"Robert11" wrote in message

Will be contacting a few local contractors in the area to put in a new
Service Box for us, as our present one is about 30 years old. Present
capacity is 100 amps; imagine 150 or 200 would be adequate.
- What do I want to ask him ?

You wnat to ask him what needs to be done to upgrade to a higher amp
capacity. It is more than just the service panel. In most cases, the main
line to the meter must be replaced, possibly the meter box. Why do yo want
a new panel? What problems are you having? Future plans?

- GFCI's and ArcFault breakers (good idea; for where ?)

Any outside or near water applications must have GFCI. If you hae GFCI
recepticals, you don't want the breaker. If you go witht he reaker youcan
change out recepticals. Your electrician can help. That is what he does
for a living.


Wandering around HD, it seems that a new 200 amp box, loaded up, should be
no more than about $250.
Think I can get a "good" installation for $1,000 or so ? (Boston area)

Depends on many factors. How far from the street? That new service cable
is not cheap. Overhead or underground?

You can end up with double your projected cost.