One of the most common questions we get at Smiley Electric is:
“What size electrical panel do I need for my home?”
Whether you’re remodeling, adding new appliances, or just upgrading an old system, the answer isn’t always as simple as “just put in a 200-amp panel.” The right answer depends on a few key factors — and in this post, we’ll walk you through what those are, how electrical panels are sized, and what to expect from the process.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Portland Metro area, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, West Linn, and Vancouver, WA — and this question comes up in every one of those places.
Why You Might Be Thinking About a Panel Upgrade
Most of the time, homeowners start thinking about panel upgrades when something changes in the home — or when something starts going wrong. Maybe your panel is outdated, you’ve added more electrical demand, or you’re simply trying to future-proof your house.
Some of the most common reasons for a panel upgrade include:
- Installing a hot tub or sauna
- Adding an EV charger
- Switching from gas to electric appliances (like a water heater or range)
- Planning an addition, detached garage, or backyard ADU
- Installing air conditioning or heat pumps
- Constantly tripping breakers or noticing dimming lights
We see these types of upgrades in homes all over the Portland Metro area — from historic homes in Sellwood and Ladd’s Addition, to ranch-style houses in Aloha, to newer construction in Bethany and Happy Valley.
Why Panel Size Matters
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to all your outlets, lights, and appliances. If it’s undersized or outdated, it can’t keep up with modern electrical loads — and that can lead to:
- Overheating
- Breaker trips
- Limited capacity for new appliances
- Serious fire hazards
But here’s the thing: upgrading your panel isn’t just about picking the biggest one available. It’s about choosing the right size for your home’s unique needs.
How Electrical Panels Are Sized
Electrical panels are sized in amps, with 100-amp and 200-amp panels being the most common in residential homes today. Older homes often have 60-amp or 100-amp panels, which may not be sufficient for modern living.
So how do we figure out what size panel you need?
We perform a load calculation — a formula used to estimate the total electrical demand of your home. This includes:
- Square footage of your home
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Heating and cooling systems (furnace, heat pump, AC)
- Appliances (washer, dryer, range, dishwasher, fridge)
- Lighting and receptacles
- Any planned additions or upgrades
It’s a comprehensive process — not just adding up breaker sizes. And it gives us a clear picture of how much electricity your home actually needs now and in the future.
What If You Already Have a 100-Amp Panel?
You might be surprised to hear this, but in some cases, you don’t need a panel upgrade at all. If your load is low and you’re not planning to add anything major, a 100-amp panel could still work just fine — especially if it’s in good condition.
However, many older homes in Portland, Milwaukie, and Oregon City were built in the 1950s–1970s — long before the average home had multiple TVs, computers, smart appliances, and EVs. That’s why we see a lot of panels that are just too small for today’s energy use — and that’s where an upgrade can improve safety, efficiency, and flexibility.
Why 200-Amp Panels Are So Common Now
Today, 200-amp panels are considered the new standard for most homes — especially those being built or significantly remodeled. A 200-amp panel gives you room to grow, flexibility for future upgrades (like solar or battery backup), and peace of mind that your home can safely handle everything you throw at it.
We’re installing 200-amp panels in homes all over the region — from Vancouver’s newer developments, to renovated Craftsman homes in NE Portland, to family homes in Tigard and Sherwood preparing for future EV charging.
Still Not Sure What You Need? That’s Okay.
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. That’s where we come in.
At Smiley Electric, we take the time to understand how you use power in your home — and what your plans are for the future. Our team will walk you through a full load calculation and help you choose the right size panel based on your needs, not just a guess.
No pressure. No upselling. Just real answers and trusted electrical service.
Ready to Talk Panel Upgrades?
Whether you’re replacing an old panel, adding a new appliance, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
:telephone_receiver: Give us a call today or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Let’s make sure your home’s electrical system is ready for whatever’s next — no matter where you live in the Portland Metro area.
Smiley Electric
Proudly serving Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Vancouver, and beyond.
Smiley Electric — Power You Can Trust.