If you own or are buying a home in Staten Island or South Brooklyn, pay attention to the electrical panel. Many older homes in 103xx and 11209, 11214 and 11228 still rely on outdated panels, undersized service or components that no longer meet modern electrical needs. A failing panel is more than an inconvenience. It can limit your appliances, stall renovations or pose serious safety risks.

Clear Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs Attention

• Frequent breaker trips even under normal load.

• Burn marks or discoloration around breakers or bus bars.

• Warm or buzzing breakers, which may indicate loose connections or internal failure.

• Fuses instead of breakers, common in older homes.

• An undersized service, such as 60 or 100 amp panels in homes that now require more capacity.

• Rust or corrosion inside the panel, often from basement moisture.

• Old brand panels known for defects, including Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, which are widely documented as unsafe by electricians and insurance carriers.

Why Staten Island and Brooklyn Homes Face Extra Risk

Older colonials, capes, attached row homes and pre war properties often have:

• Additions built over decades without electrical upgrades.

• Heavy appliance loads that old panels were never built for.

• Moist basements that accelerate corrosion.

• Two family or converted layouts pulling more amperage than the original service.

Even if the home “works,” the panel may be far behind today’s safety and usage standards.

What Buyers and Owners Should Do

• Look for the service size printed on the panel (100, 150 or 200 amps).

• Ask the seller for the age of the panel and whether any electrical upgrades were permitted.

• Have an electrician confirm whether the panel is safe, properly grounded and has capacity for modern appliances and HVAC.

• Treat panel concerns as real negotiation leverage.

• Never ignore scorch marks, buzzing or a panel that feels warm.

When I walk clients through properties, the electrical panel is always part of our first pass. An outdated panel is not just about replacing hardware. It shapes what you can safely do with the home for years ahead.

—

Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | ranolarealestate.com