Service 01 · Panel upgrades

Panel upgrades

Most Sunnyvale homes still run on the 100-amp service they were built with in 1962. An EV, a heat pump and an induction range will not fit on it. We replace the panel, pull the PG&E paperwork and leave every breaker labeled.

Typical service200A

On-site1 day

Start to final3–5 wks

A finished 200-amp panel with labeled breakers and neatly bent conduit on a garage wall.

Who it is for

Homes with a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, fuse boxes, panels that have run out of spaces, and anyone planning an EV charger, heat pump or ADU.

What is included

Load calculation to NEC 220 before we pick a size
PG&E service application and meter release
City of Sunnyvale permit, inspection booked by us
New meter-main or panel, grounding electrode system brought to code
Whole-home surge protection at the panel
Every circuit traced and labeled by room
AFCI / GFCI breakers where the code requires them
Trenching and conduit for underground services if needed

§ 02

How the job runs.

Durations are typical for a Sunnyvale single-family home. Yours is confirmed on the site walk.

Day 0
Site walk
We open the panel, read the meter, check the service drop and measure your loads. You get a written scope that same day.
Week 1–3
PG&E and permit
Service application filed, permit pulled. We chase PG&E so you do not have to.
Install day
Power off at 8, on by 4
Old panel out, new panel in, grounding redone. We bring a generator for the fridge.
Week 4–5
Inspection and release
City inspector signs, PG&E releases the meter, we hand over the labeled directory.

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Eight frames, one camera.

Eight stages from a typical job of this kind. Concept imagery.

01 · Existing panel
02 · Protected
03 · Service disconnected
04 · Old panel out
05 · New panel set
06 · Circuits landed
07 · Testing
08 · Finished

§ 04

Questions we get on this job.

Do I need 200A or 400A?

Almost every single-family home in Sunnyvale is served well by 200A, even with an EV and a heat pump. 400A comes up for large homes with an ADU, two EVs and a pool. The load calc decides, not a sales pitch.

Will the power be off all day?

Usually 6–8 hours on install day. We schedule a weekday morning and bring a small generator for the fridge and router.

Is my FPE panel really dangerous?

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers have a documented history of failing to trip. We recommend replacement, and so does every home inspector we work with.

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