Panel & Service Upgrades in Santa Cruz

If your main breaker trips when the dryer and oven run together, or there's no room in the panel for that new heat pump, you're not alone. A lot of Santa Cruz homes still have the 60-amp or 100-amp service they were built with. Electrician's Precision Pros helps homeowners across Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley and Soquel figure out what their electrical service can really handle, then upgrade it, or find a smarter alternative, so electrification projects can move forward.

Call +1 (831) 231-7014

Describe the problem and we'll tell you how quickly we can be there.

Production of automation boards. — illustrative image for electrical services in Santa Cruz, CA

Signs you've outgrown your panel

The main or individual breakers trip under normal use
No open spaces for a new circuit
Plans for an EV, heat pump, induction range or ADU
A warm panel cover, buzzing or corrosion inside
A fuse box or a panel brand with a poor safety record
Lights that dim noticeably when large appliances start

Start with a load calculation

Before recommending anything, we calculate your existing load and what you plan to add. Sometimes the answer is a full service upgrade to 200 amps. Sometimes a smart panel, a load management device, or right-sizing an EV circuit lets you add new electric appliances without one. We explain each option clearly so you can choose what fits your home and your plans.

What a service upgrade involves

Typically a new panel and, where needed, a new meter base, service conductors and grounding. We pull the permit, coordinate with PG&E on the disconnect and reconnect, and arrange the inspection. Coastal salt air can be tough on outdoor equipment, so we use components and fittings suited to the conditions here. Power is off for part of the day, and we'll let you know how long in advance.

How a panel upgrades job goes

Give us a call

Tell us what you'd like done or what's gone wrong. We'll ask a few friendly questions and figure out the next step together.

We take a look

We check the panel, the circuits and the space, and listen to what you're planning.

We talk it through

You get clear options in plain English, so you can choose what works for your home.

We do it properly

Work to current code with permits handled, tested before we leave, and the area left tidy.

Panel Upgrades questions

How long does a panel upgrade take?

The on-site work is usually a day. PG&E scheduling can add time, so we start that process early and keep you updated.

Is a permit required in Santa Cruz?

Yes. Panel and service upgrades require a permit and inspection, which we handle.

What's a smart panel?

A panel or add-on that monitors and manages circuit loads, which can help you add big electric appliances without exceeding your service.

Can you add a subpanel for an ADU or garage?

Yes, if your main service can support it. We'll calculate the load first.