A
100 amp service handles a modest home with gas heating, gas cooking and gas drying. Once you add an
EV charger, heat pump, central AC, induction range or ADU, many homes need
200 amps. The way to know for sure is a
load calculation, which adds up what your home actually uses. Want help? See our
panel upgrades service.
What 100 Amps Can Handle
Many Northeast LA homes still run on 60 or 100 amp service. That’s usually enough for lighting, outlets, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and a gas furnace, water heater and range.
What Pushes You to 200 Amps
| Added load | Typical circuit size |
|---|
| Level 2 EV charger | 40 to 60 amp circuit |
| Heat pump or central AC | 20 to 60 amp circuit |
| Induction or electric range | 40 to 50 amp circuit |
| Electric dryer | 30 amp circuit |
| Heat pump water heater | 15 to 30 amp circuit |
| ADU with its own kitchen | a sub-panel, often 60 to 100 amps |
Add two or three of these to a 100 amp home and you’re usually over the limit.
Want a licensed electrician to take a look? Ready Electric answers 24/7.
Upgrading Isn’t Always the Answer
A load calculation sometimes shows there’s room. Load management devices can also share capacity between an EV charger and other big loads, which can avoid a service upgrade.
What a 200 Amp Upgrade Involves
Usually a new panel, sometimes a new meter and service connection, a permit and coordination with your utility. Ready Electric handles the permit, utility coordination and paperwork.
