Instead of asking the contractor, you might be better off coming up with
your own specifications. That way when you get competitive bids each
contractor will be bidding on the same job rather than their own
interpretation. You will also be more likely to get what you want. Forget
about 150 amp. 200 amp is almost the same price.

For instance:

200 amp 40 circuit panel (Full spaces) with main. Square D or GE? There is
a slight price difference.
Require that the contractor upon acceptance provide you with a certificate
of insurance.
Require that a permit be taken out and the job be inspected.
Do you want service entrance cable (Aluminum or copper) or conduit (PVC,
EMT, or Rigid). Aluminum is not a bad way to go for the service entrance
conductors whether in cable or conduit.
There are many brands of surge protectors which can add a few hundred
dollars to the overall cost. Not a bad idea if you live in an area subject
to transients, spikes, and lightning.
2 ground rods 16' feet apart is much better than the code minimum required
6', but will require a longer grounding electrode conductor.
All grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers should be copper.
Aluminum is permitted, but I don't recommend it.
Specify that the water pipe and gas pipe points of connection be cleaned
with sandpaper or emery cloth for good contact.
If you're thinking of putting an addition on or plan to refinish the
basement, you could specify the installation of a subpanel somewhere for
future use.

Not sure about the Boston area, but in NJ you should figure $2000.00 -
$3000.00 depending if you go cheap or decide to live it up. I'm assuming
that this is an overhead service.

The total material cost could be around $500.00. There are many more
components to a service upgrade than just the panel box.

There are probably more things I could suggest, but I can't see your house
from here.


John Grabowski
http://www.mrelectrician.tv



"Robert11" wrote in message
...
Hello:

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. I have 2
central A/C's, though, in house (the split type with the condensers
outside)

Before I do, would like to learn a bit more about what is involved.

I guess my main questions a

- What do I want to ask him ?

- What do I want to be sure to get ?

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

- whole house Surge Protector ? What brand and type ?

- Brands, and which to avoid ?

- etc.

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)

Any thoughts on what to be sure to discuss with him would be most
appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob