Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If it was installed before 2000, there is a real chance it is no longer capable of safely handling modern demand — and if it carries a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or similar discontinued label, it may be an active insurance and fire risk. DG Custom Construction & Electric is a licensed electrical contractor that upgrades, replaces, and installs service panels across Pasadena, Altadena, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, and the greater LA area. Our in-house electricians handle every stage — from utility coordination with LADWP (or the applicable provider) through final inspection and closeout.
Panel work is technical, code-driven, and unforgiving of shortcuts. Loose neutrals, undersized service-entrance conductors, incorrect grounding, and improper utility coordination all create real hazards — fires, shocks, insurance denials, and failed permits. We do panel work to current California Electrical Code, with permits, inspections, and a written warranty on every job.
Why Panel Upgrades Matter
- Capacity. Capacity for modern appliances and future loads like EV charging, heat pumps, and solar/battery.
- Safety. Discontinued panel brands (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, Pushmatic) have known safety issues and are increasingly uninsurable.
- Code compliance. Current California Electrical Code requires AFCI and GFCI protection that older panels often cannot support.
- Resale. Real estate sales frequently flag outdated panels during inspection — a panel upgrade often precedes a home sale.
- Insurance. Insurance carriers increasingly refuse coverage on homes with obsolete panels.
Signs Your Panel Needs an Upgrade
- Breakers trip when major appliances run together (oven and microwave, or AC and dryer).
- Lights dim when large loads turn on.
- The panel label says Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic, or GTE Sylvania.
- The main breaker is rated 100 amps or less in a modern home.
- Burn marks, buzzing, or warmth at the panel enclosure.
- A home inspector or real estate agent flagged the panel during a sale.
- You are planning to add an EV charger, heat pump, ADU, or major renovation.
What a Panel Upgrade Project Looks Like
Load Calculation and Utility Coordination
Every upgrade starts with a proper load calculation that accounts for current loads and reasonable future growth. We then coordinate with LADWP or the applicable utility for the service drop, meter, and service-entrance conductor sizing.Permit Submittal
Panel upgrades require permits across LA City, LA County, Pasadena, and most surrounding jurisdictions. We handle submittal, plan check, and inspection scheduling.Temporary Power and Shutdown
On installation day we coordinate utility shutdown, remove the old panel, upgrade or rebuild the service entrance, install the new panel, re-land every circuit correctly, and energize the system. Shutdown time is typically 4 to 8 hours for a straightforward swap.New Circuits and AFCI/GFCI Compliance
If the existing circuit wiring supports it, we install new AFCI and GFCI breakers as required by current code. If the wiring itself needs upgrading, we discuss rewiring scope separately.Final Inspection and Closeout
City inspection, permit closeout, and written work warranty. No permit is closed without an inspection.Panel Brands and Ratings
For most single-family homes, 200-amp service is the current standard. Larger homes, homes with multiple HVAC zones, homes planning EV charging, or homes with ADUs often benefit from 400-amp service. We install panels from established, widely supported manufacturers (Square D, Siemens, Eaton) with local part availability and long warranty histories — not bargain brands that stock locally for a year and disappear.
Sub-Panels for ADUs, Workshops, and Detached Structures
Detached ADUs, workshops, garages with EV chargers, and pool equipment often benefit from dedicated sub-panels fed from the main service. Sub-panels simplify future work, isolate loads for safer maintenance, and — for rental ADUs — enable separate metering where required.
Where We Work
DG Custom Construction & Electric Inc. serves homeowners and property owners across Pasadena, Altadena, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, and greater Los Angeles. If your project is in LA County, we would like to hear from you.