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Panel Replacement in Brooklyn & Manhattan

Replace fuse boxes and outdated, damaged or overloaded panels with a new, code-compliant panel, correctly sized and clearly labeled.

The panel distributes power to every circuit in the property. We replace fuse boxes, panels with no room for new circuits, and panels showing heat damage or corrosion, and install new breakers sized to each circuit's wiring and load.

Every panel we install gets a complete circuit directory, so you or the next electrician can tell which breaker controls what. We can add whole-panel surge protection, and AFCI or GFCI breakers where the electrical code requires them.

  • Fuse box and outdated panel replacement
  • Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel replacement and retrofit
  • Zinsco panel replacement and retrofit
  • Labeled circuit directory
  • Surge protection, AFCI and GFCI breakers
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Panel Replacement in Brooklyn & Manhattan

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Federal Pacific panels

Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok panel replacement and retrofit

Federal Pacific Electric panels with Stab-Lok breakers were installed in many homes from the 1950s through the 1980s, and they still turn up in Brooklyn and Manhattan brownstones, co-ops and multifamily buildings. Independent testing has found that some Stab-Lok breakers can fail to trip during an overload or short circuit, which is the one job a breaker has. Home inspectors and insurers often flag these panels for that reason. NGM Electric has replaced or retrofitted hundreds of Federal Pacific panels across New York City, so we know what to expect when we open one up.

Full panel replacement

We remove the Federal Pacific panel and breakers and install a new, code-compliant panel with new breakers, a labeled circuit directory, and AFCI, GFCI and surge protection where they are required or requested. It replaces everything, and it works for any Federal Pacific panel.

Panel retrofit kit

Where a UL-listed retrofit kit is made for your specific panel, we can replace the panel's interior and breakers and keep the existing enclosure in place. That helps when the enclosure is set into original plaster or a finished wall, and it can mean less wall repair. Kits aren't available for every panel, and the enclosure and wiring have to be in good condition.

Why we don't just swap breakers

Replacing individual Stab-Lok breakers leaves the original bus and enclosure in service, so it does not address the panel as a whole. We assess the panel, the wiring and your planned loads, check whether a UL-listed retrofit kit exists for that panel, and then recommend replacement or a retrofit.

Not sure what you have? Federal Pacific panels usually say "Federal Pacific Electric" or "FPE" on the door or label, and the breakers say "Stab-Lok". Call (718) 304-5045 and we can inspect the panel on a service call. See typical pricing below, or our full guide to Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacement. Either option is filed under an NYC DOB electrical permit, and if you also need more capacity we can combine the work with a service upgrade.

Zinsco panels

Zinsco panel replacement and retrofit

Zinsco panels, also sold under the Sylvania name, were common in homes from the 1950s through the 1970s. Their breakers can fail to trip during an overload, and over time a breaker can overheat and fuse to the panel's bus bar, which means it cannot cut power to the circuit. Insurance companies have recently started asking homeowners whether they have a Zinsco panel, so it is worth checking before your next renewal.

Full panel replacement

We remove the Zinsco panel and breakers and install a new, code-compliant panel with new breakers and a labeled circuit directory. Because melted or damaged bus bars are common in these panels, replacement is often the right call.

Panel retrofit kit

Where a UL-listed retrofit kit is made for your specific Zinsco panel and the enclosure is in good condition, we can replace the interior and breakers and keep the existing enclosure in the wall. We assess the panel first and recommend the option that fits.

Zinsco panels usually say "Zinsco" or "Sylvania" on the door or label, and the breakers are often brightly colored. Call (718) 304-5045 to have us inspect yours on a service call.

Pricing

What Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel work typically costs

Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacements and retrofits typically run $1,200 to $2,500. Where a job falls in that range depends on whether we install a new panel or a UL-listed retrofit kit, and on the size of the panel. This is a typical range, not a quote. We give you a firm price after we see the panel.

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Permits and inspection

Panel replacement in New York City requires an electrical permit filed by a licensed electrician. We file the permit with the Department of Buildings under our license (#4876) and schedule the inspection. If the new panel needs a larger service, we coordinate that work with Con Edison.

Looking for an electrician near you? See our Brooklyn electrician and Manhattan electrician pages.

Signs a panel may need replacement

A fuse box, breakers that trip often or feel warm, scorch marks or a burning smell, no open spaces for new circuits, or an older panel brand, such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco, that a home inspector or insurer has flagged.

If you notice heat, a burning smell or scorch marks, call right away. Otherwise, a service call lets us inspect the panel and give you a written estimate for replacement.

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