Commercial Breaker Replacement & Panel Upgrades – Daven Electric Corp.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to upgrade commercial electrical panels?

  At Daven Electric Corp., we get this question often—and the honest answer is: it depends. The cost to upgrade a commercial electrical panel varies based on:

  • Size of the building
  • Current panel condition
  • Amperage required
  • Equipment type
  • Code upgrades needed

  On average, panel upgrades for commercial properties range from $3,500 to $12,000 or more. This includes labor, materials, permits, and post-inspection coordination.

  As a commercial electrical contractor, we always assess your needs first. We’ll inspect your system, calculate load requirements, and provide a clear, upfront quote.

  Factors that may increase costs:

  • Upgrading service entrance cable
  • Relocating the panel
  • Full rewiring
  • Surge protection installation

  We understand business owners’ needs and tailor every quote accordingly. If you’re unsure where your system stands, a licensed commercial electrician from our team can evaluate it and help you plan the next steps—no pressure, no guesswork.

• What is included in an electrical panel upgrade?

  When Daven Electric Corp. performs a commercial electrical panel upgrade, we go beyond simply swapping the old panel for a new one. A complete upgrade includes:

  • Inspection of your current electrical system
  • Load calculation to determine panel size
  • Removal of the outdated panel
  • Installation of a new, code-compliant panel
  • Replacement of damaged breakers or bus bars
  • Grounding and bonding updates
  • Coordination of permits and inspections
  • Labeling and documentation for your records

  Our licensed commercial electricians ensure that every step is performed safely and follows NEC and OSHA regulations.

  We often upgrade service entry conductors or sub-panels if your building’s demands have increased over time. We may also suggest additional surge protection or sub-panel installation for businesses adding HVAC, commercial kitchens, or server rooms.

  As an experienced commercial electrical contractor, we ensure that your upgrade is built for performance today and scalable for growth tomorrow.

• Should I replace the breakers or the whole panel?

  It depends on what’s causing the issue. At Daven Electric Corp., we always start with an inspection to figure out whether a breaker replacement or full electrical panel upgrade makes more sense.

  You might only need breaker replacement if:

  • A single breaker is tripping repeatedly
  • You hear buzzing or feel the heat at one breaker
  • Breakers are old, but the panel is otherwise safe
  • There’s no corrosion or structural damage inside the panel
  • You may need a full panel upgrade if:
  • Breakers trip frequently across multiple circuits
  • Your panel can’t support new equipment
  • The panel is outdated
  • Wiring is frayed, damaged, or overloaded
  • You’re adding new HVAC or high-load systems

  A commercial electrician from our team will evaluate your electrical distribution system and recommend the safest and most cost-effective solution. As a reputable commercial electrical contractor, we’ll never upsell you—just give you the facts.

• Can you use different breakers in a panel?

  Short answer: not safely—unless they’re listed for that specific panel model.

  Different breaker brands or types are not always interchangeable. At Daven Electric Corp., we see this issue often when someone installs a mismatched breaker in a panel to save money. The risks include:

  • Loose connections
  • Arcing or overheating
  • Code violations
  • Fire hazards
  • Voided warranties

  As a licensed commercial electrical contractor, we follow UL listings and NEC guidelines, which require manufacturer-approved breakers for the specific panel.

  Every panel has a label with the compatible breaker types. Even among the same brand, not all breakers work with all panels.

  If you’re unsure, don’t guess—call a commercial electrician. We’ll identify the correct breakers for your panel and replace any mismatches safely. Using the right components isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your building, your people, and your equipment.

• How to increase electrical panel capacity?

  If your current panel isn’t keeping up, you’ve got a few options—each depending on your property’s layout and power needs. At Daven Electric Corp., here’s how we typically help Brooklyn businesses increase electrical capacity:

  1. Upgrade the panel itself

  Replace the existing panel with one that supports a higher amperage, such as moving from 200A to 400A.

  2. Add a sub-panel

  If the main panel has no space for additional breakers, a sub-panel can offload part of the electrical load—especially helpful for new equipment or added workspace.

  3. Upgrade service entrance conductors

  Your building’s supply cables might also need upsizing to safely carry more current.

  4. Perform a full system assessment

  Our commercial electricians calculate your actual power needs and ensure the new panel is sized correctly to avoid overloads or underuse.

  As a seasoned commercial electrical contractor, we design upgrades that meet NEC requirements and support long-term reliability—not just temporary fixes.

Leading Commercial Electrical Contractor for Electrical Panels & Breaker Services