Service Panel Upgrade?

Question

Hello,

We have a house that was built in the mid-50s within which very few outlets are grounded. Also, the service panel was installed outside and has no master switch, and the box is very rusty. Before I consult some electricians, I would like to educate myselfa bit.

Is it possible to relocate the service panel in the basement and also upgrade it at the same time?

Thank you!

Thank you for the replies. I just thought of something with the last reply given. The power company would need access to the meter to read it, so placing it in the basement would probably not work out very well, right?

Answer 1

Yes, you may relocate your breaker box to the basement. However, the meter is required to remain outside.

The National Electrical Code requires you to install a 100 amp electrical service minimum. However, 200 amp is the most common and it will help with resale value.

The 3 best resources to educate yourself on this matter are:

1.) Your local building codes department. Most of these places have pamphlets prepared that will show you just what is required.

2.) The 2005 National Electrical Code - You may purchase this at your local bookstore or we sell these on our website.

3.) A local, licensed electrical contractor. A reputable electrical contractor will offer a set price before beginning work and have no problem providing references.

If you need further assistance, please visit:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com

Answer 2

In my parts your power supplier will not hook-up a new service without having a electic permit & inspected. Everything now is 200 amp meter loop & box. It's really getting tuff to do your own work with out hiring a electrican.

I've been a renegade my whole life, this is what i'd do, hire a electrican to install a new meter loop , mast, and bring it down to 200 amp Breaker panel, which is approved by the inspector, all to code (make sure your box has a 200 amp disconnect, it is key)
The electrican will only get a permit for the work he performs. Now you got a brand new service to code with all the bells and whistles, but your dead between the new and old.

Now you jumper cable back to your old box, ask your electrian not to remove existing , it's dead. You have to buy enough cable to jumper from new to old (whats a safe gauge is up to you) Your going to need 2 hots & 1 neutral. It just keeps you going for the upgrade.

This is where the 200 amp disconnect comes in, it's your's, it's not the power companies, you can turn it On or Off at will to finish your project (no meter pulling and clipping seals) that is your main disconnet.

Answer 3

So basically, one would install the brand new master panel and master switch right onto a plywood piece fastened to the concrete wall. Then out of the top wires of sufficent lenth to go to a "connection box" that will be placed right near atop the old existing master box.

Then one would remove the outside Electric Meter, that cuts off the power, and drop down the old box temporarly and wire in the new box to the supply line in that "connection box'' and run a temporary power supply line from old box bottom to bottom of new box mounting on those copper bars.

Then Reinstall the meter. which will supply you now a controlled power. thru that new master switch on the new pannel

Then move each circuit line over to the new master box until all the circuits are moved over. Remove the old master box and scrap it And you are done.

Then dont forget to call the power company and tell them you now need a new "seal" on your meter. They will come out and put one on .

Answer 4

With out looking and knowing more about your house its hard to say how much it would cost. But put it where you want , otherwise you will be unhappy later. To bad you dont have a friend that could do this for you. Electricians (most of them) really put it to you, making you think a job is bigger than it really is to move load centers to a new location. I been installing load centers and wiring houses for years.

Answer 5

you are on the right track.....your panel can be relocated to the basement however as you mentioned it will take a qualified electrician and a trip to the bank... good luck.

Answer 6

Yes to all your questions.

this may help you a little. http://www.doityourself.com/scat/basicelectric

Good luck

Answer 7

yes, but it will cost more