What to Expect During a Service Panel Upgrade

Sep 04, 2022 | Panel Upgrade

Panel Upgrades are a normal part of home upkeep. New appliances, an increasing number of gadgets in the home, and our demand for electricity is putting a strain on existing electrical infrastructures. They simply weren’t built to handle the needs of today and the future! If your home has an electrical service panel box that is more than a generation old, it could be time for an upgrade. If you are experiencing poor service, or the existing system appears dangerous, an electrical panel upgrade is essential. (We talk more about how to know if you need an upgrade here.)

panel

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SERVICE PANEL UPGRADE?

The length of time for an electrical service panel upgrade depends on whether you decide on a surface mount electrical panel or a flush mount electrical panel.

A surface mount electrical panel upgrade is usually completed in a day. Additionally, you will have to plan one day for the city inspection. A flush mount electrical panel upgrade is usually completed in two days. During visit 1 we will install the panel and during visit 2 we will do stucco repairs. Additionally, you will have to plan one day for the rough inspection between visit 1 and 2 and another day for the final inspection. The length of time and exact process will be discussed case by case. Sometimes we have to move the panel, upgrade wires, and make other changes to future proof your home. We will let you know everything before we begin.

During that time, our crew will be in and out of your home testing all your home circuits and turning the power on and off. We understand this can be inconvenient, nonetheless we ask the homeowner to be present during the installation of the electrical service panel to ensure access to the house. Just remember, we are doing this to ensure your home is safe! Upgrading your electrical panel will ensure a steady flow of electricity and prevent potential electrical fire hazards. It will all be worth it.

Before you call Mario Castillo Electric to set a Service Panel Upgrade appointment, there are a few actions you need to take first.

  • Call your electricity supply company (i.e. SCE, DWP) to schedule an appointment so your Service Planner can come out to approve the current location of your panel and place a sticker or plot plan. When they come out, please remind them to leave the Meter Lock Ring open.
  • For single family homes, we recommend installing a 200 amp panel if you have an overhead service entrance and between 125 - 200 amp panel if you have an underground service entrance. If you have an overhead service panel amps can be increased, however; if you have an underground panel your electrical supply company will need to approve the amp increase.
  • Once your electricity supply company has approved your panel upgrade project, schedule an appointment with us for a quote.
  • Depending on the structure of the house and what your electrical supply company and the city approves, Mario Castillo Electric will install either a flush or surface mount panel.
  • Your new panel will be in compliance with the National Electric Code which will bring your house to what is currently needed and what is projected for the next 30 years (e.g. EV car charger, A/C and solar panels).
  • Mario Castillo Electric will pull the required city permits for the work.

Don’t feel overwhelmed! If you have any questions about these steps, don’t hesitate to call. Once the above list is taken care of, we will set the appointment.

Here’s what to expect once we enter your home.

service panel

THE STEP BY STEP FOR A SURFACE MOUNT ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADE

Day 1

  • Expect a team of 2 electricians to be in your home for the day. Remember, we will be coming in and out and turning the power on and off as we test all your home circuits.
  • Your old panel will be removed and a new panel will be added to the main electrical source.
  • We will install ground rods in your panel which will be connected to the main water line (as dictated by the city code).
  • Your technician will finish installing the circuits in your panel and we make sure everything functions correctly in the house.
  • Breakers will be installed.
  • We will repair the exterior stucco if needed and clean the area.

Day 2

  • An inspection by the city will be requested to approve our electrical work. The city can take up to a week to complete the inspection.

THE STEP BY STEP FOR A FLUSH MOUNT ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADE

Day 1

  • Expect a team of 2 electricians to be in your home for the day. Remember, we will be coming in and out and turning the power on and off as we test all your home circuits.
  • Your old panel will be removed and a new panel will be added to the main electrical source.
  • We will install ground rods in your panel which will be connected to the main water line (as dictated by the city code).
  • Your technician will finish installing the circuits in your panel and we make sure everything functions correctly in the house.
  • Breakers will be installed.

    Day 2

    • An inspection by the city will be requested to approve our electrical work. The city can take up to a week to complete the inspection.

    Day 3

    • We will repair the exterior stucco and clean the area.

    Day 4

    • A final inspection by the city will be requested to approve our electrical work. The city can take between 1 to 10 days to complete the final inspection.

    After we clean up, we will leave you with your upgraded and safe home! We have just a few final reminders for you.

    There will be electrical disruptions during the day (8-12 hrs) as we will have to turn off the main circuit breaker to replace your panel. If you work from home, please make necessary arrangements as the internet will not be available while we are working on the upgrade. We also recommend not opening your fridge during the workday(s) to keep the temperature as cool as possible.

    Let us know which guest bathroom the team can use. If you feel uncomfortable sharing a guest bathroom with them while the project is taking place, Mario Castillo Electric can rent a portable bathroom at an additional cost.

    We will also discuss an area for placement of construction debris. The debris can be disposed of little by little in your trash at no additional cost or Mario Castillo Electric can dispose of it for an additional fee.

    And finally, our services all come with a 1 year warranty and a financing option! If anything seems amiss after we leave, just give us a call.

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