
No two homes are alike. Just like your furniture, layout, and appliances are customized to your lifestyle, your electrical panel — the central hub of your home's electrical system — needs to be the right size to efficiently power everything in your home. But how do you determine electrical panel size?
In this blog, we'll walk you through how to choose the right electrical panel for your home and highlight the factors that help determine electrical panel sizes.
Why Choosing the Right Electrical Panel Matters
When your home was built or last renovated, an electrical panel was installed based on the needs of that time. But as families grow and technology advances, so does your demand for electricity. It’s common to add more appliances, upgrade heating and cooling systems, and introduce smart home devices, all of which increase the load on your electrical system. If your panel isn’t the right size, you might experience flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or worse — an unsafe home.
So, how do you determine electrical panel size? It’s all about understanding your current and future electrical needs. Ultimately, a panel that’s too small can lead to problems, while an oversized panel might be overkill, costing you more than necessary.
Determining Electrical Panel Size
How do you figure out the right electrical panel size for your home? There are several factors to consider:
Square Footage of Your Home
The size of your home plays a big role in determining the right panel size. So, how do you determine electrical panel size? You'll want to start by looking at your house's square footage.
Generally, larger homes with more square footage will require more power to accommodate their electrical needs. Smaller homes may get by with a smaller panel, but a larger house with extra rooms, appliances, and features like central air or a heating system may need a larger panel to distribute enough power efficiently.
Total Electrical Load
Another key factor is the total electrical load of your home, which is the sum of all the electrical devices, appliances, and systems running in your house. Think of everything from your clothes dryer to your air conditioning unit. By calculating the total load, you can figure out how much electricity your home needs. This will help you determine whether a 100-amp panel, 200-amp panel, or an even larger panel is the right fit.
To calculate your total load, consider all the major appliances, like your stove, electric heating, clothes dryer, and large appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. You also need to account for future additions like an electric vehicle charging station or any other future power needs. An electrician can help you do a load calculation for an accurate assessment.
Electrical Appliances and Devices
With the rise of modern homes and smart technology, most households use more electricity than ever. From kitchen gadgets to gaming systems and smart home devices, your electrical panel has to be able to handle all the electrical appliances you use daily. Energy efficiency is key here, too — older appliances tend to pull more power, while new energy-efficient models may help reduce your overall load.
Your Home’s Age and Existing Panel
If your home is older and you're using an existing panel, it might not be sufficient for your current needs. Older homes were often built with smaller panels, like 60-amp or 100-amp panels, but newer homes and those with added features typically require more power. If you have an older panel, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade to meet modern standards.
Local Building Codes
Another important factor to consider is your local building and safety regulations. In many areas, local codes dictate the minimum panel size required for homes based on square footage and the number of electrical appliances in use. These codes are designed to make sure that homes have enough power to operate safely without overloading the system. A professional electrician will be familiar with local building codes and can help make sure your panel meets these standards.
Common Electrical Panel Sizes for Homes
Now that you know what factors to consider, let’s talk about some common electrical panel sizes for your home. Most residential homes use one of three main panel sizes:
100-Amp Panels
For smaller homes or those with limited electrical needs, a 100-amp panel might be sufficient. These panels can safely distribute power to small appliances, lighting, and heating. However, if you plan to add additional circuits or run several large appliances at once, you might outgrow this option.
200-Amp Panels
This is the most common choice for modern homes, offering enough power for typical electrical appliances, heating and cooling systems, and the growing demand of today’s technology. If you’re wondering how to choose the right electrical panel for your home, a 200-amp panel is often the best middle-ground solution.
400-Amp Panels
For larger homes or those with significant power needs — like those that use electric heating or have large workshops — a 400-amp panel provides ample room for future electrical needs. This is also a good option if you plan to install new circuits down the road.
How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel for Your Home
If you're still unsure how to choose the right size electrical panel for your home, consider the following:
- Do you experience flickering lights or frequently tripped breakers? These could be signs your home's electrical panel is too small.
- Are you planning any home renovations or adding major appliances like a clothes dryer or air conditioning system? A larger panel may be needed to handle the additional circuits.
- Are you looking to improve energy efficiency in your home? A panel upgrade might help you achieve that goal by accommodating more modern appliances and technology.
Call the Expert Electricians at Gillece Services
Choosing the right electrical panel for your home can be tricky, but you don't have to do it alone. At Gillece Services, we’re here to help! Our Pittsburgh electricians have decades of experience assessing homes and helping families select the best electrical panel sizes for their specific needs.
We are your go-to team for all things related to electrical panels. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, tripping breakers, or simply curious if your panel is the right size for your home, we’re happy to assist you.
Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, so there’s no need to wait to get the expert help you deserve. Now that you know how to choose the right electrical panel for your home, why wait to give us a call? Contact us today to schedule your electrical service in Pittsburg, PA, or one of the surrounding areas, and let's get your home running safely and efficiently!