PANEL REPLACEMENT & SERVICE UPGRADES
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. Whether you need a same-amperage panel replacement or a full service upgrade to increase capacity, we handle everything from permitting to final inspection throughout Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
💰 0% financing available — check if you prequalifyPanel Replacement vs. Service Upgrade — What's the Difference?
Panel replacement means swapping out your existing panel for a new one at the same amperage. This is needed when a panel is unsafe (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco), failed, or at the end of its useful life — not because you need more capacity.
Service upgrade / heavy-up increases your home's electrical service capacity — typically from 100 amps to 200 amps. This is necessary when your existing service can't support added loads like EV chargers, HVAC systems, or major appliances. It involves the panel, service entrance equipment, and utility coordination with BGE or Pepco.
The $89 on-site estimate determines which service your home actually needs — and establishes the exact scope and price before any work begins. Every job is personally overseen by Alshane Thomas, licensed Master Electrician.
Why Maryland Homeowners Choose Richie Electric
- Licensed in Maryland and Washington DC
- Owner-operated — Alshane oversees every job personally
- All permits and inspections handled
- BGE and Pepco utility coordination handled by us (utility fees billed directly by utility)
- Clean, organized wiring and labeled circuits
- Written estimate before work begins — no surprises
- 0% financing available
- Serving Baltimore, PG County, Montgomery County, and more
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
Not sure if your panel needs attention? These are the most common indicators we see in Maryland homes:
- Breakers trip frequently or won't reset
- You're adding an EV charger, hot tub, or major appliance
- Your home still has a fuse box instead of breakers
- You see scorch marks, smell burning, or hear buzzing near the panel
- Your insurance company is requiring an upgrade
- You're planning a renovation or home addition
- You have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel (known fire hazard brands)
- Your home was built before 1990 and has never had a panel upgrade
What's Included in Every Job
Panel Work Costs in Maryland & DC
These are two separate services — your $89 on-site estimate determines which one applies.
These are starting prices — final cost depends on existing equipment, installation conditions, required scope, permits, and utility requirements. Utility charges billed directly by BGE, Pepco, or your utility are separate. Request your $89 on-site estimate →
Planning to add an EV charger? That often starts with a panel upgrade to support the new 240V dedicated circuit. Learn about our EV charger installation service in Maryland →
0% Financing Available
Make your panel upgrade affordable with easy monthly payments.
Check If You Prequalify →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a panel replacement and a service upgrade?
A panel replacement replaces your existing panel with a new one at the same amperage — for example, swapping out a failed or unsafe 200-amp Federal Pacific panel for a new 200-amp panel. It does not increase your home's service capacity. A service upgrade (also called a heavy-up) increases capacity — for example, upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps. This involves the panel and any additional service equipment, plus utility coordination. Our $89 on-site estimate determines which service your home actually needs.
How much does panel work cost in Maryland and DC?
Panel replacements start at $4,000 in Maryland and $5,000 in Washington DC. Service upgrades (100A to 200A) start at $5,000 in Maryland and $7,000 in DC. Virginia pricing requires an on-site estimate. These are starting prices — final cost depends on existing equipment, conditions, scope, and permits. Utility charges billed by BGE or Pepco are separate.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires an electrical permit for panel upgrades in all counties. We handle all permitting and inspections — Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and throughout our service area.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day. We coordinate the utility shutoff with BGE or Pepco, complete the installation, and schedule the required inspection. If the inspection is same-day, power is restored the same afternoon.
Is my Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel dangerous?
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels have well-documented safety issues — breakers in these panels can fail to trip during overloads, creating a fire risk. We replace both brands throughout Maryland and DC.
What size panel do I need?
Most Maryland homes benefit from a 200 AMP upgrade — the current standard, with plenty of capacity for EV chargers, HVAC, and modern appliances. We'll assess your load and recommend the right size during your estimate.
Request Your Panel Upgrade Estimate in Maryland
No hidden fees. No pressure. Just an honest price from a licensed electrician serving Baltimore and Maryland.