A 200-amp panel upgrade is the most common major electrical job we do in NJ. If you're adding an EV charger, finishing a basement, installing central A/C, or buying a home with an outdated 100A panel, here's exactly what the process looks like.
Why Upgrade to 200A?
Modern homes simply need more power than they did 30 years ago. Between EV chargers (which draw 40–50A alone), heat pumps, whole-home generators, and smart home systems, a 100A or 150A panel can max out fast. Signs you need an upgrade: breakers that trip constantly, lights that flicker when appliances run, or a real estate inspector flagging your panel for replacement.
The Process in NJ
Step 1: Permit — We pull an NJ UCC electrical permit from your municipality before any work starts. This is non-negotiable and protects you if you ever sell the home.
Step 2: PSE&G / JCPL Coordination — We submit an ESI (Electric Service Information) application to your utility. They need to know about the service upgrade and will schedule a meter pull.
Step 3: Installation Day — The utility pulls your meter, we swap the panel (typically 4–8 hours), and they restore power the same day in most cases.
Step 4: Inspection — A municipal electrical inspector signs off on the work. We schedule this and attend on your behalf.
How Long Does It Take?
From permit application to final inspection, expect 2–4 weeks in most NJ municipalities. The actual installation is a single day. We've seen some towns move faster — and some take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline before you commit.
What Does It Cost?
A 200A panel upgrade in NJ typically runs $3,500–$4,800 depending on whether you need a new meter base, service entrance work, or just the panel itself. We provide a written, itemized quote before any work starts. See our full pricing guide or request a quote.