Electrical Panel Sizes (& How to Determine What Size You Need)
The size of the electrical panel you need will depend upon several factors – including the size of your home, the number of high-load electrical items you have in use, building codes, and more. Below, we review these aspects to help you understand which size electrical panel is right for your home and needs.
Electrical Panel Sizing Information:
- What are the most common electrical panel sizes?
- What factors should I consider when choosing which electrical panel size is best for me?
- Can I use my home's square footage to estimate the panel size I need?
- How can I determine the correct panel size for my needs?
- How do I replace or upgrade my electrical panel?
- Why does choosing the right panel size matter?
- What safety and compliance issues should I consider when deciding what size electrical panel to choose?
- Can a professional help me determine which size electrical panel would be right for me?
What are the most common electrical panel sizes?
Electrical panels (also called breaker boxes) come in several different sizes and are measured in Amps. Amps are used to indicate the maximum electrical load the panel can handle. The most standard electrical panels sizes for residential panels are listed below.
- 100 Amp – These are found in and may be suitable for most older and smaller homes with limited electrical needs. 100 Amp panels may struggle to handle modern appliances and additional circuits. These panel sizes were typically used before the average electrical needs, even for smaller homes, increased with modern advancements.
- 150 Amp – This panel size is a middle-of-the-road option suitable for smaller to medium-sized homes with more moderate electrical usage. However, this is the typical standard for traditional appliance and electrical needs in a medium-sized house.
- 200 Amp – This panel size is the standard for most new and large homes. It offers larger capacity for modern electrical systems and increased usage in line with contemporary needs, houses with multiple appliances, and also allows for potential future expansion.
- 400 Amp – This size is typically used in significantly larger homes or those with significant electrical needs where additional high-load appliances are used above and beyond the standard – such as multiple HVAC systems, hot tubs, or extensive home automation systems.
What factors should I consider when choosing which electrical panel size is best for me?
Listed below are several factors homeowners should consider when choosing or upgrading the electrical panel in their home.
- Home Size – The larger the home, the more likely it will need a higher Amp panel to support more circuits and appliances.
- Electrical Load – This amounts to the number of appliances, devices, etc. you will have in regular use – this can include lighting, appliances, heating, cooling, and electronics (such as TVs, Internet needs, etc.).
- Future Expansion – If you plan on adding future additions to your home – like new rooms, additional HVAC systems, or electric vehicle chargers, this is something you will want to keep in mind when choosing a panel size.
- Local Building Codes – While existing outdated panels are often grandfathered in with local regulations and standards (even if they don't meet current standards), once you go to replace or upgrade a panel, they must adhere to the current code. Building codes can vary by state, county, and even city.
- Energy Efficiency – Homes with energy-efficient systems and appliances may get away with smaller panels. However, in most cases in this modern time, a 150 Amp is likely to be the bare minimum most homeowners should be considering.
Can I use my home's square footage to estimate the panel size I need?
Using the square footage of a home to determine what panel size you need should only be used as a general benchmark. It works as a starting point for understanding the average electrical load you may need based on the size of your home. Below, we list how square footage can help influence the panel size you may need.
Remember that this is based on a home having standard appliance needs. Have a deep freezer in the garage? An intricate home automation system? Cameras all around the house? Two HVAC systems vs. one? These would all be considered additional needs and not part of what we would consider standard appliance needs. All of these additional appliance needs should be examined, in addition to the base square footage of a home.
- Smaller Homes (Under 1,500 sq ft) – Homes in this size range typically get away with a 100-amp panel, especially if they have fewer electrical appliances. However, we recommend most homeowners upgrade to a 150 Amp, even in this square footage range to unlock the potential to expand their usage beyond the bare minimum appliances.
- Medium Homes (1,500 - 2,500 sq ft) – Homes in this size range can often meet their needs with a 150-amp panel - allowing for additional needs in the modern era and smaller potential future need expansions.
- Large Homes (2,500 – 3,000 sq ft) – Homes in this size range typically benefit from a 200 Amp panel to accommodate multiple appliances and modern needs like security systems, numerous Internet-dependent devices, smart home systems, home theaters, etc.
- Luxury or Custom Homes (3,000+ sq ft) – Homes of this size might require 400 Amp panels (or higher) – especially if they include features like multiple HVAC systems, hot tubs, pools, or more significant home automation use.
Electrical Panel Size Chart – Quick View
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Recommended Panel Size (Amps) |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 sq ft | 100 Amp |
| 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft | 150 Amp |
| 2,500 – 3,000 sq ft | 200 Amp |
| 3,000+ sq ft | 400 Amp |
Please note – These are general guidelines. The actual electrical load you need will depend on the number and type of appliances, your personal usage patterns, and any plans you may have to expand on your current electrical usage in the future.
How can I determine the correct panel size for my needs?
As mentioned in the sections above, the right electrical panel size for your home comes down to assessing your current and future electrical needs. A few additional things to consider are listed below.
- Assess Your Current Electrical Load – You should calculate the total wattage of all your devices and appliances currently used in your home. These devices and appliances include lighting, kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, home automation systems, Internet needs, electronics, etc.
- Consider Your Future Electrical Needs – You should think about potential home improvements or appliance or electronic additions that may increase your electrical load, such as new appliances, home office setups, or electric vehicle chargers.
- Consult the National Electrical Code (NEC) – The NEC provides guidelines to help homeowners determine the best panel size for their needs based on various factors, such as square footage and the number of rooms.
- Use an Electrical Load Calculator – Free online electrical load calculators and tools can help estimate your electrical needs based on the number of appliances and usage patterns.
- Contact a Professional Electrician – A licensed electrician (like our team here at Texas Panel Pros) can perform a detailed assessment and recommend the appropriate panel size tailored to your specific needs and usage patterns.
How do I replace or upgrade my electrical panel?
If your current panel shows signs of being undersized for your needs and/or is a dated (and potentially unsafe) panel brand, it is probably time to upgrade or repair your panel to prevent electrical issues such as frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or even potential fire hazards. Below are some things to consider when upgrading or replacing your electrical panel.
- Selecting the Right Size – Based on your assessment, choose a panel size that accommodates current and planned future electrical needs (or leaves room for you to potentially increase the load in the future, even if you are not planning to right now).
- Choose Quality Components – When choosing which panel to install, we recommend opting for quality over price whenever possible. Invest in a reliable panel with reliable performance and breakers to ensure safety and longevity.
- Hire a Licensed Electrician – Electrical panel upgrades involve working with high-voltage systems. Professional installation is not only the safer route for an electrical panel install, but it also ensures you comply with national safety standards and local building codes. Additionally, a licensed electrician will know what permits, if any, you need to obtain to perform your panel upgrade or replacement.
- Plan for Service Disruption – Schedule the upgrade during a time that minimizes any inconvenience for you, as panel replacements typically require a temporary power shutdown. That said, professional panel installation usually takes less than an average workday.
Why does choosing the right panel size matter?
Selecting the right electrical panel size for your needs offers several advantages. See those we have listed below.
- Enhanced Safety – Prevents electrical overloads, reducing the risk of fires and electrical shocks.
- Increased Electrical Capacity – Supports the addition of modern appliances and technologies in the current age without causing frequent breaker trips.
- Future-Proofing – Going a little larger than you need, when possible, accommodates future home expansions and electrical upgrades and appliance inventions/needs seamlessly (Remember, 30 years ago, we would not have thought we would need a panel to support 4 TVs, home automation, or electric vehicle charging, etc.)
- Improved Efficiency – Ensures top-of-the-line performance of your electrical system, potentially lowering energy costs.
- Compliance with Current Codes – Meets local building codes and national safety regulations (there is typically a safety reason these codes and regulations exist).
What safety and compliance issues should I consider when deciding what size electrical panel to choose?
Adhering to the current safety standards and building codes helps ensure both performance and increased safety when selecting, installing, or upgrading an electrical panel. Some key things to consider are listed below.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance – Ensures your panel meets national safety standards from the NEC. Again, these standards typically exist for safety reasons.
- Proper Grounding – Required to prevent electrical shocks and ensure the safe operation of the electrical system.
- Correct Installation – Professional installation by a licensed electrician reduces the risk of installation or wiring errors that could lead to electrical hazards.
Can a professional help me determine which size electrical panel would be right for me?
While some homeowners (especially those who are handy) may feel comfortable assessing the size panel they need based on their electrical needs, consulting a licensed electrician offers numerous benefits for homeowners.
- Expert Assessment – Professional electricians can accurately evaluate your current and future electrical needs.
- Code Compliance – Using a professional helps ensure that your electrical panel meets all local building codes and national safety standards and is permitted properly (if needed).
- Quality Installation – A licensed electrician will ensure the panel is installed and wired correctly, minimizing the risk of future safety or overload issues.
- Peace of Mind – Removing the need to worry whether your electrical system is safe and efficient can help provide confidence in your electrical system.
The bottom line
Choosing the right electrical panel size for your home that suits your needs and usage is crucial for the safety, efficiency, and future-proofing of your home’s electrical system. For homeowners in Texas, Texas Panel Pros offers expert electrical panel assessment and replacement services to ensure your electrical panel is safe and up to date. Contact us today for a free estimate.