees - $100-$200

Complex jobs with long wire runs, conduit installation, or difficult access can be $5,000 or more. Upgrade now before prices increase in your area.

DIY Installation?

Upgrading to 200 amp service requires permits and professional skill. The power must be totally shut off at the pole during work. Mistakes can result in electrocution, fires, or equipment damage.

Unless you're a licensed electrician, this is not a DIY project. Hire a local professional for proper installation and inspection. The investment is worthwhile for a safer, more reliable electrical system.

Make your home more livable with increased electrical capacity. Contact an electrician today for a 200 amp upgrade quote customized for your needs.

FAQs

What size breaker box do I need for 200 amp service?

For a typical residential 200 amp service, you'll need a breaker panel that can accommodate 40-42 circuit breaker spaces and a 200 amp main breaker. This allows room for expansion.

Can I install a 200 amp service myself?

A 200 amp service upgrade is not a DIY project. It requires an electrical permit and professional installation for safety, legal compliance, and proper function. Hire a licensed electrician.

How much will it cost to upgrade to 200 amps?

The average cost to upgrade to a 200 amp service is $2,500 - $4,000. Complex installations can be $5,000 or more. Costs vary by location and the specifics of your electrical system.

What size wire is needed for 200 amp service?

200 amp residential services typically require a minimum of 3 AWG copper wire for the service entry conductors and branch circuit wiring according to NEC code requirements.

Should I get copper or aluminum wiring for 200 amps?

Copper wiring is preferred for 200 amp installations due to superior conductivity and safety. Aluminum can be used by an experienced electrician but requires proper gauging and connection methods.