Electrical Panel Upgrades in Colorado Springs
Expert 100A to 200A panel upgrades — from assessment through final inspection.
Licensed & Insured | Colorado Springs & the Pikes Peak Region | Free Estimates
When your home’s electrical system can no longer keep up with modern demands, upgrading to a 200-amp panel ensures your system operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with current electrical codes.
If you are looking to upgrade your panels capacity, replace an old one, or add a new electric panel, Bourland Electric has you covered. We take care of every aspect from initial assessment through final inspection, delivering code-compliant installations that protect your home.
Call to speak with our licensed electrician 719-641-0841
About Electrical Panels
The electrical panel manages all the electricity flowing into your home. It contains the main breaker, which controls power to the entire house, and individual circuit breakers that protect each circuit powering your receptacles, lights, and appliances.
Each circuit breaker protects a different part of your home: your kitchen outlets, your lights, your air conditioner. When too much electricity flows through a circuit, the breaker “trips” to prevent the wires from overheating and causing a fire.
Why Upgrade Your Electric Panel
Every electrical panel has a limit to how much power it can safely provide. When your home was built, the panel was sized for the electrical demand it was expected to carry at that time. Which works fine as long as your home stays close to its original configuration.
If you add an EV charger, central air, a hot tub, or do an extensive remodel, that demand is increased. Enough additions and you’ll reach a point where your panel simply can’t supply what your home is asking for.
If your home has a 100-amp panel and you’re planning an addition, finishing a basement, adding an EV charger, or making any significant change to your electrical system, an upgrade will almost certainly be part of that conversation.
Panels That Require Immediate Replacement
Certain electrical panels have documented safety issues and should be replaced regardless of your electrical capacity needs. If your home has one of these panels, replacement is the only reliable solution.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels
Federal Pacific Electric panels, identifiable by their “Stab-Lok” breakers, have been the subject of extensive investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and independent engineers. Testing has revealed that many FPE breakers fail to trip during overload conditions, the exact situation they’re designed to prevent. This failure rate significantly increases fire risk.
Zinsco and Sylvania Panels
Zinsco panels (also sold under the Sylvania brand with Zinsco-style breakers) have similar documented issues. The breakers can melt to the bus bar, failing to trip during overcurrent conditions. Like FPE panels, full replacement is the only reliable mitigation.
How to Identify These Panels
Look for the manufacturer’s name on the panel door or interior cover. FPE panels typically display “Federal Pacific Electric” or “FPE,” and breakers have red-colored handles. Zinsco panels show “Zinsco” branding, with distinctive colored breaker handles (red, blue, and green). If you’re uncertain, a licensed electrician can quickly identify your panel type during an inspection.
Our Panel Upgrade Process
A typical panel upgrade takes about one full day to complete. We handle every step, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Free Assessment
We inspect your current panel and discuss your electrical needs and goals.
Permitting
We handle the permit process with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department so everything is done by the book.
Utility Coordination
We schedule a disconnect/reconnect with Colorado Springs Utilities.
Installation
Most upgrades are completed in 6–8 hours. Power to your home will be off during this time.
Inspection
We schedule an inspection with the Building Department within 1–2 days of completion. The inspector’s approval provides documentation that the installation meets all current codes and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most 100A to 200A upgrades are completed in a single day. Your power will be off for approximately 6–8 hours during the main installation work. Complex situations such as relocating the panel, extensive service entrance work, or addressing code violations may extend the timeline.
Will I need to be home during the installation?
We recommend being available at the start and end of the project. You’ll need to grant access to the home and be available to discuss any unexpected findings. You don’t need to supervise throughout, but you should be reachable.
My home has 100-amp service but the panel is full — do I need a 200-amp upgrade?
Not necessarily. If your actual electrical load is below 100 amps but you’ve run out of breaker spaces, a sub-panel may be a cost-effective solution. A load calculation determines your actual power needs and the best approach.
Does a panel upgrade mean rewiring my whole house?
No. A panel upgrade replaces the breaker box and may include new service entrance cables, but existing circuit wiring throughout your home typically remains in place. The existing wires are simply reconnected to the new panel.
Is a permit really necessary?
Yes. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department requires permits for electrical panel upgrades. Unpermitted work can create serious problems — insurance claim denials, complications during home sales, and potential safety issues. We handle the permit process as part of our service.
Ready to Discuss Your Panel Upgrade?
If your panel is outdated, overloaded, or a known safety hazard, we’re here to help. Call our office and speak with our master electrician to discuss your situation. We can answer all your questions and help you understand if an upgrade makes sense for your home.
