Electrical Panel Installation & Upgrades

Planning an electrical panel upgrade or replacement? Start with your existing panel and the power your home needs. Tell McCarthy Electric about your current concerns and any planned EV charger, heat pump or home addition so you can discuss the right scope of work.

Related services and local information

Understanding Main Electrical Service Panels

The main service panel acts as the nerve center of your home’s electrical system. Serving as a switchboard, it receives incoming power from the utility company and efficiently distributes it to circuits supplying lights, outlets, appliances, and various devices throughout your house.

Empowered Precision: McCarthy Electric and Technologies' Mastery in Service Panel Installation and Maintenance

Do I need a panel upgrade? That depends on your existing electrical capacity, the condition of your panel and the equipment you plan to add. An assessment helps separate a repair need from a capacity upgrade.

What affects the cost? Ask for a quote based on the panel, wiring and scope of your project. Planning a remodel? Read about electrical panel upgrades for home additions. Adding a vehicle charger? Explore our EV charger installation service.

How It Works

What to Expect From Your Panel Upgrade

01.

Comprehensive Assessment

We begin by understanding your electrical needs and conducting a thorough assessment to determine the specifications for your main service panel.

02.

Precise Installation

Our skilled technicians execute precise installations, ensuring your main service panel is seamlessly integrated into your electrical system.

03.

Ongoing Maintenance

McCarthy Electric provides regular maintenance to keep your Panel in top-notch condition, preventing disruptions and ensuring continuous power distribution.

We have only amazing things to say about McCarthy. They completly re-wired our house, added extra features we wanted, and brought everything up to code, including a new electrical panel. We were able to add extra features to our home because they were so well-priced. From making appointments to paying, everything went very smoothly, and we would definitely recommend them to anyone needing any type of electrical work done.

A. Garcia

FAQ's

How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?

Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, a panel that feels warm to the touch, burning smells near the box, or a 100-amp panel in a home with modern appliances and devices. If your home is more than 25 years old and hasn’t had a panel upgrade, it’s worth having a licensed electrician assess it. McCarthy Electric offers free estimates — contact us to schedule yours.

How long does a panel upgrade or replacement take?

Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day. The exact timeline depends on the scope of work, whether a permit inspection is required, and the size of your home’s electrical system. Our team will walk you through the timeline during your estimate so there are no surprises.

Does a panel upgrade require a permit in Lynnwood, WA?

Yes. Panel upgrades in Lynnwood and throughout Snohomish County require a permit and inspection through the City of Lynnwood Building & Code Compliance Division. McCarthy Electric pulls all required permits on your behalf — work is inspected and completed to Washington State code under License No. MCCARET796DQ

What size panel does my home need?

Most modern homes require a 200-amp panel, especially if you have or plan to add an EV charger, heat pump, or other high-draw appliances. Older homes may still have 100-amp or even 60-amp service, which often can’t safely support today’s electrical loads. We perform a formal load calculation on every job to recommend the right panel size for your specific needs.

Can McCarthy Electric upgrade my panel and install a smart panel at the same time?

Yes — and it’s often the most cost-effective approach. If you’re already replacing your panel, upgrading to a smart panel like SPAN gives you real-time energy monitoring, circuit-level control from your phone, and seamless integration with solar, battery backup, and EV charging. Ask about our smart panel services when you request your estimate.

Request an Electrical Panel Quote

Tell us about your panel concerns, planned electrical additions and property location. Request a quote to discuss the work your home needs.