Safe, code-compliant electrical upgrades for modern homes, EV chargers, pools, and growing power demands.

  • Veteran-Owned & Operated: Precision and accountability in every wire.
  • State-Licensed & Insured: Fully qualified Florida electrical contractors.
  • Local Marion County Experts: We know the specific code requirements for Ocala and the surrounding areas.
  • 5-Star Google Reviews: Trusted by your neighbors for over a decade.

Quick Service Snapshot:

  • Typical Upgrade Time: 6–8 hours of on-site work.
  • Permits: Handled 100% in-house by Vetcon.
  • Utility Coordination: We manage the scheduling with Duke Energy or Ocala Electric Utility.
200 Amp Upgrade Service

Local Experience: Why Ocala Homes Need a 200 Amp Service Upgrade

Ocala is a unique blend of historic charm and rapid modern expansion. However, much of the electrical infrastructure in Marion County was designed for a different era. Many homes in established neighborhoods like Ocala Palms, Silver Springs Shores, and Marion Oaks were originally built with 100-amp or 150-amp services.

While 100 amps was sufficient in 1980, it struggles to keep up with the “Sunshine State” lifestyle of 2026. At Vetcon Electricians of Ocala, we frequently see local homeowners hitting a “power ceiling.” Whether you are restoring a historic downtown home or adding modern luxuries to a ranch in Southwest Ocala, a 200-amp upgrade is often the foundational step.

Common local drivers for an upgrade include:

  • HVAC Upgrades: High-efficiency heat pumps for Florida summers.
  • EV Chargers: Level 2 charging stations require significant dedicated amperage.
  • Pool Equipment: New pumps, heaters, and salt systems.
  • Home Additions: Converting a garage or adding a mother-in-law suite.

What Is a 200 Amp Electrical Service Upgrade?

To the average homeowner, “amps” can feel like an abstract concept. Simply put, amperage is the volume of electricity flowing into your home. Think of it like a water pipe: a 100-amp pipe is much narrower than a 200-amp pipe.

Service Upgrade vs. Panel Replacement

It is important to distinguish between a simple “panel swap” and a full “service upgrade.” A panel swap replaces the interior breaker box but keeps the same power capacity. A 200 Amp Service Upgrade in Ocala involves replacing the entire “pathway” of power from the utility connection to your home.

Components we typically replace during this process:

  1. Service Entrance Conductors: The heavy-duty wires that bring power from the utility pole or underground vault.
  2. Meter Base: The outdoor socket where your utility meter sits (often must be upgraded to a 200-amp rated jaw).
  3. Main Breaker Panel: A new, larger distribution center with more “spaces” for future circuits.
  4. Grounding & Bonding System: Modernizing the safety system that directs surge energy into the earth.

Signs Your Home Needs a 200 Amp Upgrade

If you aren’t sure if your home is ready for the leap, look for these “Buyer-Intent” red flags. Ignoring these isn’t just a convenience issue—it’s a safety risk.

  • Breakers Tripping Frequently: Especially when the AC kicks on while you’re using the microwave.
  • Flickering Lights: A sign that your voltage is dropping when high-draw appliances start up.
  • Lack of Physical Space: If your current panel is “maxed out” with no room for new breakers, you cannot safely add an EV charger or pool.
  • Heat or Burnt Smells: A warm panel cover or a “fishy” ozone smell indicates arching or overloaded wires.
  • Insurance Failures: Many Florida insurers are now denying coverage for homes with outdated brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, or services under 150 amps.

The 200 Amp Service Upgrade Process in Ocala, FL

At Vetcon Electricians, we pride ourselves on a “no-surprises” workflow. We handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on your home.

  1. Load Calculation: We perform a professional NEC (National Electrical Code) calculation to ensure 200 amps is sufficient for your specific needs.
  2. Utility Coordination: We contact Duke Energy, Ocala Electric Utility (OEU), or SECO Energy to authorize the disconnect.
  3. Permitting: We submit all technical drawings to the Marion County Building Department.
  4. Installation Day: Our veteran-led team arrives, disconnects the old service, installs the new mast, meter, and panel, and ensures everything is labeled clearly.
  5. Grounding Update: We install new ground rods to meet 2026 safety standards.
  6. Inspection & Reconnect: We coordinate with the county inspector and the utility provider to get your power back on as quickly as possible.

Cost of a 200 Amp Service Upgrade in Ocala, FL

Transparency is a core value at Vetcon. While every home is different, several factors influence the final investment:

  • Overhead vs. Underground: Overhead services (wires coming from a pole) are generally less labor-intensive than trenching for underground lines.
  • Meter & Mast Requirements: If your “weather head” or mast is damaged or out of code, it must be replaced.
  • Panel Location: Moving a panel from a closet (now against code) to an exterior wall adds labor.

Typical Ocala Price Range: While we provide custom quotes, most professional 200-amp upgrades in Marion County range between $2,500 and $5,500. Be wary of “low-ball” quotes; these often skip the necessary permits or use inferior components that won’t pass a municipal inspection.

Code Compliance & Permits in Marion County

Modern electrical work is governed by the NEC (National Electrical Code). In Ocala, strict adherence to these codes is required to pass a final inspection. This includes specific requirements for “working clearance” around the panel and the use of AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers to prevent house fires.

When you hire Vetcon Electricians of Ocala, we ensure your home is 100% compliant, protecting you from future liability during a home sale.

Safety, Insurance, and Home Value Benefits

Upgrading your service is one of the few home improvements that offers an immediate Return on Investment (ROI).

  • Home Value: Modern 200-amp service is a major selling point. Buyers don’t want to inherit an electrical project.
  • Insurance Discounts: Many Ocala homeowners see a reduction in premiums after replacing an aging, high-risk electrical service.
  • Protection for Electronics: Stable voltage means your expensive smart TVs, computers, and appliances last longer.

Why Choose Vetcon for a 200 Amp Service Upgrade in Ocala?

We aren’t just a “truck and a ladder” company. As a Veteran-Owned business, we bring military-grade discipline to the trades.

  • Local Electricians: Our team lives and works in Ocala. We aren’t a national franchise sending random subcontractors to your door.
  • Clear Labeling: We take the time to label every single breaker so you actually know what goes where.
  • Workmanship Warranty: We stand behind our installs with a comprehensive guarantee.

Real-World Case Examples: Ocala Success Stories

The Ocala Palms Modernization

A homeowner in the Ocala Palms community wanted to add a high-end hot tub and an EV charger for their new Tesla. Their original 150-amp panel was full. Vetcon performed a full 200-amp upgrade, including a new exterior meter-main, allowing the homeowner to enjoy their upgrades without fear of a blackout.

The Marion Oaks “Insurance Save”

In Marion Oaks, a resident was being threatened with insurance cancellation due to an aging 100-amp Zinsco panel. Vetcon stepped in, pulled the necessary permits, and completed a 200-amp upgrade in a single day, keeping the homeowner’s policy active and their home safe.

Service Areas We Cover

We provide 200 amp service upgrades throughout the following areas:

  • Ocala (Downtown, SE, NW, and SW)
  • Silver Springs Shores
  • Belleview
  • Marion Oaks
  • Dunnellon
  • The Villages
  • Summerfield

Ready for a Safe, Code-Compliant 200 Amp Upgrade?

Don’t let an outdated electrical system hold your home back or put your family at risk. Trust the veteran-led team at Vetcon Electricians of Ocala for a seamless, professional experience.

  • Licensed & Insured
  • Veteran-Owned Precision
  • Transparent Local Pricing

[Call Now: 352-820-5110 [Request a Quote Online]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 200 amp service upgrade take?

The physical work takes about 6–8 hours. However, your power will be off for most of that day while the utility company manages the transition.

Do I need to upgrade the meter base?

In most 200-amp upgrades, yes. Older meter bases are usually only rated for 125 or 150 amps and cannot safely handle the increased load.

Is a permit required in Ocala or Marion County?

Yes. Any service change or panel upgrade requires a permit and a final inspection by the city or county to ensure safety and insurance compliance.