Answer: In most cases Explanation: Upgrading an electrical panel usually does NOT require rewiring the entire house. As long as the existing branch-circuit wiring is in good condition and meets current safety standards, you can replace a 100A or 150A panel with a new 200A panel without touching the interior wiring.
Why the answer is “in most cases”
Branch-circuit wiring can stay if it’s properly sized, undamaged, and code-compliant.
Panel upgrades focus on the service equipment — meter, grounding, bonding, service entrance conductors, and the panel itself.
California inspectors allow existing wiring to remain unless it’s unsafe or clearly outdated.
Rewiring is only required when circuits are damaged, aluminum branch circuits need correction, or the home has severe code violations.
When rewiring might be required:
Knob-and-tube wiring still present
Cloth-insulated wiring that’s brittle or deteriorated
Overloaded or improperly sized circuits
Major remodels that trigger current-code compliance
Unsafe or ungrounded wiring that cannot be corrected at the panel
Summary
A panel upgrade is mostly a service-equipment project, not a whole-house wiring project. As long as the existing wiring is safe and functional, you can upgrade the panel without rewiring the home. |
| EcoWise Electric LLC |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: It depends on how old the wiring is, in the home. |
| G & H Electrical Services, LLC |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: In most cases if the wire is knob and tube or if the wire does not have a ground its highly recommended to rewire the house |
| Kingdom Electric Company |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: the existing panel can probably be replaced with a new panel rated for 200 amps (featuring circuit breakers, of course) without a total rewiring. |
| Ross Electric Company |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: Unless the panel upgrade is part of a larger remodel, a panel can normally be replaced without re-wiring the entire house. At most, depending on the existing wiring, small portions of the wire may need to be replaced if damaged. |
| Electrical Services Plus LLC |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: Sometimes the wiring is in such a condition that it needs to be replaced. There are ways to get around this but is very much a case-by-case situation. |
| Aegis Electric LLC |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Always Explanation: shouldn't be a need to re wire the entire house on a panel change out |
| ELITE ELECTRIC SERVICES |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Depends on the home wiring and if has grounding. |
| D B Electric |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: This depends on your local inspection department and what they require when a power upgrade is required. |
| Seabreeze Electric |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: Just check local codes |
| Advanced Electrical and Energy |
Answer: Always Explanation: Always, but upgrading the electrical panel does not upgrade the wiring in the house. |
| LED Electrical Services |
Answer: Always Explanation: Yes as long as you dont have knob n tube wiring. If you have metal BX or romex your good to go. |
| DiBiagio Electrical Construction llc |