If your breakers trip often or your home struggles with new loads, a panel upgrade may be the right move. Homeowners usually ask one question first: how long does it take? For most Los Angeles homes, the installation itself is typically a one-day job, but permits, utility windows, and inspections can extend the overall timeline. In this guide, Tik Electric breaks down the full process, so you’ll know what to expect before booking your electrical panel upgrade in Los Angeles.
TL;DR
- Installation day: usually 1 day for a standard 200-amp upgrade.
- End-to-end: permit → install → inspection typically 3–10 business days, driven by permit/utility scheduling.
- Delays mostly come from utility windows, panel relocation, or grounding corrections.
- See the prep checklist below to avoid slowdowns.
Timeline at a glance
- Permit & scheduling: 1–5 business days (LADBS filing + picking an install window).
- Installation: ~6–10 hours (shutdown, swap/upgrade, labeling, safety tests).
- Utility reconnect (if required): same-day or next available window.
- Inspection: same- or next-business-day where available; otherwise up to a few days.
For complex conditions (relocation, long service runs, masonry), add ½–1 extra day.
Want a Fast, Code-Compliant Upgrade?
We’ll file the permit, coordinate the utility, and schedule the inspection—end-to-end.
What actually happens on installation day
- Site safety & pre-checks (30–60 min): working clearances, grounding/bonding review, labeling plan.
- Shutdown & removal (60–90 min): power off, old panel/meter-main made safe.
- New gear & conductors (3–5 hrs): meter/main combo or panel, correctly sized conductors, breakers, terminations.
- Grounding/bonding updates (45–90 min): ground rods, water/gas bonds as required.
- Labeling & tests (45–60 min): directory updated, AFCI/GFCI where required, circuit tests.
- Utility reconnect (varies): according to the scheduled window.
- Cleanup & handoff (30 min): walkthrough, photos, warranty details.
What can speed things up (or slow it down)
Speeds up
- Clear photos of panel (inside/labels) provided up front
- No relocation (staying in place with clear working space)
- Accessible grounding points; straightforward service entrance
- Quick homeowner decisions on any add-ons (e.g., surge protection)
Slows down
- Relocation for clearance or exterior code issues
- Masonry/stucco penetrations; long exterior conduit runs
- Undersized or damaged service conductors needing replacement
- Utility scheduling constraints or weather holds
- Missed inspections or re-inspection for labeling/grounding items
What Factors Affect the Timeline?
Several variables determine how long does an electrical panel upgrade take:
- Type of Upgrade – Swapping an old 100-amp panel for a 200-amp system takes longer than a simple replacement.
- Condition of Wiring – Outdated or unsafe wiring means additional electrical rewiring in Los Angeles may be needed.
- Permit & Inspection Delays – Los Angeles requires permits and inspections for all upgrades. Sometimes the paperwork takes longer than the installation itself.
- Location of the Panel – Hard-to-reach spaces can extend labor hours.
- Weather & External Setup – For outdoor panels, rain or heat can delay work.
- Electrician’s Team – A professional crew like Tik Electric finishes jobs faster and safer than DIY attempts.
Inspection: what they look for
- Correct service rating and breaker sizes
- Proper grounding/bonding and working clearances
- Labeling and tidy terminations (no double-taps unless rated)
- AFCI/GFCI where required, secure panel cover, correct torque
If anything minor is flagged, re-inspection is typically quick once corrected.
Utility coordination (when it’s needed)
For many 200A upgrades, the utility must disconnect/reconnect the service. We schedule a same-day window when possible so power returns after work. In some cases, the utility prefers reconnect after inspection—then we plan for a short return window the next business day.
Prep checklist
Send clear photos of the existing panel (inside + labels + surroundings).
- Confirm preferred install days and someone at home for access.
- Keep 3 feet of clear space in front of the panel.
- Tell us about any future loads (EV charger, heat pump, ADU).
- Have Wi-Fi details handy if adding smart devices/monitoring.
Mini case studies
Reseda — Standard 200A: Permit Monday, install Thursday (1 day), inspection Friday—EV-ready by the weekend.
Sherman Oaks — Relocation: Exterior move for clearance; added conduit run. Install took 1.5 days; inspection next business day.
Encino — Utility Window: Utility required post-inspection reconnect; install Wednesday, inspection Thursday, reconnect Friday morning.
Pricing note
Time and cost correlate with relocation, service entrance complexity, and grounding updates. You’ll get an itemized estimate before work begins. (Keep your current pricing page/anchor texts unchanged—just ensure targets are correct.)
FAQs – Panel Upgrade Timelines
4–8 hours in most cases.
Usually the same day, unless inspections are delayed.
Typically 1 extra day due to rewiring and utility coordination.
Yes, but power will be off for several hours.
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