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I want to replace the electric panel. It is the notorious Federal Pacific Electric Panel (150 A). Is permit needed to replace a 150A panel (stay the same)? And what is a reasonable price for it?
The only way you'll know for sure is to check with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)-aka, building department.
A lot of times, replacing like for like doesn't require permitting. But age, and mechanicals (electrical) usually do. And since we're talking F/P, that tells me you're talking about a house that 20+ years old. Lots of changes have occurred since then; and you maybe required to update(?)
I want to replace the electric panel. It is the notorious Federal Pacific Electric Panel (150 A). Is permit needed to replace a 150A panel (stay the same)? And what is a reasonable price for it?
Thanks in advance!!
If you try to do it yourself, you risk electrocution.
If you have a friend or know somebody who is familiar with replacement, well, maybe ok but, I'd put my trust to a licensed electrician.
Some communties do not require a permit to be pulled for interior electric work, but as one City-Data Member pointed out, check with your building/zoning department.
If you hire someone to do it (unlicensed), or you try doing it yourself, you not only risk being injured or killed, but you also risk burning your home to the ground. something to think about before you proceed.
Yes you need an electrical permit. And you may need to bring other things concerning the electrical service up to code. Like grounding, bonding of water pipe system, service mast, wires run over a roof, location of service, etc.
Take plenty of pictures of the area where the panel is, grounding, picture with panel cover removed, service mast where wires come in, and also far away picture showing the service wires/service. Then go to your local electrical inspector's office with those pictures and ask what (if anything) will need to be done in addition to replacing the panel.
Be aware that POWER IS ALWAYS LIVE in a main panel even with the main breaker off! (So an electrician thing.)
Suggestions...
200 amp service.
Whole House Surge Protector.
Panel with at least 10 extra spaces for future circuits. (Not much more expensive.)
And in the case of an electrical service, your electric company should have a document or web pages called "Electric Service Requirements". Note some electric companies serve several different states and there might be different requirements / documents for each state. Be sure to read the document for your state.
Note: Main electrical connections need to be tightened with an "inch pound" torque wrench to the panel manufacturer's specifications. Anti-oxidation compound needs to be brushed on to aluminum wire before installation. If you don't do this, the main connections can "work themselves loose" after several years! (High amperage connections take special care and feeding...)
helpful hint: Removing the electric meter cuts/turns off the power to the electric panel, which is what is necessary in order to be able to work on the panel replacement....
I found this 2 part video on youtube.
Most household entry wires contain 3 in total, one is a neutral-in the home that would be a white wire, one would be a hot-in the home it would be the black, and one more which in the home would be a non insulated bare wire which is the ground.
A ac voltmeter will tell you which is which since most entry wires (coming into the meter box) are all black.
Never substitute the white (neutral) for a ground. Most homes with updated electric have 3 wires going to all receptacles and light fixtures.
I'd bet that you'd likely need a permit. In my area, the electric company will not turn off the power unless you have a permit. You'll likely need a licensed electrical contractor too. If you do it yourself and have an electrical fire, chances are your insurance company will deny coverage for the damages.
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