Electrical panel upgrades

When it comes up

A licensed electrician should look at your panel if any of these apply:

• The panel is full or breakers trip often
• The house still has a fuse box
• You plan a whole-house generator, EV charger, heat pump or addition
• There is heat, buzzing or a burning smell at the panel (call an electrician right away)

Generators and service size

A whole-house transfer switch must match your service. Larger homes with well pumps, central air, outbuildings and EV chargers sometimes need more than 200 amps, which is a bigger project. Planning the panel, transfer switch and future loads at once avoids paying twice. See automatic transfer switches.

What happens

The electrician coordinates the shutoff and reconnection with NYSEG, replaces the panel, reconnects and labels circuits, and often replaces the meter box and service cable. Fixr lists a new meter box at about $200 to $800 installed. Expect to be without power for part of a day, and a permit and inspection are required.

Long services and outbuildings

Rural properties sometimes have long underground or overhead runs to the house or separate service to a barn. These affect the scope and price. The electrician should explain what will be replaced and what can stay.

Safety

Panel work is high-voltage work for licensed electricians only. If you see scorch marks, smell burning or hear buzzing, keep clear and call an electrician, or 911 if there is smoke or fire.

Planning for the next ten years

If you expect to add a generator, EV charger, heat pump, pool equipment or an addition, tell the electrician before the new panel is sized. Building in room for those loads can avoid a second upgrade later. Ask for a written list of the circuits the new panel will carry, how many spaces will be left open and whether the meter box and service cable are being replaced. Keep the inspection sign-off with your house records.

Questions homeowners ask