panel upgrade Archives - Panels & Plugs

Do You Need a Panel Upgrade to Add an EV Charger? A Load Calc Walkthrough

Marc Reeves · July 9, 2026

Do You Need a Panel Upgrade to Add an EV Charger? A Load Calc Walkthrough

Last fall, a homeowner called me in a panic. His electrician had just quoted him $4,200 for a full panel upgrade before installing a Level 2 EV charger. He wanted a second opinion. After running a proper panel upgrade for EV charger load calculation, I told him the honest truth: he didn’t need a new … Read more

When Does a 100-Amp Panel Actually Need Upgrading? Signs I Look For

Marc Reeves · July 4, 2026

When Does a 100-Amp Panel Actually Need Upgrading? Signs I Look For

Last August, I got a call from a homeowner in my area who was completely stumped. Her kitchen lights dimmed every time the microwave kicked on. Her garage door opener had started acting sluggish. Her HVAC unit tripped the breaker twice in one week. She thought her appliances were dying. I knew immediately — after … Read more