Electrical panel upgrades & replacement in Vancouver, WA
Need more power for an EV charger, heat pump or shop? Or just a newer, safer panel to replace an old or worn-out one? We do both, start to finish: permit, Clark Public Utilities scheduling, install and final inspection.
Not sure what you need? Take the 1-minute panel check. Open the panel door and the label usually shows the brand and amps.
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Signs your panel needs attention
Many older Vancouver homes were built with 60 or 100 amp service, and a lot of original panels are now 40+ years old. If any of these sound familiar, give us a call.
Breakers keep tripping
The dryer, microwave and space heater can't run together without something shutting off.
You're on 100 amps or less
Fine when the house was built. Not enough for how most homes run today.
You're adding a big load
An EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, shop or ADU usually needs more capacity.
Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
Stab-Lok breakers can fail to trip on an overload. Inspectors and insurers flag these, plus Pushmatic and fuse boxes.
Heat, smell or damage
A warm cover, buzzing, burning smell, scorch marks or rust. Worth having it checked soon.
Selling or remodeling
The inspection report or remodel permit calls for the panel to be brought up to code.
Upgrade or replace, done the Post Electric way
Whether you need more amps or just a newer panel, we handle the whole job, start to finish.
100 → 200 amp upgrade
We size your new panel and service entrance for how you live now and what you'll add next.
Same-size panel replacement
Have enough amps but an old or worn panel? We swap it for new equipment and clean up the wiring.
Outdated & problem panels
Full replacement of problem-brand, Zinsco, Pushmatic and fuse panels with new UL-listed gear.
Meter base & mast
Overhead and underground service equipment replaced to Clark Public Utilities standards.
Subpanels
For garages, shops, ADUs and additions, so new circuits don't overload the main panel.
EV, heat pump & generator ready
Capacity planned for what's coming, plus an interlock or transfer switch if you want backup power.
Site visit
A Post Electric electrician checks your service and panel, runs a load calc and gives you a written price.
Permit
We pull it under our license: City of Vancouver inside city limits, Washington L&I elsewhere.
Utility
We schedule the meter pull and reconnect with Clark Public Utilities. You don't have to call them.
Install day
Our crew does most panel swaps and upgrades in one day, with every circuit labeled and tested.
Inspection & warranty
Once the inspector signs off, you get the record, plus our 1-year workmanship warranty.
What Vancouver homeowners say
My wife and I called Post Electric to get a quote for an electrical panel replacement. I also asked about options for connecting a generator for backup power. Slav explained our options and we ended up taking his recommendation to install a generator interlock for connecting a portable generator. He quickly provided a quote and scheduled our installation. His team was very thorough and did quality work. The entire swap was done in one day and everything was tested and properly labeled. I would highly recommend Post Electric to anyone needing electrical work. Thanks, Slav and team!
I used Post Electric to rewire my electric panel and install some new circuits in the garage. The Electricians that came to the house were on time, professional, and did a great job! There were zero issues from first contact to final inspection, Will use again.
Panel upgrade & replacement FAQs
The questions Vancouver homeowners ask us, and ask Google and AI, about electrical panels. Still have a question? Call or text us.
Who does electrical panel upgrades in Vancouver, WA?
Post Electric Company is a family-operated electrical contractor based in Clark County that does panel upgrades and replacements in Vancouver and across Clark County, plus the Portland metro. We're licensed in Washington (L&I #POSTEEC790RM) and Oregon (CCB #250544), back our work with a 1-year workmanship warranty, and handle the permit, Clark Public Utilities scheduling, install and inspection. Call or text (360) 474-3338.
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Vancouver, WA?
It depends on the job. A same-size panel swap usually costs the least. Going to 200 amps costs more, especially if the meter base, mast or service wire also need replacing. Panel location, how much rewiring the old panel needs, and permit fees also affect the price. Post Electric gives you a written price after a site visit, before any work starts.
Is 100 amp service enough if I get an EV charger or heat pump?
Sometimes, but often not. A Level 2 EV charger or a heat pump adds a large load, and many 100 amp homes don't have room for it. Post Electric runs a load calculation to find out. Depending on the result, you may need a 200 amp upgrade, or a load-management device may let you avoid one.
What's the difference between a panel replacement and a service upgrade?
A panel replacement swaps the breaker box for a new one at the same amperage. It's common for old, problem-brand or worn-out panels. A service upgrade raises the amps coming into the house, usually from 100 to 200. That typically means a new panel plus a new meter base and service wire, and Clark Public Utilities has to be involved.
Do I need to upgrade my panel before selling my house?
Not always, but an old, undersized or flagged panel is one of the most common items on a home inspection report, and it can turn into a negotiating point or an insurance problem for the buyer. Post Electric can look at your panel before you list and tell you whether it needs anything.
Who do I call first for a panel upgrade, an electrician or Clark Public Utilities?
Call the electrician first. When you call Post Electric, we figure out what you need, pull the permit, and then schedule the meter pull and reconnect with Clark Public Utilities for you. You don't need to contact the utility yourself.
How long does a panel upgrade take from start to finish?
The install itself is usually one day, and the power is off for part of it. Before that, allow time for the site visit, the permit and Clark Public Utilities scheduling, and Post Electric will give you the timeline when we quote the job. The inspection happens after the install.
Does Post Electric offer a warranty on panel upgrades?
Yes. Post Electric backs every panel upgrade and replacement with a 1-year workmanship warranty. The panel, breakers and other equipment also carry their own manufacturer warranties.
Can I replace my own electrical panel in Washington?
We don't recommend it. Washington has a narrow exemption that lets some owners do electrical work on their own home with a permit, but a panel swap is one of the most dangerous electrical jobs in a house. The wires coming in from the street stay live until the meter is pulled, and only Clark Public Utilities can do that. The work also has to pass inspection, and mistakes can cause problems with insurance or when you sell. Hire a licensed electrical contractor like Post Electric.
Ready for a safer or bigger panel?
Tell us a little about your home and what you're planning. We'll get back to you to set up a site visit and give you a written price.
Rather talk now? Call or text (360) 474-3338
Thanks! We got your request.
We'll be in touch soon to set up a time. If it's urgent, call or text (360) 474-3338.
Based in Clark County. Working across the metro.
Southwest Washington
Clark County & nearby
- Vancouver
- Salmon Creek
- Hazel Dell
- Felida
- Orchards
- Cascade Park
- Fishers Landing
- Brush Prairie
- Hockinson
- Camas
- Washougal
- Battle Ground
- Ridgefield
- La Center
- Yacolt
Permits through the City of Vancouver or Washington L&I. Meter work coordinated with Clark Public Utilities.
Portland Metro, Oregon
Licensed in Oregon, CCB #250544
- Portland
- Gresham
- Troutdale
- Fairview
- Beaverton
- Hillsboro
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- Lake Oswego
- West Linn
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Happy Valley
- Clackamas
Permits through the local city or county. Meter work coordinated with PGE or Pacific Power.
Don't see your town? Call or text (360) 474-3338. If you're nearby, we probably cover it.