Is It Time to Upgrade to 200-Amp Service?

If you’re remodeling, building, or adding major electrical loads, your service size stops being a “nice-to-know” detail and becomes a hard limit. A 200-amp electrical service is the modern baseline for many homes and light commercial spaces—especially once you factor in electric vehicles, heat pumps, hot tubs, finished basements, and higher-demand kitchens.

This is also a topic worth revisiting seasonally. Spring and fall are when most remodels, additions, and new builds kick into gear—and it’s the best time to confirm your electrical backbone can support what you’re planning.

Ebert Electric (New London, WI) helps homeowners, builders, and property managers evaluate service capacity and perform safe, code-compliant upgrades. Start here for service requests: https://www.ebertelectric.com/contact

What “200-amp service” actually means (in plain terms)

Your electrical service is the capacity of power delivered to your property from the utility through your meter and main panel. Think of it as the “pipeline size.” You can’t reliably add big new electrical loads if the pipeline and the main panel are already maxed out.

Many older homes still operate on 60-amp, 100-amp, or 150-amp service. That can be fine—until you remodel, add equipment, or expand living space. Then you start seeing the symptoms.

Clear signs you’ve outgrown your current service

If any of these are happening, it’s time to stop guessing and get a real load evaluation:

• Breakers trip regularly (especially when multiple appliances run)
• Lights flicker or dim when large loads kick on (microwave, HVAC, dryer)
• You’re relying on power strips and extension cords to make the space functional
• Your panel is full (no spare breaker spaces) or has messy/unknown circuits
• You’re planning an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, sauna, or workshop equipment
• You’re doing a major kitchen remodel (induction, double ovens, added circuits)
• You’re finishing a basement or adding an addition

If you’re already planning a remodel, treat an electrical service review as an early step—not something you “deal with later.” Later is when walls are closed and budget gets eaten.

Why 200 amps is the sweet spot for remodels and new builds

A 200-amp upgrade isn’t about “having more power for the sake of it.” It’s about:

1) Making room for modern electrical loads

EV charging alone can be a major draw. Add electric heating/cooling upgrades and it’s easy to exceed older service limits.

2) Reducing nuisance trips and reliability issues

A properly sized service supports your daily usage without stressing circuits. That means fewer “mystery” problems and less downtime.

3) Cleaner planning for future upgrades

If your remodel is Phase 1, don’t box yourself in for Phase 2. A 200-amp service gives you headroom for the next project without repeating expensive infrastructure work.

4) Improving safety and simplifying compliance

Service upgrades typically involve modernizing the panel, grounding/bonding, labeling, and correcting issues that often fly under the radar in older setups.

When upgrades make the most sense

• Spring: remodel launches, additions, basements, garage projects, outdoor power needs
• Summer: higher HVAC load, workshops, pool equipment, exterior lighting
• Fall: pre-winter heating upgrades, generator planning, service reliability focus
• Winter: planning phase for spring builds (best time to schedule evaluations)

If you’re doing planning now, you’re in the ideal window to verify capacity before trades stack up.

The service upgrade process (what you should expect)

While every property differs, a typical service upgrade involves:

• Evaluating your existing service size and panel condition
• Performing a load calculation based on current usage + planned additions
• Upgrading the main panel and service equipment (as needed)
• Coordinating with the utility provider and scheduling disconnect/reconnect
• Verifying grounding/bonding and overall code compliance
• Labeling circuits clearly (this saves time forever)

If you’re in Northeast Wisconsin, Ebert Electric serves the area from New London—confirm coverage here: https://www.ebertelectric.com/service-area

Remodelers & builders: don’t skip this during design

If you’re building new or doing a major renovation, plan electrical capacity early. It prevents late-stage change orders and keeps timelines from slipping.

Even if you’re not sure whether you truly need 200 amps, a proper evaluation can confirm:

• Whether a panel expansion is enough
• Whether a subpanel makes sense
• Whether a full service upgrade is the right call
• How to phase the work intelligently (so you don’t overspend)

For residential work and upgrades, start here: https://www.ebertelectric.com/residential-electrical

For light commercial properties, start here: https://www.ebertelectric.com/commercial-electrical

Quick decision guide: do you likely need 200 amps?

You’re a strong candidate for a 200-amp service if you’re doing two or more of the following:

• EV charger (now or planned)
• Heat pump / electric heating upgrades
• Hot tub/sauna
• Major kitchen remodel with added appliances
• Finished basement or addition
• New workshop tools/compressor/welder
• Adding significant exterior power (landscape lighting, outbuildings, etc.)

If your panel is also full or outdated, that pushes the decision further toward an upgrade.

Schedule a service capacity evaluation in New London, WI

If you’re planning a remodel or new build, get your electrical service evaluated before you commit to equipment, layouts, and finished surfaces. It’s one of the highest-leverage “small steps” you can take to prevent expensive rework.