A 200-amp service upgrade is one of the most common projects we handle for Long Island homeowners — usually before adding an EV charger, central AC, a finished basement, or solar. This guide gives you honest, electrician-led numbers and explains exactly what changes the price.
When you are ready to schedule the work, start with our electrical panel upgrade on Long Island page. That is the visit, the PSEG coordination, and the permit.
What's included in a panel upgrade
A proper 200-amp upgrade replaces the main panel (breaker box), the meter pan, the service entrance cable, the grounding system, and coordinates the PSEG Long Island service cut-in. It is not just swapping a box — it's bringing the home's whole service entrance up to current code.
What drives the price up or down
Overhead vs. underground service, panel location, how far the run is from the meter, whether the grounding and bonding need to be rebuilt, and whether your service mast or cable needs replacement all move the number. Older homes with FPE or Zinsco panels sometimes need additional remediation.
Cost Estimates
Typical ranges for Long Island residential work. Every home is different — we give a firm quote after seeing the service entrance.
| 100A → 200A overhead upgradeMost common scenario | $2,800 – $4,500 |
| 200A underground service upgradeMore trenching/coordination | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Panel swap only (same amperage)When service is already sized right | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| Permit + inspection feesVaries by town | $200 – $500 |
Permit Information
- Panel and service upgrades require an electrical permit pulled through your town's building department, plus an electrical inspection by an approved third-party agency (Atlantic-Inland, NEIB, etc.).
- PSEG Long Island must coordinate the disconnect and reconnect ('cut-in') for any service-side work. We schedule this for you.
Local Code Considerations
- Current NEC requires whole-home surge protection at the panel on service upgrades.
- Grounding electrode systems (ground rods + water-pipe bonding) must be brought up to code during the upgrade.
- AFCI/GFCI protection requirements apply to circuits modified during the work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Upgrading the panel but not the service entrance cable or meter pan — leaving a bottleneck.
- Hiring on price alone and discovering the work wasn't permitted or inspected.
- Sizing for today only, not for a future EV charger, heat pump, or solar.
When to Call a Professional
Any panel or service work must be done by a licensed electrician and permitted — this is not a DIY project. If you see scorching, rust, a federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, or you're tripping breakers regularly, call for an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost on Long Island?
Most overhead 100A-to-200A upgrades run $2,800–$4,500, with underground services and added remediation pushing higher. Permits and inspection typically add $200–$500.
Do I need a 200-amp service for an EV charger?
Not always, but many older homes on 100A service need an upgrade to safely add a Level 2 charger plus existing loads. We run a load calculation first.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential upgrades are completed in one day, though power is off for several hours and PSEG coordination can affect scheduling.
Talk to a licensed Long Island electrician
Flexible financing available
Spread the cost of panel upgrades, EV chargers, and backup power over time. Ask about financing options when you request your estimate.
Ask about financing“Rob installed our EV charger and checked the panel first. Clean, professional, on time.”
“Electrician-led from start to finish. Panel upgrade done to code and permitted.”
“Planned our service upgrade with future solar in mind. Felt like a real long-term plan.”
Real Berman Electric Projects
Documented field reports from this kind of work on Long Island.