100 Amp and 200 Amp panels are the most popular setup, but it is often a challenge to determine whether or not you should upgrade to a 200 amp panel.

The electrical panel size determines how much total power can be used by all circuits at once. So, the goal is not to have an efficient load management and not have the lights tripping once you turn your conditioner on.

The NEC typically sets a minimum standard for residential service panels at 100 amps. This is considered sufficient for most homes, especially smaller ones or those with modest electrical demands. The NEC recommends a 200 amp service for larger homes, especially those with energy-intensive appliances, electric heating systems, or plans for future electrical expansion.

To understand which panel you need, you should calculate the total load of appliances you wish to use at the same time. Here are the typical current draws of different appliances, and how they fit into 100-amp and 200-amp setups:

Central air conditioner (3-5 tons)

• Ampacity: 20-50 amps
• 100 amp panel: One large air conditioner may be supported, but it will consume a significant portion of the panel's capacity.
• 200 amp panel: Easily supports one or more large air conditioners, leaving plenty of capacity for other appliances.

Electric water heater

• Ampacity: 20-30 amps
• 100 amp panel: Typically manageable but with limited capacity left for other high-demand appliances.
• 200 amp panel: Easily supports an electric water heater along with multiple other large appliances.

Electric stove/oven

• Ampacity: 30-50 amps
• 100 amp panel: Manageable, but adding another large appliance may max out the panel.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supports an electric stove/oven with ample room for additional appliances.

Electric dryer

• Ampacity: 20-30 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Manageable, but with limited capacity for additional high-demand appliances.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supports an electric dryer along with other major appliances.

Electric vehicle (EV) charger (Level 2)

• Ampacity: 30-50 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Not a comfortable possibility
• 200 Amp Panel: Supports an EV charger with room for other large appliances.

Electric furnace

• Ampacity: 60-80 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Not an option.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supports an electric furnace and other large appliances.

Baseboard heaters (per unit)

• Ampacity: 10-20 amps (per heater)
• 100 Amp Panel: Multiple units may consume much of the panel’s capacity.
• 200 Amp Panel: Can support multiple baseboard heaters along with other large appliances.

Refrigerator

• Ampacity: 3-6 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Easily supported, even with multiple refrigerators.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supported, with room for many additional appliances.

Microwave oven

• Ampacity: 10-15 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Typically manageable with multiple smaller appliances.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supported, with room for many additional appliances.

Dishwasher

• Ampacity: 10-15 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Typically manageable with multiple smaller appliances.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supported, with room for many additional appliances.

Lighting circuits

• Ampacity: 15-20 amps per circuit
• 100 Amp Panel: Typically manageable with careful load distribution.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supports multiple lighting circuits with ample capacity for other devices.

Washer

• Ampacity: 10-15 amps
• 100 Amp Panel: Typically manageable with multiple smaller appliances.
• 200 Amp Panel: Easily supported, with room for many additional appliances.

Based on all of this, here is a realistic setup for a 100-amp panel:

• Central air conditioner: 20 amps
• Electric water heater: 20 amps
• Refrigerator: 5 amps
• Microwave oven: 10 amps
• Lighting circuits: 15 amps
• Washer/dryer combo: 15 amps
• Dishwasher: 10 amps
• Small kitchen appliances: 10 amps
• Home office equipment: 5 amps

And here is a realistic setup for the 200-amp panel:

• Central air conditioner: 30 amps
• Electric water heater: 20 amps
• Electric stove/oven: 40 amps
• Electric dryer: 25 amps
• Electric vehicle (EV) charger (Level 2): 30 amps
• Refrigerator: 5 amps
• Dishwasher: 10 amps
• Microwave oven: 10 amps
• Washer: 10 amps
• Lighting circuits: 15 amps
• Small kitchen appliances: 10 amps
• Home office equipment: 5 amps
• Outdoor lighting/power: 10 amps

All in all, when selecting between 100 amp and 200 amp panel, the golden rule is that you would need a 200 amp panel if you have several demanding appliances like water heater and air conditioner, and if you have a EV charger. If you are fine with a 100 amp panel, make sure that the total load does not exceed the capacity. If you have resources, you may consider upgrading to a 200 amp panel for future-proofing even if you do not need it right now.

Here are some of the critical indicators that you should upgrade to a 200-amp panel as soon as possible without waiting:

• Frequent breaker trips or signs of overloaded circuits.
• Renovations or additions planned that involve adding large appliances.
• Current use of, or plans for, energy-heavy appliances like those listed above.

The total cost of an upgrade is between $1,500 to $3,000. And here's all you need to know about cables for 200-amp panel and 100-amp panel.