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518-406-6021
Request Free Estimate

Residential & Commercial Electrical Services

Electrical Panel Upgrades & Service Upgrades

Expert panel replacements, service upgrades, and electrical modernization for homes and businesses throughout the Capital Region, NY. Licensed Master Electrician George Koletas (License #E422, City of Troy) brings 15+ years of experience and ensures every installation meets the latest 2023 National Electrical Code standards adopted by New York State.

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Electrical Panel Upgrades & Service Upgrades

Is your home’s electrical panel outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of wear? An electrical panel upgrade isn’t just about adding capacity—it’s about ensuring the safety of your family, protecting your investment, and meeting modern electrical demands. Licensed Master Electrician George Koletas (License #E422) and the team at Koletas Electric specialize in professional panel replacements and service upgrades throughout the Capital Region, NY.

As a proud member of IBEW Local 236, George maintains continuous training in the latest electrical code requirements and safety standards, ensuring every installation meets or exceeds the 2023 National Electrical Code requirements adopted by New York State on December 31, 2025, including mandatory outdoor emergency disconnect (NEC 230.85) and whole-home surge protection (NEC 230.67).

Professional 200-amp panel upgrade completed by licensed master electrician George Koletas

Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. As homes age and electrical demands increase, older panels can become safety hazards and bottlenecks for modern living. Here’s why upgrading makes sense:

1

Safety & Code Compliance

Outdated panels, especially Federal Pacific and Zinsco brands, pose fire hazards. Modern panels meet current electrical codes and include advanced safety features like AFCI and GFCI protection.

2

Increased Electrical Capacity

Upgrade from 60, 100, or 150-amp service to 200, 320 or 400-amp service to support modern appliances, EV chargers, home offices, and smart home technology without overloading circuits.

3

Home Value Enhancement

Updated electrical panels are attractive to home buyers and often required for home sales, refinancing, and insurance coverage. Protect your investment with a modern, code-compliant system.

4

Prevent Frequent Breaker Trips

If you’re constantly resetting breakers or dealing with flickering lights, your panel is telling you it’s overloaded. An upgrade eliminates these frustrations and provides reliable power.

5

Support for Renovations & Additions

Planning a kitchen remodel, home addition, or finished basement? New electrical demands require adequate panel capacity to safely power your expanded living spaces.

6

Insurance & Permit Requirements

Many insurance companies require panel upgrades for older homes. We handle all permit applications and inspections to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
  • Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Residential & Commercial Electrical Services

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses
  • Burning smell near the electrical panel
  • Warm or discolored panel cover
  • Flickering or dimming lights when appliances turn on
  • Panel is 25+ years old or contains Federal Pacific/Zinsco equipment
  • Rust, corrosion, or signs of moisture in the panel
  • Buzzing, crackling, or humming sounds from the panel
  • Need to use extension cords or power strips regularly

These are serious safety concerns. George Koletas provides same-day emergency service for urgent electrical panel issues throughout the Capital Region.

Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

Koletas Electric offers comprehensive electrical panel and service upgrade solutions for residential and commercial properties:

Complete Panel Replacement

We replace outdated, damaged, or undersized electrical panels with modern, code-compliant equipment. Our panel replacement service includes removal of the old panel, installation of a new panel with appropriate amperage rating, proper grounding and bonding, labeling of all circuits, and final inspection approval.

Before & After: Dangerous Federal Pacific panel replaced with modern safety-compliant system

Service Upgrades (100 to 200,320, 400 Amp)

Increase your home’s electrical capacity from 100-amp or 150-amp service to 200-amp service, with options as high as 320 and 400-amp service. This comprehensive upgrade includes panel replacement, new service entrance cable, meter socket upgrade, coordination with utility company, and all necessary permits and inspections. Ideal for homes with EV chargers, home additions, or modern appliances.

Subpanel Installation

Add electrical capacity to specific areas of your home with professional subpanel installation. Perfect for garages, workshops, home additions, finished basements, or detached structures. We ensure proper sizing, circuit protection, and code-compliant installation.

Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement

These obsolete panels are known fire hazards and insurance liabilities. George Koletas specializes in the safe removal and replacement of Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels with modern, reliable equipment. Don’t wait—these panels pose serious safety risks to your family.

Commercial Panel Upgrades

We provide panel upgrades and service modifications for commercial properties, including three-phase power installations, tenant improvement electrical work, building code upgrades, and coordination with commercial property requirements.

The Koletas Electric Panel Upgrade Process

Our systematic approach ensures safe, efficient, and code-compliant panel upgrades every time:

  1. Free Consultation & Assessment: George Koletas personally inspects your current electrical system, discusses your needs, and provides honest recommendations. We identify safety concerns and explain all options clearly.

  2. Detailed Estimate & Planning: Receive upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We explain the scope of work, timeline, and answer all your questions before starting any work.

  3. Permit Application: We handle all permit applications with local authorities, ensuring your upgrade meets all code requirements and regulations.

  4. Utility Coordination: For service upgrades, we coordinate with the utility company for meter disconnection and reconnection, minimizing your downtime.

  5. Professional Installation: Our licensed electrician performs the panel upgrade with precision and attention to safety. We protect your home, maintain a clean work area, and complete most upgrades in one day.

  6. Testing & Inspection: Every installation is thoroughly tested for proper operation and safety. We schedule and coordinate the final municipal inspection.

  7. Documentation & Warranty: You receive complete documentation, updated circuit directory, permits, inspection certificates, and warranty information for your records.

Why Choose Koletas Electric?

When it comes to electrical panel upgrades, experience and expertise matter. Here’s why Capital Region homeowners and businesses trust George Koletas:

  • Licensed Master Electrician: George Koletas holds Master Electrician License #E422 from the City of Troy, NY, with 15+ years of hands-on experience in panel upgrades and electrical service work. All work is performed to the latest 2023 National Electrical Code standards that took effect in New York State on December 31, 2025. 
  • Local Family-Owned Business: Unlike national franchises, we’re invested in our community. We live and work in the Capital Region and stand behind every job we complete.
  • Union-Trained Professional: As a member of IBEW Local 236, George has access to continuous professional training including OSHA safety certification, NEC code updates, and specialized training in modern electrical systems including EV chargers, solar installations, and building automation.
  • Upfront Pricing: No surprises, no hidden fees. You’ll know the total cost before we begin work. Our estimates are detailed, fair, and competitive.
  • Same-Day Emergency Service: Electrical emergencies don’t wait. We offer same-day service for urgent panel issues and safety concerns.
  • Proven Track Record: Read our five-star reviews from satisfied customers throughout the Capital Region. We’re proud of our reputation for quality work and exceptional service.
  • Complete Service: From initial assessment through final inspection, we handle every aspect of your panel upgrade. You deal with one trusted professional from start to finish.
  • Quality Materials: We use only top-quality electrical panels and components from trusted manufacturers like Schneider Electric, Eaton, and GE.
  • Current Code Compliance: All panel installations meet or exceed 2023 NEC requirements including GFCI/AFCI protection, whole-home surge protection, and proper grounding per the New York State Uniform Code. Every installation includes proper permits pulled and final municipal inspections coordinated for your complete peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Panel upgrade costs vary based on the scope of work. A standard panel replacement typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, while a complete service upgrade (including new service entrance and meter) ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. The exact cost depends on your home’s current electrical system, panel location, accessibility, and whether utility coordination is required. George Koletas provides free, detailed estimates with transparent pricing—no hidden fees or surprise charges. Call 518-406-6021 for your free assessment.
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in 4-8 hours, often in a single day. This includes disconnecting the old panel, installing the new panel, reconnecting all circuits, testing, and cleanup. For service upgrades that require utility company involvement, the timeline extends to coordinate meter disconnection and reconnection. We schedule work at your convenience and minimize disruption to your daily routine. Emergency panel replacements can often be completed the same day you call.
Yes, electrical power must be shut off during panel replacement for safety. For standard panel replacements, power is typically off for 4-8 hours during the installation. We work efficiently to minimize downtime and can schedule work during times that are most convenient for you. For critical situations where power cannot be interrupted for extended periods, we can discuss temporary power solutions. We recommend planning accordingly—charging devices, adjusting thermostats, and addressing any medical equipment needs before the scheduled work.

Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits and inspections in the Capital Region. This protects you by ensuring work meets the 2023 National Electrical Code standards (adopted by New York State on December 31, 2025) and provides documentation for insurance and future home sales. Koletas Electric handles all permit applications, coordinates inspections with local building departments, and provides you with all necessary documentation including permits, inspection certificates, and updated circuit directories. As a Licensed Master Electrician (#E422), George Koletas is authorized to pull permits in Capital Region municipalities. Never hire an electrician who suggests skipping permits—it’s illegal, voids insurance coverage, and creates liability for you as the homeowner.

A panel upgrade (also called panel replacement) involves replacing just the electrical panel itself while maintaining your existing service capacity. A service upgrade increases your home’s total electrical capacity (for example, from 100 amps to 200 amps) and includes replacing the panel, service entrance cable, meter socket, and often requires utility company coordination. Service upgrades are more comprehensive and necessary when your home needs more electrical capacity for modern demands like EV chargers, major appliances, or home additions. George Koletas will assess your needs and recommend the appropriate solution during your free consultation.

Absolutely yes—Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels are documented fire hazards and should be replaced immediately. These panels were manufactured with defective circuit breakers that often fail to trip during overload conditions, allowing electrical fires to start. Many insurance companies refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with these panels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has investigated these panels extensively. George Koletas has replaced hundreds of these dangerous panels throughout his years as a Licensed Master Electrician, and all replacement panels meet current 2023 NEC safety standards including AFCI and GFCI protection. If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, contact Koletas Electric today for same-day replacement service. Your family’s safety is worth the investment.

Serving the Capital Region, NY

Koletas Electric provides expert electrical panel upgrades and service upgrades throughout the Capital Region of New York. George Koletas and his team serve residential and commercial customers with the same commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction that has built our reputation as the area’s trusted electrical contractor.

Whether you need emergency panel replacement, a routine service upgrade, or are planning a major renovation, we have the expertise and experience to handle projects of any size. Contact us today for your free consultation and estimate.

Ready to Upgrade?

Get a free, no-obligation estimate from Licensed Master Electrician George Koletas (License #E422). IBEW Local 236 member with 15+ years of experience.

518-406-6021

Call Now for Free Estimate
  • Licensed Master Electrician #E422
  • Same-Day Emergency Service
  • Upfront Pricing, No Hidden Fees
  • Family-Owned Local Business
  • IBEW Local 236 Union Member
  • All Permits & Inspections Included

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