Swapping, upgrading, or having work done on your electrical panel can bring up a lot of questions for homeowners. Hiring a licensed and insured electrician is the first step in ensuring that your home and family’s safety are the top priority during these repairs and installations. Here are some common concerns that we hear at The Electric Way from our customers who are considering a panel upgrade or panel change:
Do I need a permit for a panel change?
Yes! The city (i.e. utility provider) will shut off power to the home in order for the installation to be performed safely. They will not do so unless the contractor/homeowner has already pulled a permit and had utility locates performed on the property.
How long does it take to perform a panel change?
A typical panel change takes approximately one full day with 2 or 3 technicians on site to perform the work. After the work is complete, the homeowner will need to set aside another day to meet the inspector to review the work and complete the permit process. While inspections are typically done quickly, many regions schedule inspections within a window of time, rather than a set appointment.
How long will power be shut off in my home during a panel change?
Expect power to be shut off for the majority of the day, approximately 6-8 hours.
Is there a chance a panel change could take longer than expected and leave me without power overnight?
The Electric Way will NOT leave until power is restored. The utility company has dedicated staff to re-energize the panel (and restore power to your home), even during evening hours. While different utilitiy companies may have different protocols, we will coordinate directly with your utility provider to ensure that power is returned to your home before we leave for the day.
During a panel change, will my refrigerator and freezers thaw since I will not have power all day?
No, as long as you are not keeping the doors open for extended periods of time, your appliances will maintain a cool enough temperature to preserve your food.
Do I need to be home for a panel change?
You do not need to be home during a panel change, but we will need access to your entire home. Part of the panel change process may involve running a new ground wire and labeling the panel, which requires accessing different parts of the home to know which breakers control which areas. We encourage customers to be home if they are uncomfortable having us access certain areas without their presence.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for a panel change?
Remember to charge your batteries for laptops, flashlights, and devices that you would like to use while the power is off. If there is any sensitive equipment that may be disrupted by an abrupt shut-off, you should take time to power those down properly before we arrive and shut off power to the entire home.
