An electrical panel is the control center of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity in your home, ensuring all appliances, lights and devices function well. However, not all panels are the same, and their size determines how much electricity your home can handle.
Electrical panels come in different sizes, typically 60 to 400 amps, with most modern homes requiring at least 100 to 200 amps. The right panel size depends on your home’s square footage, the number of appliances and your future power needs.
Upgrading your panel may be necessary if you’re adding large appliances, renovating or experiencing electrical issues. When replacing your panel, it’s best to match the new panel to your current amperage or upgrade if needed.
However, it’s important to note that determining the correct panel size isn’t always straightforward. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical load and recommend the safest and most efficient option.
So, what are electric panel sizes? Let’s explore how they work and determine the best panel size for your home.
What Are the Standard Electrical Panel Sizes?
An electrical panel’s size refers to the total electrical load capacity it can handle, measured in amperes (amps). The correct panel size ensures your home has sufficient power for daily use. A panel that’s too small may lead to frequent breaker trips, overheating or electrical fires, while one that’s too large may be costly and require more wiring upgrades for no reason.
Here are the most common electrical panel sizes in use today.
- 60 Amp
- 100 Amp
- 125 Amp
- 150 Amp
- 200 Amp
- 225 Amp
Let’s explore these options a little more.
60-Amp Electrical Panel
This electrical panel is often found in homes built before the 1960s and is usually too small for modern appliances. It may be sufficient for small cabins or off-grid setups, running a few bulbs, outlets and basic appliances.
However, these panels can be a fire hazard apart from being too small since they use outdated fuse boxes and aluminum wiring.
100-Amp Electrical Panel
This electrical panel suits small homes or apartments with minimal power needs and may not support high-energy devices like EV chargers or central AC. Depending on the model, the panel usually supports 20 to 30 electrical circuits and works best for houses less than 2,000 square feet.
125-Amp Electrical Panel
A 125-amp electrical panel is a slight upgrade from the 100-amp panel, making it a good choice for homes that need extra power but don’t require a full 200-amp service. This unit can handle about 25,000 to 30,000 watts of total power, making it suitable for lighting, kitchen appliances and small HVAC systems.
150-Amp Electrical Panel
A 150-amp panel can support up to 36,000 watts (36 kW) and is the perfect middle-ground choice between 100A and 200A electrical panels. This panel works well for homes between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet and supports most electrical appliances your home needs, including clothes dryers and electric water heaters.
200-Amp Electrical Panel
A 200-amp electrical panel is the standard for modern homes and provides enough capacity for high-power appliances. It can handle up to 48,000 watts (48 kW) at 240V service and is best for homes between 2,500 and 4,000 square feet with multiple high-power appliances like electric heating, a large AC unit or a hot tub.
225-Amp Electrical Panel
This electrical panel is excellent for large homes or properties over 3,500 square feet with high-power appliances, such as multiple HVAC units, workshops or smart home setups. It can handle up to 52,800 watts and provides more capacity than a 200-amp panel while still being cost-effective compared to a full 300A or 400A upgrade.
Selecting a panel with extra capacity can prevent the need for costly upgrades as your electrical needs evolve. Considering future additions like EV chargers, home offices or new appliances is helpful when determining the appropriate panel size.
It’s best to consult a licensed electrician to assess your home’s power requirements and recommend the appropriate panel size. A professional assessment ensures compliance with local codes and the best operation of your electrical system. This skilled professional will also explain why overloading a control panel could be the answer to the question, “Why is my light switch hot?”
What Is the Difference Between a Breaker Box and an Electrical Panel?
Breaker boxes and electrical panels are essentially the same thing, and the terms are often used interchangeably, especially by homeowners. Both refer to the metal box that houses a home’s circuit breakers, distributing electricity throughout the building while protecting against overloads and short circuits. They both serve the key purpose of controlling a home’s electrical system.
ABC Can Help You Choose the Right Electrical Panel
Contact our experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services for electrical panel upgrades. Our licensed electricians will help repair any electrical issues you may be having or replace your home’s electrical panel if necessary. The electrician can also answer all your electrical-related questions, like how a dimmer switch works.
