Service Panel Upgrade or Electrical Panel Replacement

First there is a difference between a "Service Upgrade" and a "Electrical Panel Replacement." 

A "Service upgrade" gives your home more available Amperage. New wires are installed by ConEdison from the street to your premises. In addition, new and larger wires are replaced inside the premesis.

On the other hand, a "Electrical Panel Replacement" is just taking out a old Electrical Panel and replacing it with a New Panel. The new panel has the same capacity as the old one. It is just a newer and more up-to-date piece of electrical equipment. Same available Amperage, maybe with more space for breakers.

IN BROOKLYN NY, MANHATTAN NY, QUEENS NY...YOU MORE THAN LIKELY DONT NEED TO UPGRADE AN ELECTRIAL SERVICE, 100 AMPS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH. ONLY FOR RESIDNTIAL!!! COMMERCIAL HAS MORE FACTORS TO CONSIDER. EXPLORE ELECTRIC OFFERS FREE CONSULTATION!!!

When A Service Upgraded is needed.

Things to consider:

· Installed a new piece of electrical equipment, now breakers are tripping that weren’t before. 

· You are looking to purchasing new electrical equipment in the future that consume or export large amounts of power (ex. Solar, Batteries, Heat Pumps, cooking equipment, Car chargers, workshop equipment)

· You plan on renovating an unoccupied space (like a basement or attic), adding additional space to home or business. 

· Abnormal Hot/Warm (to-the-touch) electrical panel or a burning odor

· The main Panel You have is less than 100 amps.

⬇️ The explanation of these bullet points are below ⬇️

The Science portion is very simple.  Upgrading is recommended if a customer plans on adding heavy duty electrical equipment or doing a sizable renovation/remodel.  Renovation/Remodel would be adding extra room, floor level, or remodeling/renovating an unoccupied space (like a basement). 

Heat pumps (mini Split Units), car chargers, sizable kitchen cooking appliance upgrades, Solar, and Energy Storage systems can consume a lot of power.   

Another evident sign of a service upgrade is when your service panel is less than 100 amps in a home or sometimes in a condo/co-op.      

When A Service Upgrade might not be Necessary

· Consider installing a Energy Management System (EMS) or Power Control System (PCS). EMS and PCS systems are way more affordable options. This equipment controls the amount of power consumed or switches certain equipment off when the premises power use is too high. These systems work with your electrical panel to control electrical loads in your home...and will more likely be the norm in the future.

· By upgrading appliances that are more power efficient that use less energy. 

⬇️ The explanation of these bullet points are below  ⬇️

Breakers tripping inside a panel could be in response to a new piece of equipment installed that have a larger electrical demand, like a level 2 car charger or maybe Solar panels.  An upgrade would solve the problem, but so could an Energy Management System (EMS) and or Power Control System (PCS). In Addition, it would be less expensive.  

If the electrical demand of the customer is low enough and the future intent is to buy more energy efficient appliances, then there is no need to upgrade a panel.  A few adjustments to reduce overall power consumption could be implemented to solve the problems of a customer, at a low cost.  This is a complex topic. Contact Explore Electric @ (212) 590-9500 for a free assessment. We have solutions for Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, and Queens NY.

Electric Panel Replacements

Electric Panel Replacements are straight forward.  A panel should be replaced if the outside and or inside is rusted, physically malfunctioning, and or out of date/recalled. You may also need more space in your panel to accommodate more electrical equipment while still being compliant with NYC Electrical Codes. This means Arc Fault & Ground Fault Interrupting Breakers along with Surge Protection. These breakers tend to take up full breaker spaces in an Electrical panel. A larger and more up-to-date Electrical Panel will address these needs.

Moreover, there is a good chance a panel should be replaced if it was installed before 2005.  Electrical practices have changed and our understanding about electricity has advanced. Old installations might not be up to date and could present potential safety and fire hazards.  In addition, smelling a burning odor around your electrical panel is a good indication that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. 

Another reason, old equipment may have expired or might have been recalled.  This possibility isn’t as likely, but is not ruled out if a panel was installed before the 1990’s. 

In Closing

These are the many reasons a "Service Upgrade" or a "Electric Panel Replacement" might be necessary.  Some people avoid electricians.  The cost of a replacement or upgrade is costly.  On the other hand, peace of mind knowing your electrical panel is free of fire and electrical hazards is priceless. 

Panel Upgrade or Service Panel Replacement  Brooklyn NY Manhattan NY Queens NY