Panel and Subpanel Work in Downtown Brooklyn
Safe, Code-Compliant Electrical Panel Solutions
Hear from Our Customers
Brooklyn Electrical Panel Upgrades
Your lights stop flickering. Circuit breakers stop tripping every time you run the dishwasher and microwave together. That burning smell from the basement panel becomes a memory.
When your electrical panel can handle what you’re asking of it, everything changes. You can finally plug in that new air conditioner without calculating which other appliances to unplug first. Your home office setup works without constantly resetting breakers.
This isn’t about having the newest equipment—it’s about having electrical infrastructure that matches how you actually live. Panel and subpanel work eliminates the daily frustrations that come with an overloaded system and gives you the capacity your Downtown Brooklyn home or business needs to function properly.
Licensed Brooklyn Panel Contractors
We’ve been handling Brooklyn’s electrical challenges for years, working with everything from century-old brownstones to modern high-rises. Our team understands that Downtown Brooklyn’s mix of historic and new construction creates unique electrical demands.
Every project starts with a thorough assessment of your current system and actual power needs. Our licensed electricians know NYC electrical codes inside and out, handle all permit requirements, and coordinate with utility companies when needed.
What sets us apart is our straightforward approach—no overselling, no surprise charges, just honest recommendations based on what your property actually needs. We’ve built our reputation on reliable workmanship and clear communication with Brooklyn homeowners and business owners who need electrical systems that work.
Panel Installation Process Brooklyn
Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your existing electrical system and a load calculation to determine your actual power requirements. This assessment identifies whether you need a full panel upgrade, additional subpanel, or circuit modifications.
Next comes permit acquisition and utility coordination. We handle all paperwork with NYC Department of Buildings and schedule any required utility shutoffs. Installation typically takes 4-8 hours for most residential projects, though complex commercial work may require additional time.
During installation, your power will be temporarily disconnected while we remove the old panel and install the new system. All wiring is brought up to current code, proper grounding is verified, and circuit labeling is completed. The final step includes city inspection and utility reconnection, ensuring your new electrical system meets all safety standards and operates reliably.
Ready to get started?
Brooklyn Subpanel Installation Services
Our panel and subpanel work includes main electrical panel upgrades from 60-amp or 100-amp systems to modern 200-amp service, subpanel installations for additions, garages, or workshops, and circuit breaker replacements and additions. We service both residential and commercial properties throughout Downtown Brooklyn.
For Brooklyn’s older buildings, this often means replacing outdated fuse boxes with modern circuit breaker panels and updating wiring to handle current electrical demands. Many properties built before 1990 need significant electrical upgrades to safely power today’s appliances, HVAC systems, and technology.
Subpanels are particularly valuable for Brooklyn properties where the main panel is full or located far from areas needing additional circuits. This includes finished basements, home offices, workshops, and kitchen renovations. Each installation includes proper AFCI and GFCI protection where required by code, ensuring maximum safety and compliance with NYC electrical standards.
When do I need to upgrade my electrical panel in Brooklyn?
You need a panel upgrade if you’re experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or burning smells from your electrical panel. Most panels over 30 years old can’t safely handle modern electrical loads and should be evaluated for replacement.
Other clear indicators include planning major renovations, adding new appliances like electric car chargers, or if your current panel uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. Brooklyn’s older buildings often have 60-amp or 100-amp service that’s inadequate for today’s electrical demands.
A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation to determine if your current panel has sufficient capacity or if an upgrade to 200-amp service is necessary for safety and functionality.
How much does panel and subpanel work cost in Brooklyn?
Subpanel installation typically costs $1,200-$2,500 depending on size, location, and complexity. Main panel upgrades range from $2,500-$4,500 for most residential projects, with costs varying based on amperage requirements and existing wiring conditions.
Additional factors affecting cost include permit fees ($50-$300), distance from the main panel, number of circuits needed, and whether existing wiring needs updating. Commercial projects or installations requiring utility service upgrades may cost more.
The investment pays for itself through improved safety, increased home value, and the ability to use modern appliances without electrical problems. Most installations qualify for permits and inspections, ensuring code compliance and insurance coverage.
Do I need permits for electrical panel work in Brooklyn?
Yes, most panel and subpanel work in Brooklyn requires permits from the NYC Department of Buildings. This includes panel upgrades, subpanel installations, and major circuit additions. Simple breaker replacements under 30 amps may not require permits.
Licensed electricians handle permit applications and coordinate required inspections to ensure all work meets NYC electrical codes and National Electrical Code standards. Permits typically cost $50-$300 depending on project scope.
Working without permits can result in fines, insurance claim denials, and problems during home sales. Professional electrical contractors include permit costs in their estimates and manage the entire approval process, ensuring your project is legal and properly documented.
How long does electrical panel installation take in Brooklyn?
Most residential panel upgrades take 4-8 hours to complete, while subpanel installations typically require 2-4 hours depending on location and complexity. Commercial projects or installations requiring extensive rewiring may take 1-2 days.
The timeline includes removing the old panel, installing the new equipment, connecting all circuits, and completing proper grounding. Your power will be temporarily disconnected during installation, usually for several hours.
Planning ahead helps minimize disruption—we can schedule work during convenient times and coordinate with utility companies for service disconnection and reconnection. Most installations are completed in a single day, with city inspection scheduled separately.
Can I add a subpanel instead of upgrading my main panel?
Adding a subpanel is often a cost-effective solution when your main panel is full but has adequate amperage capacity. Subpanels work well for additions, workshops, garages, or areas needing dedicated circuits without replacing the entire electrical system.
However, if your main panel is outdated (over 30 years old) or undersized for your electrical needs, a full upgrade may be more appropriate. A load calculation helps determine whether your existing service can support additional circuits through a subpanel.
Subpanels must be properly sized—we recommend they not exceed 50% of the main panel’s amperage. Professional assessment ensures the right solution for your specific electrical needs and budget while maintaining safety and code compliance.
What's the difference between panel upgrade and subpanel installation?
A panel upgrade replaces your main electrical panel with a higher-capacity system, typically upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service. This increases your home’s total electrical capacity and often requires utility company involvement to upgrade service lines.
Subpanel installation adds a secondary panel that draws power from your existing main panel, providing additional circuits for specific areas without increasing total electrical capacity. Subpanels are ideal when you need more circuits but your main panel has adequate amperage.
Panel upgrades address whole-house electrical capacity issues, while subpanels solve circuit availability problems in specific areas. Your electrician can evaluate your electrical needs and recommend the most appropriate solution based on current usage, future plans, and budget considerations.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Downtown Brooklyn