If you are wondering how much does it cost to move an electrical panel then you have the right article. This will explain costs and process.
As a general rule the cost to move an electrical panel generally are between $1500 to $2000 dollars. This depends on location and what is actually involved. If you need permits and line trucks to disconnect the power the price goes up substantially. Speak to your electrician to get a valid quote before proceeding.
Every panel is a little different. This depends on location and if the existing wires will reach.
1. So How Much Does It Cost To Move An Electrical Panel ?
An electrical panel can cost a little less than $900 right up through $2000 to move.
It’s really depends on how large the electrical panel is and the circumstances involved with moving it. What it boils down to is how long the pipe is coming from the service inside.
It also relates to if it has a separate shut off or not. If you need to get the power company involved to do a disconnect this could be more costly.
Generally it can take 6 to 8 hours for the electrician to move it reinstall it and see all the wires back in.
This is why you see electrical panels in odd places in peoples basements because it’s too expensive to move. Especially when they were doing renovations.
Often times they will end up in the utility room for a preferred location. We have seen them in basement bedrooms that are simply enclosed in a closet with doors to hide them.
2. Does The Cost Most An Electrical Panel If I Have To Get Permits?
Yes, the permit values go up if you need to pull a permit to move the electrical panel. If it all possible you should avoid this.
As mentioned in our other articles if there’s a reason for the inspector to come in then they can look at other things associated with the electrical.
This could cause you ending up to incur additional costs.
Most instances unfortunately it is difficult to move the electrical panel without involving a permit however.
3.What About The Power Company Do They Need To Be Involved?
In addition to an inspection if you need to get the power company involved themselves to do a disconnect or reconnect this will add more cost to the project.
If the outside of the power service needs to be connected and the panel cannot be removed from the bottom of the meter.
You can count on an additional $300 to $500 to the power utility to do this disconnect and reconnect.
Check with your local electrician to see if this is necessary or not.
4.How Much Does It Cost To Move An Electrical Panel If It Has It’s Own Disconnect?
If the electrical panel has its own disconnect you can count on the job being cheaper.
When we say separate disconnect and we mean an actual separate box located next to the electrical panel.
This can be shut off and the wires can be extended to the new panel location. In this case it would not be required to have the electrical inspector or the power company involved in the project.
The electrician can advise this process for you. We do this on a frequent basis and it can be done for less than $1000.
5.Do I Need To Do Any Code Upgrades?
Code upgrade are not necessary if you are not changing any characteristics of the electrical service. This means if you are keeping the same size service 100 amp to 100 amp you do not need to do upgrades.
If you are changing from 60 amp to 100 amp or 100 amp to 200 amp then yes. You are actually required to bring things up to code.
To start there is a whole list of upgrades that need to be done with a change in amps. A single grounded circuit must be run for the fridge.
You will also need a circuit for the washer, dryer, sump pump and furnace if applicable.
Any shock or fire hazards must be repaired. These are things like wires hanging, missing or broken plates or switches. Really anything the inspector seems fit to call out.
The area in which the panel must be at least a height of 7 feet of head space. You must also have 3 feet of clearance in front of it.
6.What Else Is Required With An Upgrade?
Additional requirements are 1 wired in smoke detector with battery back up. You can find out more on smoke detectors here.
Other requirements are 3 ways on any staircase outdoor plugs on gfci protection. You must also have a new ground system installed. This consists of 2 10 foot ground rods.
A sufficient number of counter outlets must be install on the counter top at no more than 6 feet apart.
7.How Long Does This Process Take?
The process to move an electrical panel can take weeks. From the time you call the electrician to the time the job actually happens.
There are a number of processes going on behind closed doors that you do not see. The electrician has to order the new parts.
They also have to wait for the power utility to confirm they can actually disconnect and reconnect the service.
This is done on the power companies time so its up to their schedule.
You can find out more on full service changes here.
8.How Often Should You Replace An Electrical Panel?
Providing your electrical panel has been installed in a dry safe location you will never have to replace it.
Corrosion is the killer so if the panel has been installed in a bad location like a damp basement changes are you will have issues.
When a panel gets exposed to moisture it can make the components of the panel wear out faster.
We have seen panels actually dripping with condensation causing rust to the enclosure.
9.Do The Breakers Need To Be Replaced In The Panel?
Eventually breaker do wear out and need to be replaced. This is subject to how hard you use them basically.
The more load they go under and the more they trip the faster they wear out.
Water is also a killer to breakers. The minute they get wet from a leak they are no good.
Our code actually states that any breakers that have been water damaged need to be replace to meet code. Moisture can also affect breakers and the lifespan.
10.Do I need To Replace The Whole Service If The Wire Are Not Long Enough?
You can not junctions or extend service entrance wires. They must be replaced. When doing this, it can often result in replacing the whole service entrance.
Old parts inside the service can get brittle from years of usage. Often when we try to loosen of the wire from the lug in the meter base it snaps off.
You are then suck with replacing it with no choice if you want your power back on.
We are not telling you all of this to scare you of moving it. We just want you to be fully informed what involved.
Find out more on the panels and gear we recommend here.
11.Is it expensive to move the electrical panel?
Electrical panels are one of the most expensive components in your home and they’re not easy to move either. The price to move an electrical panel varies depending on where you live and what needs to be done, but it’s generally between $1500 and $2000 dollars.
A new electrical panel costs roughly $2,000. This means that if you’re considering moving the electrical panel you’ll spend anywhere from $3000 to $4000 dollars for a new one with permits and line trucks. Consider this when deciding whether or not to move the electrical panel.
The average homeowner spends about $100 per year on electricity, so it may seem like it’s worth it for an electrician to move the plumbing panel and hire a plumber afterward than paying the price of a new electrician.
But keep in mind: moving your plumbing pipe will cost less than moving your electrical panel because there is not as much labor involved . A plumber will most likely charge less than an electrician would, which means you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. Speak with your contractor before making any decisions that could cost more money in the long run.
12.How much does it cost to move main electrical panel?
The cost to move a main electrical panel can vary depending on location and what is actually involved. If the electrician needs permits and line trucks to disconnect the power, the price will go up substantially.
For example, it could cost between $1500 and $2000 dollars. This depends on where you live and what needs to be done.
First, talk with an electrician to get a quote for your specific situation before moving forward with the project.
13.What is the difference between a breaker and a panel?
A breaker is the device that interrupts the power to an area of your home. Breakers are installed in a panel which is typically located on the side of the house, garage or basement. The panel contains breakers for each room in your home and other devices like circuit breakers and fuses.
Breakers should be replaced as needed but there are many guides available online to teach you how to test for this.
14.Can you change a 100 amp panel to 200 amp?
A common question is whether or not you can use a 100 amp electrical panel with a 200 amp breaker. The answer is no because the load on the breakers will exceed the rating of the panel, which could lead to damage. This would also violate electrical code.
The right way to do this would be to install a new, larger panel and switch it over before turning off your old one. This will provide more than enough power for your home or business without needing to upgrade your breaker system.
It’s worth mentioning that if you live in an older home, there may be restrictions on how much voltage can be lost before an electrician needs to come out and fix things. Meaning, high-power devices like microwaves may not work as well as they should when trying to run them off of an overloaded circuit breaker. You might need to upgrade other parts of your wiring before doing so.