When it's time for a new panel
- Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) or Zinsco panel. These brands are common in Southern Tier homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s. Home inspectors flag them and some insurers won't cover them.
- 100 amps or less. Adding a heat pump, EV charger, hot tub, shop or electric range usually means more capacity.
- No open spaces. When the panel is full of tandem breakers and there's nowhere to add a circuit.
- Rust, scorch marks or a warm cover. Water from a leaking meter base or loose connections should be looked at soon.
- Fuses. Old fuse boxes in older homes and camps.
What's involved
A typical replacement means turning the power off for most of a day, setting a new panel, reconnecting every circuit and labeling each one clearly. Grounding and bonding are brought up to current requirements. If the service size is going up, Eric coordinates the disconnect and reconnect with the utility, NYSEG on the New York side or Penelec in Pennsylvania. The inspection is then scheduled so the job is signed off.
How it's priced
Panel work is quoted as one flat price, not by the hour. The quote lists the panel, breakers, grounding, permit and inspection. Send photos of the panel with the door open and the cover on, plus the meter outside. That's usually enough for a ballpark, and an exact quote follows a quick visit.
Questions people ask
How long is the power off? Usually most of one working day for a straight replacement. Service upgrades depend on when the utility can reconnect.
Will my home inspector or insurer accept it? The work is permitted and inspected where required, and you get paperwork to show for it.
Free estimate
Tell me what's going on. You'll get a straight answer and a price in writing.
Call, or text a photo of the panel, the outlet or the problem. I'll tell you what it needs, what it costs and when I can get there. The quote is good for 30 days.