Consider the benefits of added capacity and safety. Think about how a 200-amp breaker panel can accommodate new appliances and tech. Lastly, remember the potential boost to your home’s value.

This panel transfers electrical power from the main outside power lines to the home's system. Most electrical panels have 200-, 300-, or 400-amp capacities and enough room for up to 84 circuits.

A 200-amp breaker is appropriate for a home upwards of 2000 square feet. Smaller buildings can use 150-amp or 100-amp; small homes and subpanels can use as little as 50-amp.

If you're buying a home with a fused electric service, you would do well to have the service upgraded. A typical service upgrade from a fuse panel to a breaker panel will be in the $1500 - $2000 ...

While modern homes are often built with 200-amp service panels, houses built before 1990 often have just 100 amps or less—creating an unexpected barrier to convenient home charging.