200A Overhead Main Service Upgrade — Single-Family Home, Northridge, CA
Project Snapshot
| Property Type | Single-family residence |
| Location | Northridge, Los Angeles, CA |
| Existing Condition | 100A overhead main electrical service |
| Scope of Work | Upgrade to 200A Siemens overhead main service mounted adjacent to the old service; full grounding & bonding; permit & inspection management |
| Grounding & Bonding | Two ground rods and bond to the main cold-water pipe |
| Permitting & Inspection | LADBS permit pulled; passed inspection on the first try |
| Outcome | Safe, code-compliant 200A service with capacity for modern loads |
Background & Homeowner Goals
The home’s original 100A overhead main service was undersized for current and future needs (HVAC upgrades, kitchen appliances, EV charging). The homeowner wanted a clean, code-compliant 200A upgrade with minimal disruption and proper documentation.
Challenges We Solved
- Adjacent install: placing the new 200A Siemens meter-main next to the existing service to streamline cut-over and minimize wall repairs.
- Overhead clearances: maintaining working space and proper weatherhead/mast alignment.
- Schedule coordination: aligning work completion with same-day LADBS inspection.
Our Approach
A) Planning & Preparation
- Verified service upgrade path, mounting location, and clearances for the new panel installed adjacent to the old service.
- Confirmed grounding electrode locations (ground rods and main cold-water bond).
B) Permit & Inspection
- Pulled the LADBS electrical permit and scheduled the inspection to align with completion.
C) Installation — What We Built
- Installed a Siemens 200A overhead meter-main, set plumb and weather-tight, with clear circuit labeling.
- Transitioned feeders and service raceway to the new equipment; all terminations torqued to manufacturer specifications (torque-marked).
- Completed grounding: two 8-ft ground rods with listed clamps and continuous grounding electrode conductor.
- Installed cold-water bond at the main copper line (bonding jumpers where applicable).
Inspection & Close-Out
- LADBS inspection performed and approved on first visit.
- Final labeling and homeowner walkthrough (panel directory, safety basics).
- Delivered permit/inspection documentation for the homeowner’s records.
Results & Benefits
- Capacity Doubled — 200A service supports HVAC, EV charging, and future remodels.
- Code-Compliant & Safe — Proper grounding/bonding and modern Siemens equipment.
- Clean Cut-Over — Adjacent install minimized downtime and wall patching.
- Documentation Ready — LADBS permit and approval provided for insurance and resale.
Timeline
| Day | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 0 | Site walk; confirm adjacent mounting; LADBS permit pulled |
| 1-2 | Install Siemens 200A meter-main; complete grounding/cold-water bond; perform QA checks |
| Same Day | LADBS inspection → pass → homeowner walkthrough & documentation |
Actual timing can vary based on site conditions and scheduling.
Considering a 200A Upgrade?
Get a fixed-scope proposal for your home’s service upgrade.
