What is the difference between 100 and 200 AMP Electrical Panel?

If you’re wondering what the difference is between a 100-amp electrical panel and a 200-amp electrical panel, it’s pretty simple. The different ratings refer to the amount of power each panel can handle. They’re both perfectly safe, and which one you need depends on your electrical usage and the size of your home.

In general, 100 AMP panels are good for smaller homes with lower power usage, while 200 AMP panels are better for larger homes or homes with higher power usage. Both are perfectly safe and it just depends on your specific needs as to which one is right for you. Get your professional advice here 

What does AMP Stand for?

AMP (amperes) is a unit of measurement for electrical current. It measures the volume of electricity flowing through a home. How many amps a home can handle depends on how old the building is and what electrical panels are installed.

Usage of 100 AMP and 200 AMP electrical panels

When should you use a 100 AMP Panel? 

Although 100 AMP panels are often used in older homes, this doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. They may be considered outdated when compared to more modern homes that have a higher capacity, but they can still fit a decent number of circuits. Even if you don’t have as many modern appliances, a 100 AMP panel could still be a good fit for your home if you heat your home with gas instead of electricity, if you use gas appliances, and if you don’t use central air or heating.

When should you use a 200 AMP Panel? 

A 200 AMP panel is a good investment for most modern homes. Not only do they have a higher capacity, but they’re able to fit more circuits than their lower-powered counterparts. If you use electricity to heat or cool your home, then a 200 AMP panel will be a great choice for you. They’re also a good investment if you plan on expanding your home in the future or frequently use appliances and tools that require a lot of electricity.

Do you need to upgrade your electrical panel? 

A properly wired and grounded electrical panel is one of the most important parts of your home’s electrical system. The main reason to have a 200 amp electrical panel is that it can provide more power to all of the circuits in your home. A 200 amp panel can typically power all of the major appliances and tools in your home. If your home is wired with more than 100 amps, chances are you have a panel that is getting close to its maximum capacity. This is the time when you should consider upgrading your electrical panel. If you plan to add new circuits to your home or you want to be able to add new appliances, you may want to consider upgrading your electrical panel to a 200 amp panel. The cost of a 200 amp electrical panel upgrade depends on the brand and type you purchase. You can expect to pay around $500 for a 200 amp panel. Most electrical panels manufactured today are of the 200 amp variety.

For more information contact MJR Electric – Residential and Commercial Electricians in Vancouver 

Don’t DIY: Hire MJR professionals to upgrade your electrical panel

It’s not a good idea to replace an electrical panel yourself. Dealing with your home’s electrical system requires skill and education that the average homeowner just doesn’t have.

MJR Electric specializes in any small commercial or residential jobs, located all mainly in the Vancouver and Okanagan area of British Columbia. We have a determined vision to reduce carbon emissions through avenues like solar and LED lighting. We see the demand and potential to provide charging stations for electric vehicles, as well as information for EV incentives.

Source: Angi.com