As homes add more appliances, the original electrical supply may no longer be enough. An electrical service upgrade (e.g., 60A to 100A/200A) increases the amount of power your home can safely handle.
Why It Matters
Running too many appliances on a small electrical supply can cause frequent tripping and even damage to your wiring. An electrical service upgrade (e.g., 60A to 100A/200A) allows your home to support modern needs such as air conditioning, electric water heaters, and multiple kitchen appliances running at once.
What to Expect During the Process
- Load Assessment – The electrician calculates your home's current and future power needs.
- Application and Approval – In some cases, approval from the power utility company is required for the upgrade.
- Meter and Panel Update – The meter and main panel are upgraded to handle the new capacity.
- Wiring Adjustments – Main supply cables may need to be replaced with thicker cables to handle the higher current.
- Testing – The new setup is tested under load to confirm it functions safely.
- Utility Reconnection – The power utility company reconnects the supply once the upgrade passes inspection.
This process may take longer than other electrical services since it can involve coordination with the utility provider.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid skipping the utility company approval process, as this can lead to disconnection or penalties. Always confirm that supply cables are upgraded alongside the panel, since an old cable cannot safely carry a higher current.
Estimated Cost of Electrical Service Upgrade (e.g., 60A to 100A/200A)
| Service | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Upgrade from 60A to 100A | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| Upgrade from 100A to 200A | 60,000 – 110,000 |
| Main panel replacement (included in upgrade) | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Supply cable replacement | 15,000 – 35,000 |
| Utility coordination and inspection fee | 5,000 – 15,000 |
Costs depend on distance from the utility connection point, cable size, and panel type.
An electrical service upgrade (e.g., 60A to 100A/200A) is necessary when your home's power needs outgrow its original supply. Plan ahead, work with a licensed electrician, and confirm all approvals are in place before the upgrade begins.