Electrical panel replacement is a major home improvement that requires careful planning. The breaker panel, service panel, or load center, as it’s often referred to, allows power in from outside and distributes it to the circuits in your home. It may have a 100-, 200-, or 300-amp capacity or more, but this is just one consideration. Your local electrical services contractor must help with the planning and installation process, but in this guide, we’ll provide an overview of how to plan for electrical panel replacement.
Decide If It’s Time for a New Breaker Panel
Electrical panels can last up to 40 years. Therefore, the investment is something you’ll benefit from for a long time. The electrical panel replacement process isn’t simple, but the outcome is worthwhile in the following circumstances:
- You’re Constantly Resetting Circuit Breakers: Each circuit is controlled by a breaker switch, which trips if the current is too high. A power surge, faulty wiring, or having too many appliances plugged in can trip a breaker. Fortunately, it’s easy to reset. But if the same breaker trips repeatedly, your electrical panel may be faulty or outdated.
- Signs of Electrical Trouble: If you have an outdated panel, lights may dim or flicker when appliances are turned on. Adding a circuit can fix the problem unless it exceeds the panel’s rated capacity. Seeing sparks when you plug a device into an outlet can signal a localized or widespread problem.
- The Panel Is Overheated or Emitting a Burning Smell: A circuit breaker trips when it starts to overheat. If it feels warm or hot, or this heat can be felt through the electrical panel, the entire unit may be malfunctioning. Call a professional to determine if you need electrical panel replacement.
- The Electrical Panel Is Damaged: When you open the service panel door, everything should look clean and intact. If anything looks cracked, broken, or rusted or there are signs of water damage, call for help. These issues signal an immediate fire hazard.
- Power Strips Are Everywhere: Too few outlets can mean your electrical panel isn’t equipped to handle an additional load. Using power strips to compensate can increase demand to unsafe levels. Consult an electrician about adding outlets or circuits, which first requires evaluating your electrical panel.
- More Circuit Breakers Are Required: If you install a new appliance or want a dedicated circuit for one, you may need to add breakers. Whether this is possible depends on the existing panel’s capacity and if there are open slots available.
- Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box: Electrical panels can last 25 to 40 years. If the service panel is original to your home, or worse, you’re still relying on a fuse box, call an electrician to schedule an evaluation and determine the type of upgrade you need.
- It’s Time to Remodel Your Home: During a renovation is a good time to upgrade your electrical panel. An electrical panel replacement can prepare your home for future generations. When planning the project, your electrician can consider potential increases in power requirements as your home or household grows.
Identify the Type of Electrical Panel You Need
The breaker panel you choose must meet the needs of your home and comply with local electrical codes. They may look similar, but each has a different purpose and application. The following are the most common types of residential electrical panels:
- Main Breaker Panels: Main breaker panels not only contain all the circuit breakers for your electrical system. They also contain a larger two-pole circuit breaker that controls how much electricity flows in from outside. Main panels must meet specific requirements, including being within 10 feet of the meter and feeder cable.
- Main Lug Panels: Instead of a main breaker, a main lug panel is wired to a separate disconnect at the electrical meter. Firefighters can use it to cut power without gaining access to your home. The lug is the line wires that run between the panel and the connector.
- Sub-Panels: A sub-panel draws electricity from the main panel and requires its own circuit. However, there is no disconnect. The unit contains separate circuit breakers for an area such as a workshop, detached garage, room addition, home office, or greenhouse.
- Transfer Switches: A type of sub-panel, a transfer switch transforms the power from a portable generator into electricity the breaker panel can distribute. It’s often connected to a permanent backup power generator. This generator may use natural gas or another power source to provide electricity during an outage.
Electrical Panel Replacement Cost Considerations
For homeowners, the greatest concern is often the impact of electrical panel replacement on their budget. The following considerations affect costs. However, they are crucial when planning and executing a breaker panel replacement project and ensuring the unit is safe, functional, and energy-efficient:
Amperage
Every electrical panel has an amperage rating, which is identified somewhere on the unit. Amperage is the strength of an electrical current. The higher a breaker panel’s amperage, the greater its capacity. A replacement panel must either match the existing unit’s amperage capacity or upgrade it.
In an older home, a service panel or fuse box may be rated at only 60 amps. The National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires at least 100 amps. However, 150-amp panels are becoming more common and many newer homes (built since 2015) have 200-amp electrical panels (residential units can have capacities as high as 400 amps).
Circuit Breaker Types
Each breaker is installed separately and at a cost. The number of breakers you need is determined by calculating how many amps are required for each circuit (by adding up the load of all connected devices and appliances). If necessary, divide their wattage by their voltage to determine how many amps are needed.
As you plan your electrical panel replacement, the types of circuit breakers required must be considered. These include:
- Single-Pole Breakers: These 120-volt, 15- to 20-amp breakers are used for receptacles and lighting. Three types are available. Full-size single-pole circuit breakers are 1 inch wide and half-size breakers are ½ inch wide. Tandem breakers are 1 inch wide with two switches; they’re used to control two different circuits.
- Double-Pole Breakers: A double-pole circuit breaker provides 240 volts for larger appliances such as hot water heaters and air conditioning units. They come in a range of amp ratings.
- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): An AFCI is built to detect electrical arcs, which often originate from faulty wiring. It’s most often used for circuits serving bedrooms and common areas. A combination AFCI (C/AFCI) extends protection to downstream branch circuits and power cords.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): A GFCI constantly monitors for electrical shorts and breaks the circuit when one is detected. It is typically installed in bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, garages, and other areas where electrical components and devices are exposed to water and moisture.
- Dual Function Breakers: A dual function breaker protects against arc faults and ground faults. If you’re looking to combine the function of GFCI and AFCI breakers, it provides a higher level of convenience and protection.
Switching from a Fuse Box
Upgrading a fuse box to a breaker panel involves additional cost considerations. The project often requires rewiring part or all of your home. The new panel’s capacity and number of circuits will also factor into the cost.
Moving an Electrical Panel
Relocating an electrical panel can cost several thousand dollars. A contractor must find a suitable location and the job often entails removing and replacing drywall. Trenching may be required for running underground connections.
A contractor must find a suitable location; the job often involves removing and replacing drywall. Trenching may be required to run underground connections.
Replacing Faulty Wiring
Wiring anywhere in your home may be affected by age, corrosion, high current, damage, or general wear and tear.
Electrical Service Upgrade
Aside from replacing the electrical panel and rewiring it, other upgrades may be required. These include updates to the following:
- Meter base
- Line side service entrance cable
- Load side service entrance cable
- Weatherhead, or overhead service entry point
- Electrical grounding
- Bonding to prevent arcing between metal surfaces
Labor
Electrical panel replacement and associated work can take 20 to 30 hours. Therefore, the labor cost can vary, which must be considered during the planning process. Knowing this enables you to budget accordingly or consider your financing options.
Permits
Local regulatory agencies manage permitting requirements in each area. Depending on where you live, you will need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade, which usually includes a post-installation inspection.
Ways to Cut Costs
Despite the high upfront cost of electrical panel replacement, there are ways to save. However, there’s no way of getting around hiring a professional. Only a licensed electrician should install a breaker panel. Otherwise, the risk of an accident or serious damage is too high, as working with electricity is dangerous.
If you’re looking to save, hire a reputable electrician and consider the following tips:
- Schedule Multiple Tasks: If you’re planning on adding wiring, outlets, or an updated meter box, ask your local electrician to include these services when replacing the panel.
- Look for Discounts and Rebates: Electricians may offer discounts during certain times of the year, which can save you significantly. You may also qualify for an EnergyStar electric panel upgrade tax credit or a local, state, or federal tax rebate.
- Let the Contractor Choose the Supplies: An experienced contractor likely works with a network of suppliers, so they can source parts and materials at reasonable rates.
- Choose Standard Components: When standard equipment will meet your requirements, opt for lower-cost options rather than high-end upgrades.
- Prepare the Work Area: Cleaning the area and removing furniture, storage units, and other obstacles can make the technician’s job easier. Therefore, they may reduce their hourly rate.
Electrical Panel Requirements
Your electrical contractor must follow NEC and local regulations when installing an electrical panel or other equipment. Licensed, certified professionals should be up-to-date on the latest standards. However, it helps to know them when planning for an electrical panel replacement. An electrician must consider the following requirements:
- An electrical panel must have at least 3 feet of clearance in front of it.
- It must have at least 30 inches of clearance on both sides.
- The access door must be able to open at least 90 degrees.
- The panel should not be blocked by any other appliance.
- An electrical box must be at least 4 feet off the ground.
- Per NEC rules, the highest breaker must not exceed 6 feet 7 inches.
- Avoid locking the door to the panel or room containing it.
- Outdoor panels should be kept free of snow and debris.
- Don’t put an electrical panel near water or high humidity.
- Never place the panel near flammable materials.
- Waterproof and weatherproof materials are required for outdoor panels.
- Install emergency lighting near any panel in case of an outage.
The best places to install an electrical panel, where it’s safe and accessible, include the following areas:
- Basement
- Garage
- Entryway
- Hallway
- Storage room
- Utility room
Hire an Electrician
When hiring a pro to replace your electrical panel, look for a contractor with positive reviews. You can also ask family members, friends, or neighbors for advice. Also, make sure the technician is licensed, insured, and bonded. A professional has the expertise, tools, and equipment to work safely and avoid injuries while preventing damage to your home. Any DIY mistake can be fatal. Plus, if you run into any issues, your homeowner’s insurance probably won’t cover repairs.
These are just some reasons you need to hire a professional for electrical panel replacement. Planning carefully and working with a pro ensures your investment is worthwhile and you benefit from increased power, safety, and efficiency.
Hire Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for Electrical Panel Replacement
When you need an electrical panel upgrade, our Portland electricians determine the right size and type of panel for your home. They are fully trained and experienced with the latest technologies. A new electrical panel provides more power and increases home safety. We also provide a range of other electrical services and are a trusted local HVAC contractor specializing in furnace, heat pump, and AC repair and replacement. To learn more or request an electrical panel replacement, call (888) 927-3943 today.