This guide explains everything Nassau County homeowners need to know about electrical panel replacement and upgrades. You’ll learn the most common warning signs of outdated panels, how replacement improves safety and efficiency, what permits and inspections are required, and the typical costs for 100-amp and 200-amp upgrades. Written by licensed electricians at Haines Electric, this resource helps you make informed, code-compliant decisions before your next electrical project.
Introduction
The circuit breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It routes power from the utility to individual circuits and trips to prevent overloads and fires. Many older Nassau County homes still have small fuse boxes or early breaker panels that cannot handle today’s power needs. Problem brands like Federal Pacific Electric and Zinsco have known design flaws that can let breakers fail. At the same time, new appliances, central air, electric vehicle chargers, and home offices put more strain on wiring than ever.
Upgrading your electrical panel is a safety and performance necessity. This guide shows the signs it is time to upgrade, what to expect during replacement, typical costs, why permits matter, and how to choose a qualified electrician.
Recognizing When It Is Time to Upgrade
Common warning signs:
| Sign | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Frequent breaker trips for no clear reason | Overloaded or failing breakers and undersized panel |
| Flickering or dimming lights | Overloaded circuits or loose connections |
| Buzzing sounds or warm breakers | Failing breakers and poor connections |
| Rust, scorch marks, or a hot panel cover | Heat damage that requires immediate attention |
| Two-prong outlets or few GFCI outlets | Outdated system that needs modern protection |
| Heavy use of extension cords and power strips | Too few dedicated circuits for today’s loads |
| FPE or Zinsco labeled panels | Known hazard panels that should be replaced |
If your panel is older than 25 years, undersized, or shows any of the issues above, schedule an electrical inspection. During an inspection, a licensed electrician will check breaker sizing, grounding and bonding, GFCI and AFCI protection, and look for code issues that can fail a home inspection.
Older service sizes: Many pre-1970 homes still have 60 amp panels. Modern homes typically need 150 amp or 200 ampservice to safely support central air, electric ranges, EV charging, hot tubs, and renovated kitchens.
Why Upgrading Matters
Upgrading is not just adding breakers. A modern panel:
- Improves safety by replacing recalled or failing equipment and adding space for GFCI and AFCI protection.
- Prevents overheating by properly balancing circuits and eliminating double-tapped breakers.
- Supports upgrades like induction ranges, Level 2 EV chargers, and heat pump HVAC with dedicated circuits.
- Enables whole-home surge protection at the panel to protect sensitive electronics. See our surge protection guide.
- Adds value because buyers understand the cost and importance of a modern, code-compliant electrical system.
Understanding Your Electrical Panel
Power enters through the service entrance and meter, then feeds the main breaker panel that holds the main disconnect and individual circuit breakers. Each breaker protects a closed circuit that powers outlets, lighting, or appliances. Proper grounding and bonding provides a safe path for fault current.
Older fuse boxes and early breaker panels often have limited spaces and cannot accept today’s safety breakers. Some legacy designs, like FPE Stab-Lok and Zinsco, are prone to loose bus connections and jammed breakers. Modern panels use robust bus bars, UL-listed breakers, and provide spaces for surge protection devices and optional energy monitoring.
Panel sizing: Typical modern homes use 150 amp or 200 amp service. Upgrading from 60 amp or 100 amp to 200 amp may require a new meter base and service entrance conductors along with the panel. A licensed electrician performs a load calculation to determine the right size.
The Panel Replacement Process
Replacing a service panel is not a DIY project. It involves high voltage and must comply with the National Electrical Code and local rules in Nassau County.
Typical steps:
- Assessment and load calculation
The electrician inspects your existing panel, connected loads, and future plans, and notes any code violations. Start with an electrical inspection. - Estimate and scope
You receive a written quote covering the new panel, breakers, materials, labor, permit fees, and any service upgrades. The scope may include adding dedicated circuits and a panel-mounted surge protector. See surge protection options. - Permits and utility coordination
A licensed electrician files the permit with your township and coordinates with the utility to disconnect and reconnect power. Use Contact Haines Electric to get started. - Installation day
Power is shut off. The old panel is removed, grounding and bonding are upgraded, and the new panel is installed and labeled. Dedicated circuits are added where needed. The system is tested before re-energizing. - Inspection and sign-off
A building inspector verifies compliance. Some utilities require passed inspections before reconnection. Your electrician handles scheduling and punch-list items. - Documentation and maintenance
Keep circuit maps, permits, inspection reports, and warranties. Test GFCI and AFCI breakers monthly and include the panel in yearly safety checks. See electrical safety tips.
How long it takes: Most replacements finish in one day, with power off 4 to 8 hours. Complex service upgrades or relocations can take longer.
Costs and What Affects Price
Typical ranges in Nassau County:
| Project type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like 100 amp panel replacement | 1,500 to 3,000 dollars |
| Upgrade to 200 amp service with new conductors and meter base | 2,500 to 5,000 dollars or more |
| Add whole-home surge protection at the panel | 400 to 1,000 dollars |
Factors that influence cost:
- Panel location and clearance. Relocation adds drywall and conduit work.
- Wiring complexity in older homes, including grounding electrodes and correcting code issues.
- Service size increase that may require utility coordination and new service conductors.
- Township permit and inspection fees that vary across Nassau County.
- Smart modules and energy monitoring if requested.
Although panel upgrades are a significant investment, they reduce risk, increase capacity for modern living, and may help with resale. Ask your electrician about rebates or financing options.
Permits, Inspections, and Local Codes
Electrical service work requires a permit and inspection. Nassau County townships have specific rules, and utilities may require inspection approval before reconnection. A licensed electrician will:
- File permits, provide load calculations, and submit panel specifications.
- Coordinate with the utility for service disconnect and reconnect.
- Ensure GFCI and AFCI protection, grounding and bonding, and labeling meet code.
Working without a permit risks fines, failed inspections, and potential insurance issues. Always hire a licensed and insured professional.
Choosing a Qualified Electrician
What to look for:
- Licensing and insurance in Nassau County or New York State.
- Experience with service upgrades and legacy panel replacements like FPE and Zinsco.
- Clear references and reviews that show on-time work and first-pass inspections.
- Detailed written quotations that include permits, labor, materials, and service upgrades.
- Good communication about code requirements and future needs, plus utility and inspection scheduling.
Avoid DIY or handyman solutions. Service panels involve high voltage and strict compliance requirements. To get started, request a quote from Haines Electric or review panel upgrade services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrical panel replacement cost in Nassau County
Typical ranges are 1,500 to 3,000 dollars for a like-for-like 100 amp replacement, and 2,500 to 5,000 dollars or more for a 200 amp upgrade. Adding whole-home surge protection usually adds 400 to 1,000 dollars. See our surge protection guide.
Do I need permits and inspections
Yes. NEC requires permits for service work, and utilities often require inspection sign-off before reconnection. Your electrician will handle permits and coordination.
Should I upgrade to 200 amps
If you have central air, electric cooking, hot tub, EV charging, or plan additions, 200 amps is often appropriate. A load calculation confirms the correct size.
Are FPE or Zinsco panels unsafe
Yes. These legacy panels have documented breaker failures. Replacement is strongly recommended. During the upgrade, add a panel-mounted surge protector for extra protection.
Can I replace the panel myself
No. Service panels involve high voltage and strict code requirements. DIY work risks fire and injury and may void insurance. Always hire a licensed electrician.
Ready to Upgrade
Protect your home with a modern, code-compliant electrical panel sized for today’s loads and tomorrow’s plans. Book an inspection or request a quote now:
