Before You Buy · Long Island
Before You Upgrade to 200 Amps
Half the homeowners who ask for a 200A upgrade actually need one. Half don’t — they need a panel swap, a sub-panel, or a load review. This guide helps you tell the difference, and helps you spot a fair scope vs an incomplete one.
01
Who this is for
- Homeowners adding EV chargers, hot tubs, mini splits, or finishing a basement
- Anyone with a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic, or 100A fuse panel
- Long Island homeowners getting wildly different quotes on the same scope
02
What you should know first
Signs you may need an upgrade
Lights flickering when AC kicks on, breakers tripping when you run multiple loads, a panel that’s full with no slots, visible burn marks or rust, or a panel brand known to be unsafe (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic).
100A vs 150A vs 200A
Most Long Island homes built before 1980 came with 100A. 150A is unusual. 200A is the modern standard and what most modern lifestyles (EV, AC, electric range, dryer, pool) actually need.
Common triggers
EV charger, central AC, mini splits, hot tub, electric range, basement finish, in-law suite, or pool/spa equipment. Any one might fit a 100A panel; combine two or three and you’re past it.
Utility coordination (PSEG-LI)
A service upgrade requires PSEG-LI to cut and reconnect power. A licensed electrician schedules this for you — you don’t call PSEG. Power is off for 4–8 hours on install day.
Permit and inspection
All Long Island towns require an electrical permit and inspection for a service upgrade. Skipping this is a red flag from any contractor and will cause you problems at home sale.
03
Common mistakes to avoid
The patterns we fix most often. Skip these and you’re ahead of most homeowners.
- Replacing the panel only — leaving the 100A meter and service cable in place
- Skipping the surge protective device (SPD) — a $200 add that protects everything
- Missing the new ground rod and water/gas bonding required by current code
- Choosing the lowest quote without comparing exactly what’s included
- Not planning future loads — ending up with a full panel again in 2 years
04
What affects cost
- Whether the meter pan and service cable need replacement (almost always do)
- Overhead vs underground service
- Distance from meter to panel
- Permit fees (vary by town)
- PSEG-LI coordination (handled by your electrician)
- SPD, AFCI/GFCI breakers, sub-panel needs
05
What the process usually looks like
- 01Free phone consult + photos of your panel, meter, and service entrance
- 02On-site evaluation + written scope
- 03Permit pulled with your town building department
- 04PSEG-LI scheduled (1–3 weeks out typically)
- 05Install day: power off 4–8 hours; new meter pan, panel, ground, bonding, SPD installed
- 06Town inspection (within ~1 week)
- 07PSEG-LI final reconnect after passed inspection
Quick self-check
Is this project right for you?
Three quick yes/no questions. Answer honestly — you’ll get a straight read in under a minute.
1. Do you have a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic, or fuse panel?
2. Are you adding 2+ major loads (EV, mini split, hot tub, basement, range)?
3. Are breakers tripping or lights flickering with normal use?
06
Quick checklist before hiring
Download the PDF checklist200-Amp Service Upgrade Checklist · PDF · Free
- Confirm the electrician is licensed in your town and carries general liability insurance
- Get the full scope in writing: meter pan, panel, service cable, ground, bonding, SPD
- Verify the permit fee and PSEG coordination are included
- Ask about the workmanship warranty (lifetime is reasonable; 1 year is not)
- Confirm the new panel has spare slots for future loads (EV, AC, hot tub)
07
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Need help figuring out your next step?
If you’re planning electrical work and want clear advice before moving forward, reach out. We’ll help you understand what makes sense, what to avoid, and what your options are.
Keep reading
Other Before You Buy guides
Before You Buy an EV Charger
Panel capacity, Level 2 vs Level 1, hardwired vs plug-in — what to know before you click buy.
Read the guideBefore Adding Recessed Lights
Layout, color temp, dimmers, and the design mistakes that ruin a $3,000 ceiling.
Read the guideBefore Finishing a Basement
Plan the wiring before walls close — adding circuits later is 5–10× more expensive.
Read the guide