Electrical panel and service upgrades for NYC and Long Island homes
Summary
If breakers trip often, you still have fuses, or you are adding an EV charger, heat pump or new kitchen, check your panel and service size first. A panel replacement is often completed in one day; a service upgrade also depends on the utility's schedule.
Signs you need an upgrade
- Breakers trip or fuses blow when appliances run together
- The panel feels warm, buzzes or shows rust or scorch marks
- You have 60 or 100 amp service and plan to add large loads
- An older panel brand that inspectors or insurers have flagged; Federal Pacific, Zinsco and Challenger panels are replaced regardless of capacity
- Too few spaces for new circuits
Panel replacement versus service upgrade
A panel replacement keeps the same service size and replaces the breaker box. A service upgrade, for example from 100 to 200 amps, also replaces the service entrance cable and meter pan and usually the grounding electrode system (the water-pipe bond and ground rods). In NYC, Con Edison issues a service layout (opens an external site) before the meter equipment is ordered, and even a panel replacement on the same service requires notifying Con Edison before the meter seal is cut.
A load calculation, which totals your existing and planned electrical loads, determines which one you need.
The process
- Site visit and load calculation
- Written estimate
- Electrical permit (opens an external site) filed by a licensed master electrician; in NYC the work is inspected under the 2025 NYC Electrical Code (opens an external site), based on the 2020 NEC
- Utility application for service upgrades (opens an external site) (Con Edison or PSEG Long Island)
- Installation, usually with a short power shutdown
- Inspection and, for service upgrades, utility reconnection
Timing
A panel replacement alone is often finished in one day once the permit is in place. Service upgrades take longer because the utility has to schedule its part, which can take weeks. Plan ahead if you are adding an EV charger or heat pump.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose power during the work?
Yes, for part of the day. The shutdown is planned with you in advance, and on most panel jobs power is restored the same day.
Do I need a permit to replace a panel?
Yes. Panel and service work needs an electrical permit and an inspection in NYC and on Long Island.
Sources
5 sources
- Electrical Permit (opens an external site)NYC Department of Buildings
- Gas and Electric Service Update Guide (opens an external site)Con Edison
- Upgrade or Change Service (opens an external site)PSEG Long Island
- Codes & Specs for Electric Installation (opens an external site)PSEG Long Island
- Electrical Code (opens an external site)NYC Department of Buildings
This guide reflects our experience and our interpretation of the rules as of the date it was published or last updated. Regulations, codes, incentives and the way agencies enforce them change often, and our interpretation may be incomplete or wrong. It is general information, not legal, engineering, tax or financial advice. Consult the relevant agency and a licensed professional before you plan, purchase or begin any work. Reading this guide does not make you our client and does not create any contractor, consulting or advisory relationship. Outstanding Construction Inc is not liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on this content, and is responsible only for work performed under a written contract signed with us.