Is Your Electrical Panel Big Enough for a Modern LA Remodel 2026?

Many Los Angeles area homes on older 100 amp electrical panels cannot support modern remodel loads like induction ranges, heat pumps, and EV chargers. Upgrading to 200 amps or higher is often required for permit approval.

Why this matters in December

Homeowners in Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Studio City plan electrical upgrades now so permits and utility coordination finish before summer peak load demand.

Why Older Panels Are a Problem

Older homes in LA, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley often have 100 amp service. That was fine for gas appliances and basic loads. Modern electrification adds loads that can exceed safe capacity.

Common new loads:

• Induction range

• Heat pump HVAC

• EV charger

• Electric water heater

These can push total demand above 100 amps. In permitting reviews, LADBS and utilities often require load calculations before issuing final approvals.

How Load Calculations Work

An electrician performs a load calculation based on:

1. House square footage

2. Installed equipment loads

3. Demand factors per National Electric Code and Title 24

If total anticipated load exceeds panel capacity, a service upgrade is required.

When You Need a Panel Upgrade

Typical triggers include:

• EV charger installation

• Whole house heat pump HVAC

• Kitchen induction and new subpanel

• Title 24 electrification compliance requests

Some remodel plans fail permit review because the panel cannot support the designed loads.

Upgrade Options

125 amp upgrade

Conversion from 100 to 125 amps may suffice for moderate upgrades.

200 amp upgrade

Standard for modern homes, supporting most electrification loads.

Subpanel addition

When the main service is sufficient but space in the panel is limited.

Cost Ranges and Assumptions

Assumptions: Single family home, accessible electrical room, no major service trenching.

• 125 amp upgrade: $3,000 to $6,000

• 200 amp upgrade: $8,000 to $15,000

• Subpanel installation: $1,500 to $3,500

Older homes with inaccessible panels or requiring trenching can exceed these ranges.

Neighborhood Notes

• Santa Monica: Frequent EV charger installs

• Pasadena: Many pre‑1970 services need upgrades

• Anaheim: HOA electrical approvals can add time

Title 24 and Electrification

California’s Title 24 encourages efficient electric systems. During plan review, compliance officers flag undersized panels when load calculations show potential overloads.

This can delay approval until upgrades are planned.

FAQ

Can I keep a 100 amp panel with an EV charger?

In many cases no. Load calcs usually push above capacity.

Does Title 24 mandate upgrades?

Not directly, but high electrical loads often trigger required upgrades.

Learn about electrical services: https://www.calbuildremodel.com/services

See project examples: https://www.calbuildremodel.com/projects