Hacker News Reader

Comment by KerrAvon | Hacker News Reader

I’m a little skeptical. California code is not that dissimilar to the national code in terms of labor and materials. I’ve had extensive work done to my California house by electricians for a (fully-permitted) remodel and it’s been pricey but not that slow or pricey.

View on HN

In California it Cost me 3k to upgrade an electric panel from 120 to 200amp service. Was a one day job with a single electrician.

That's probably the cheapest upgrade in the history of the state. PG&E claims the average service upgrade in California is costing somewhere between $8k to $25k.

I had panel upgrade in the bay area back in 2019 which cost $3200. Changed the service panel, weatherhead and ground rods.

Overhead service is definitely the cheapest upgrade. No trenching and underground conduit required.

Probably depends on if you have to pay PG&E for their side or if it’s just a panel swap.

It was just a panel swap. But I did have PGE come out to disconnect and re-connect service. It also required a permit and inspection from the city.

Ah. Yes that's about right for a panel swap. Upgrading the service conductors is what costs $$$.

You also have situations like my friend - his current 100 amp service is arial, but if he wants to upgrade to 200 amp service he will have to pay for buried line.

Amusingly enough you can add a separate 100 amp service arial if you convert to a duplex even if just on paper ...

Reply on news.ycombinator.com