Electrical Panel Upgrades & Commercial Retrofits

Residential Panel Upgrades

Many Boulder homes built before 2000 have 100A panels. Adding an EV charger (30–50A) and modern HVAC quickly exhausts that capacity. A panel upgrade to 200A provides headroom for EV, solar, and battery systems.

The Upgrade Process

Load Calculation: We calculate your home's total demand using the National Electrical Code demand factors. A typical home needs 150–200A.

Panel Selection: We specify a new main breaker panel (60–100 spaces) to accommodate existing circuits plus future expansion.

Utility Coordination: We schedule a meter swap with Public Service Company of Colorado. The utility may charge $300–$800 for the service upgrade.

Installation & Inspection: We remove the old panel, install the new one, move all breakers and wiring, and coordinate the city electrical inspection.

Typical Cost: $2,500–$5,500 installed (panel, breakers, labor, permits, utility coordination).

Commercial Three-Phase Systems

Office buildings, industrial facilities, and multi-unit complexes typically need three-phase 208V or 480V service. We design main distribution, sub-panels, and load calculations using NEC Article 220 and local amendments.

Recent projects include a 30-unit office retrofit (200A three-phase distribution), a light manufacturing facility with machinery-specific circuits, and a multi-family apartment building with per-unit demand management.

References

• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Public Service Company of Colorado — Service upgrade guidelines
• City of Boulder Electrical Services