Is Your 100-Amp Panel Overloaded? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you're experiencing flickering lights, tripping breakers, or hot electrical switches in your home, you may be pushing your electrical panel to its limit. Many older homes in Northern Virginia still operate on a 100-amp service panel, which might not be equipped to handle the demands of today’s appliances, smart devices, and electric vehicle chargers.
At Root Electric, we often hear this question from homeowners:
“Can I just split some of the circuits, or do I need to upgrade to a higher-rated electrical panel?”
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option, what signs to look out for, and when a panel upgrade is the safest solution.
⚡ What Is a 100-Amp Electrical Panel?
A 100-amp panel was the standard for residential homes built several decades ago. It supplies a total of 100 amps of electrical current for your entire home. While that may have been enough when homes didn’t include central HVAC, hot tubs, double ovens, or dozens of devices charging at once, today it’s often not sufficient.
If you're trying to power a modern lifestyle on yesterday’s electrical infrastructure, overloads are almost inevitable.
🚨 Common Signs Your 100-Amp Panel Is Overloaded
- 🔌 Frequent circuit breaker trips
- 💡 Lights dim or flicker when appliances start
- 🔥 Warm or buzzing outlets
- 🧯 Burning smell near panel or outlets
- 💻 Power strips everywhere because there aren’t enough outlets
Over time, these warning signs point to a serious safety issue — one that could lead to electrical fires or equipment failure if left unaddressed.
🔧 Can You Split the Circuits Instead of Upgrading the Panel?
Splitting circuits (or adding more breakers) might seem like a quick fix, but it has limitations:
- ✅ It can redistribute loads more evenly if done carefully.
- ❌ It does not increase the total amperage capacity of your panel.
- ❌ It may not be allowed if the panel is already full or near its maximum rated amperage.
- ❌ If not done correctly, it can create a code violation or increase fire risk.
You might be able to add a subpanel or rearrange some circuits, but only if your main panel has the space and available load capacity.
📞 Tip: Root Electric’s licensed electricians can help evaluate your panel and safely split circuits or recommend upgrades based on the actual load your home uses.
⚖️ When Should You Upgrade to a 200-Amp Panel?
If your home has grown in size or functionality, it might be time to consider a full panel upgrade to 200 amps or more.
🔌 Top Reasons to Upgrade from a 100-Amp to a 200-Amp Panel
- 🔁 Frequent breaker trips
You’re constantly resetting breakers, which is a sign your panel is overloaded. - 🔥 Safety concerns
Wires or breakers are overheating, creating a serious fire hazard. - 🛠️ Home renovation or addition
Adding new rooms, large appliances, or HVAC systems increases your electrical demand. - 🚗 EV charging or solar installation
These modern upgrades require more electrical capacity than a 100-amp panel can support. - 🏡 Planning to sell your home
Upgrading to a 200-amp panel increases home value and appeals to future buyers.
Most modern homes, especially those with central AC, electric heat, or garages with workshops, are better suited to 200-amp service.
💵 How Much Does a 200-Amp Panel Upgrade Cost?
The cost of upgrading to a 200-amp service can vary widely and depends on several factors specific to your home, including:
- The age and condition of your current electrical panel and wiring
- Whether your meter base or service entrance cable also needs upgrading
- Local permitting and inspection requirements
- The layout of your home and the accessibility of your electrical components
- Utility company coordination and any service-side upgrades needed
Because of these variables, it’s best to have a licensed electrician evaluate your home and provide a custom quote based on your specific setup and needs.
At Root Electric, we provide detailed, transparent estimates and walk you through each step so you can make the right decision for your home and budget.
🛠️ What Happens During a Panel Upgrade?
At Root Electric, we follow a safety-first, code-compliant process for every panel upgrade:
- Electrical load calculation
We assess your current and future needs to determine the proper panel size. - Permit and inspection
We handle all local permits and schedule inspections to meet Virginia code. - Meter & service upgrade (if needed)
The meter base and service cable are updated if your utility requires it. - New 200-amp panel installation
Our licensed Master Electrician ensures all connections are secure, grounded, and labeled. - Power restored and tested
We coordinate with your power provider to restore service and test every circuit.
📍 Whether you're in Woodbridge, Alexandria, Fairfax, or Bethesda, Root Electric provides reliable panel upgrades throughout Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, MD.
🔌 What About Subpanels?
A subpanel is a smaller panel connected to your main panel and is often used:
- For detached garages, workshops, or basements
- When you’re out of space in the main panel but don’t want a full upgrade
While useful in some cases, subpanels still draw power from your main panel, so if your 100-amp service is already maxed out, a subpanel won’t solve the root issue.
🧯 Safety First: Don’t Delay Fixing Overloads
Ignoring electrical overloads can result in:
- 🔥 Electrical fires
- 🔌 Burned outlets and equipment damage
- ❌ Voided home insurance claims (due to code violations)
- ⚠️ Risk of electrical shock
Root Electric recommends scheduling a Home Electrical Safety Inspection if you're unsure whether your current panel is safe or adequate.
🔍 How to Get Started
If you're not sure whether you can get by with splitting circuits or need a full panel upgrade, contact Root Electric today. We’ll provide a no-pressure evaluation and guide you to the safest, most cost-effective solution for your home.
📞 Call Root Electric Today
Don’t wait until the lights go out or the breakers won’t reset.
👉 Contact us at (703) 494-3989 or schedule your evaluation online with one of our licensed electricians. We’ll help you determine whether splitting circuits or upgrading your panel is the right move for your home.
Root Electric’s licensed electricians can help you do the job safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with electrical codes.
🔗 Related Services & Resources
🏡 Final Thoughts
If your home still runs on a 100-amp service and you're experiencing electrical overloads, it's time to take a closer look. Splitting circuits might help in some cases, but often a panel upgrade is the only safe, future-ready solution.
Let Root Electric help you protect your home and modernize your electrical system the right way.
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