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When it comes to powering a home, most homeowners don’t give much thought to how electricity flows into their property—until they experience problems or need an upgrade. Yet, understanding your home’s electrical service is critical for safety, efficiency, and ensuring your home can handle the electrical demands of modern living.
The typical electrical service to a house in North America today is a 200-amp, single-phase service. This capacity provides enough power to run the wide range of appliances, electronics, and systems we rely on daily, from central air conditioning and heating units to washers, dryers, ovens, and electric vehicles.
But not every home is equipped with a 200-amp service. Older properties, in particular, may still have 60-amp or 100-amp service, which can limit functionality and even present safety concerns. In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of electrical service, how to identify what your home has, and why it might be time for an upgrade.
Why Electrical Service Size Matters
Your electrical service size determines how much electricity can safely enter and be distributed throughout your home. If your service isn’t adequate for your household’s needs, you might notice issues such as:
Frequent tripped breakers
Flickering lights
Difficulty running multiple appliances at once
Overheating electrical panels or wires (a major fire hazard)
On the other hand, having the right electrical service means your home can operate efficiently, safely, and with enough capacity for future upgrades—such as adding a hot tub, new HVAC system, or electric vehicle charger.
Common Electrical Service Sizes
60 Amp Service: Outdated and Unsafe for Modern Homes
Where it’s found: Older homes, often built before the 1960s
Capacity: Very limited—suitable only for basic lighting and a few appliances
Risks:
Cannot safely support modern appliances like electric dryers, ovens, or HVAC systems
May pose serious fire risks due to overloaded circuits
Can affect home insurance eligibility or property resale value
If your home still has a 60-amp service, an upgrade is almost always necessary for safety and functionality.
100 Amp Service: Minimal but Sometimes Sufficient
Where it’s found: Smaller or older homes, especially those that rely on gas for heating and cooking
Capacity: Adequate for households with limited appliances and no central air conditioning
Limitations:
Not ideal for homes with multiple high-energy appliances running at once
Can struggle with newer demands like electric vehicle charging stations
May still require panel upgrades in the future
For homeowners with modest needs, a 100-amp service can work—but it often leaves little room for expansion.
200 Amp Service: The Modern Standard
Where it’s found: Most homes built in the last 30 years


Capacity: Easily supports central air conditioning, electric ranges, dryers, dishwashers, and other high-power appliances


Advantages:


Future-proof: Supports upgrades like hot tubs, solar panels, or EV chargers
Meets the electrical demand of growing households
Provides an overall safer, more reliable supply of electricity
Today, 200 amps is considered the standard electrical service size for most residential properties.
400 Amp Service: For Large Homes and High-Demand Needs
Where it’s found: Luxury or very large homes, or properties with multiple HVAC systems


Capacity: Extremely high—suitable for powering large appliances, multiple heating/cooling systems, and EV chargers


When it’s needed:
Homes exceeding 4,000 square feet
Properties with guest houses, home theaters, or full workshops
Households with multiple electric vehicles
While 400 amps isn’t common, it’s a growing need in households with heavy electrical consumption.
How to Identify Your Home’s Electrical Service Size
Not sure what service you currently have? Here are four simple ways to check:
Locate the main electrical panel – Usually found in the basement, garage, or on an exterior wall of your home.
Look at the main breaker – The main circuit breaker should list the amperage rating (e.g., 60A, 100A, 200A).
Check the electric meter – Some meters display the service size, though not all do.
Consult an electrician – A licensed electrician can accurately assess your home’s service size and advise if an upgrade is needed.
If you’re unfamiliar with working around electrical systems, it’s best to leave this task to a professional. DIY inspections without proper knowledge can be dangerous.
Signs You May Need an Electrical Service Upgrade
Even if you know your service size, you might be wondering: Does my home really need an upgrade? Here are some clear signs that it might:
Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses
Flickering or dimming lights when appliances turn on
Heavy reliance on power strips and extension cords
Lack of outlets in key areas
Installation of new, high-demand appliances (HVAC, EV chargers, hot tubs)
A burning smell or sparks near outlets or the panel
Home renovations that increase square footage or appliance use
Upgrading your electrical service not only supports your lifestyle but also enhances safety and boosts your home’s value.
The Process of Upgrading Electrical Service
If you discover your home’s electrical service is outdated or insufficient, upgrading is a straightforward but essential project. Here’s what the process generally involves:
Assessment by an electrician – A licensed professional evaluates your current system and determines the appropriate service size.
Utility company coordination – In many cases, your local utility must be involved to increase the service to your home.
Panel replacement – Your old panel may need to be replaced with a new one designed for higher amperage.
Permit and inspection – Electrical upgrades typically require permits and inspections to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
Final installation – Once approved, your electrician completes the installation, and your home is equipped with a safer, more powerful electrical service.
Safety Benefits of Having the Right Electrical Service
Electrical systems aren’t just about convenience—they’re also about safety. An overloaded system increases the risk of:
Electrical fires
Overheated wiring
Damage to appliances and electronics
Risk of shock
Upgrading to the right service size ensures your home is protected, your family is safe, and your electrical system can reliably handle daily use.
Cost Considerations
The cost of upgrading electrical service varies depending on factors like your home’s size, location, and the complexity of the work. Generally, homeowners can expect:
100 to 200 amp upgrade: $1,500 to $3,500 on average
200 to 400 amp upgrade: $3,000 to $5,500 or more
While the upfront cost may feel significant, the long-term benefits—including safety, home value, and functionality—make it a worthwhile investment.
Preparing for the Future
With the rise of electric vehicles, smart home devices, and high-efficiency appliances, electrical demand in households is only going to increase. Choosing the right service size today helps future-proof your home, ensuring it can adapt to changing technology without constant upgrades.
For homeowners considering solar power, the right electrical service is also critical, as solar systems often require higher capacity panels to integrate efficiently.
Conclusion
The typical electrical service to a house in North America is 200 amps, which provides the ideal balance of safety, efficiency, and flexibility for most modern households. While older homes may still have 60 or 100 amp service, these setups are often insufficient for today’s needs and can even pose safety risks.
If you’re unsure of your home’s electrical service—or you’ve noticed signs that your system is struggling—it’s time to consult a licensed electrician. At DW Utah, our team is dedicated to helping homeowners stay safe, efficient, and prepared for the future. Whether you need an assessment, upgrade, or complete installation, we’re here to provide expert solutions tailored to your home.
Call DW Utah today at (801)-845-0016 to schedule your electrical service evaluation and ensure your home is powered safely and reliably for years to come.