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Baltimore, MD 21236

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400 Amp Service Upgrades in Baltimore County, MD

By Kenny Daniels
November 5, 2025

Power Your Home for the Future with Dynamo Electric

As homes across Baltimore County become more energy-demanding, with electric vehicles, dual HVAC systems, and high-efficiency appliances, the need for greater electrical capacity has never been higher. For many homeowners, a 400 amp service upgrade isn’t just a luxury; it’s a smart investment in safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

At Dynamo Electric, LLC, we’ve been upgrading electrical panels and services in Towson, Nottingham, and throughout Baltimore County since 2004. If you’ve already explored our 200 Amp Service Upgrade Guide and realized you’re nearing capacity or if you’re expanding your home, adding EV chargers, or installing a pool, this post will help you understand when and why a 400 amp service might be the right move.

What Is a 400 Amp Electrical Service?

A 400 amp service is a heavy-duty electrical setup designed for homes or properties with high power demands. While the majority of homes operate on 100 or 200 amps, a 400 amp service increases that capacity, allowing your home to safely handle larger, more complex systems.

This type of upgrade usually includes:

  • A new 400 amp meter base and two main disconnects.
  • Two coordinated 200 amp panels for easier circuit management.
  • Upgraded grounding and bonding systems for safety and code compliance.

The result? More power, more reliability, and plenty of room to grow.

When Should You Upgrade to 400 Amps?

Not every home needs 400 amps, but if your electrical demand keeps growing, it’s worth considering. Here are the most common signs it’s time for an upgrade in Baltimore County:

1. You’re Adding Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Each EV charger can draw up to 50 amps or more. Two chargers alone can consume half the capacity of a 200 amp panel. A 400 amp upgrade provides enough headroom for multiple EVs without overloading your service.

2. You’re Expanding Your Home

Homes over 3,500–4,000 square feet, or those adding additions, garages, or accessory units, benefit from extra electrical capacity to support lighting, HVAC, and appliances without strain.

3. You Have High-Demand Equipment

Items like pools, hot tubs, electric tankless water heaters, or large kitchen appliances all draw significant power. When combined, they can easily exceed the limits of a standard 200 amp system.

4. You’re Planning for the Future

Even if you don’t need all 400 amps today, upgrading now means you won’t have to redo your service when you add more technology later, like solar panels, backup batteries, or smart home systems.

Benefits of a 400 Amp Service Upgrade

1. Safety and Code Compliance

Outdated panels or undersized wiring can pose serious fire risks. A 400 amp upgrade ensures your system meets modern NEC and Baltimore County electrical code standards, protecting both your home and family.

2. Future-Proofing

Electric power demands will only increase. A 400 amp system gives you decades of capacity for whatever the future brings, EVs, solar, battery backups, or a detached office or studio.

3. Increased Resale Value

Homes with upgraded services stand out in Baltimore County’s real estate market. Buyers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a modern, high-capacity electrical system.

4. Better Load Distribution

By splitting the system into two 200 amp panels, electricians can separate heavy-load appliances from lighting and general circuits. This reduces stress on any single part of your system and improves efficiency.

5. Readiness for Generator Interlocks and Backup Power

If you’re thinking about standby or portable power options, a 400 amp setup makes it easier to integrate a backup system. Check out our guide on Generator Interlocks to see how Dynamo Electric ensures safe and seamless generator connections for Maryland homeowners.

The 400 Amp Upgrade Process

Upgrading to 400 amps is a detailed project that requires permits, coordination with BGE, and expert craftsmanship. At Dynamo Electric, we handle the entire process from start to finish:

  1. Consultation & Load Calculation
     We assess your home’s current power use, calculate your total demand, and design a plan that fits your exact needs.
  2. Permitting & Utility Coordination
     We obtain Baltimore County permits and coordinate with BGE for temporary power disconnect and reconnect.
  3. Installation
     Our licensed electricians replace your panels, grounding, and service conductors using premium, code-compliant materials.
  4. Inspection & Testing
     Once installed, we test every circuit, confirm proper grounding, and schedule your final county inspection.
  5. Customer Walkthrough & Cleanup
     We label your circuits, review your new setup with you, and as always, leave the workspace cleaner, safer, and sharper than we found it.

Is a 400 Amp Upgrade Right for You?

You might need a 400 amp service upgrade if:

  • You’ve maxed out breaker space or use multiple sub-panels.
  • You’re constantly tripping breakers.
  • You’re adding EV chargers, pool equipment, or high-draw appliances.
  • You plan to add solar panels or a whole-home generator.
  • You want a modern electrical system that’s safe and scalable.

If you’re not sure, we can perform a professional load analysis to determine whether your home requires a 200 amp or 400 amp system. Many homeowners start with a 200 amp upgrade and later expand, read our 200 Amp Service Upgrade Blog to learn what that process looks like.

Why Baltimore County Homeowners Choose Dynamo Electric

When it comes to electrical work, experience and attention to detail matter. Since 2004, Dynamo Electric has earned a reputation for being on-time, on-budget, and on-point, delivering high-quality installations backed by our Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Licensed & Insured Master Electricians serving Baltimore County and beyond.
  • BGE coordination handled from start to finish.
  • Transparent pricing with detailed, upfront estimates.
  • Professional labeling and cleanup on every job.
  • Lifetime guarantee on workmanship.

Whether you’re upgrading from 100 amps, 200 amps, or designing a new build with advanced electrical needs, Dynamo Electric will guide you every step of the way.

Power Up with Confidence

A 400 amp service upgrade isn’t just about adding more capacity, it’s about adding confidence that your electrical system can handle whatever life throws at it. From EV chargers to generator interlocks, from kitchen remodels to full home additions, we design and install every system with long-term reliability and safety in mind.

Ready to explore a 400 amp service upgrade in Baltimore County, Maryland? Contact Dynamo Electric, LLC today for a free estimate through Jobber, or call our Towson office to schedule your consultation.

Let’s make sure your home is powered for today and ready for tomorrow.