Electrical Panel
Upgrade in
Boise
Outdated electrical panel? Upgrade to 200 amp service and power your modern home safely. Licensed Boise electricians handle permits, Idaho Power coordination, and inspections.
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Call (208) 391-3951Warning Signs
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If any of these signs sound familiar, it's time to call a licensed Boise electrician for an evaluation.
Frequent breaker trips
If you're resetting breakers weekly — especially when running multiple appliances — your panel can't handle your home's electrical demand. This is the most common sign Boise homeowners notice first.
Burning smell or scorch marks
A burning smell near your panel or discolored/melted plastic around breakers is a serious safety hazard. This requires immediate emergency attention — don't wait.
60 or 100 amp panel in an older home
Many Boise homes built before 1990 still have 100-amp panels — and some pre-1970s homes have 60-amp service. Modern households typically need 200 amps to safely power AC, kitchen appliances, and electronics.
Adding major appliances
Installing a new AC unit, electric range, hot water heater, or workshop equipment? Each draws significant amperage. Your electrician needs to verify your panel has capacity before adding these loads.
Planning an EV charger or hot tub
A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 40-60 amp circuit. A hot tub needs 40-50 amps. Most 100-amp panels can't accommodate either without an upgrade — and many Boise homeowners want both.
Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
These brands are known fire hazards — breakers fail to trip during overloads. They were commonly installed in Boise homes built in the 1960s through 1980s. If you have one, replacement is strongly recommended regardless of other symptoms. Insurance companies increasingly refuse coverage for homes with these panels.
Sizing Guide
What Size Panel Do You Need?
Panel size is measured in amps — the maximum electrical capacity your home can draw at once. Here's how to think about sizing for a Boise home.
100 Amp Panel
Adequate for smaller homes under 1,500 sq ft with gas heating, gas water heater, and no high-draw appliances. Most Boise homes built before 1990 have 100-amp service. Fine if you're not adding AC, EV chargers, or workshop circuits — but increasingly insufficient for modern lifestyles.
200 Amp Panel
The standard for modern Boise homes. Supports central AC, EV charger, electric range, and multiple high-draw circuits simultaneously. Required for most new construction in Ada County. If you're upgrading, this is where the vast majority of Boise homeowners land — and it's the sweet spot for resale value.
400 Amp Panel
For large homes (3,500+ sq ft), homes with multiple EV chargers, heated shops, pool equipment, or full-home automation. Typically achieved with two 200-amp panels or a 400-amp service entrance. Increasingly requested by Micron and tech workers relocating to Boise with multiple EVs and home offices with heavy equipment.
Not sure what you need? Your electrician will perform a load calculation during the quote — this adds up every circuit in your home to determine the right panel size. For most Boise homes, 200 amps is the right answer.
2026 Pricing
Panel Upgrade Cost Breakdown
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 to 200 amp upgrade | $1,500–$3,000 |
| New 200 amp panel (full service) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Sub-panel addition | $500–$1,500 |
| Meter base replacement | $300–$800 |
| Whole-house surge protector | $200–$500 |
All prices are estimates based on 2026 Boise-area market rates. Actual costs depend on your home's wiring condition, panel location, and Idaho Power service requirements.
Local Knowledge
Boise-Specific Panel Upgrade Considerations
Idaho Power service requirements
Panel upgrades that change your service amperage require coordination with Idaho Power. Your electrician will schedule a temporary disconnect, and Idaho Power must inspect and reconnect the service drop after the upgrade. This typically adds 1-3 business days to the project timeline. Your electrician handles all the coordination — you don't need to call Idaho Power yourself.
Ada County permits and inspections
All panel upgrades in Boise require an electrical permit through the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). The permit costs $75-$150 depending on scope. After installation, a state electrical inspector must approve the work before Idaho Power reconnects service. Your licensed electrician pulls the permit and schedules the inspection as part of the job — this should be included in your quote.
Older home wiring concerns
Many Boise homes built in the 1960s and 1970s — particularly in the Bench and West Boise neighborhoods — have aluminum branch circuit wiring. Aluminum wiring isn't automatically dangerous, but it requires special connectors and compatible devices. During a panel upgrade, your electrician should evaluate all aluminum connections and install COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors where needed. This is also a good time to address any ungrounded outlets or outdated wiring practices.
EV charger prep
If you're upgrading your panel, this is the ideal time to add a dedicated EV charger circuit. A Level 2 charger requires a 240V, 40-60 amp circuit — and it's significantly cheaper to add during a panel upgrade than as a separate project. With Micron's expansion and the growing tech workforce in Boise, EV charger installations are one of the top reasons homeowners upgrade their panels. Ask your electrician to include EV-ready wiring in your quote even if you don't have an EV yet. See our full electrician cost guide for EV charger pricing details.
Ready to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Every home's wiring is different. Tell us about your panel and we'll connect you with a licensed Boise electrician who can give you exact pricing and handle all permits.
Panel Upgrade FAQ