Is a Permit Required for an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
The electrical panel is where your power is distributed to different circuits throughout your home, and an upgrade is often necessary when you’re adding appliances, upgrading wiring, or increasing the load of your electrical system. But before you jump into the upgrade process, it’s important to determine whether or not you need a permit.
The Need for Permits in Electrical Panel Upgrades
In most cases, upgrading your electrical panel will require a permit. Electrical work is closely regulated for safety reasons, and a permit ensures that the work meets local codes and standards. Permits are typically issued by your local municipality and require inspections once the work is done.
The Trouble That Comes With Skipping the Permit Process
Skipping the process of procuring an electrical permit might seem like a time-saving measure or a way to keep a little extra cash in your pocket, but in the end, it could cause more trouble for you than it’s worth. One big problem is safety. When electrical work isn’t done by the book, it can cause problems that are hidden in your home.
To work, wires need to be connected properly. If they aren’t, they may overheat and catch fire, and you may not even be aware of this happening until it is too late. Plus, if the system isn’t grounded properly, you could be zapped by a hazardous electric shock simply by touching an appliance. These aren’t mere small risks. They can actually put your family and your home in jeopardy.
One other big issue is the law and your insurance. If you do electrical work that requires a permit, and you don’t procure one, the city or county can force you to pay fines. They can even make you rip out everything and do all the work over again the right way. This will be much more expensive. Plus, if something bad does happen, such as a fire caused by your unpermitted electrical work, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the damage. They could argue that you didn’t follow the rules, and that sticks you with a gigantic bill for repairs.
How to Know if You Need a Permit for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
There are some cases where a permit might not be necessary. For example, a permit might not be required if you’re simply switching out a broken circuit breaker or replacing like-for-like components. The work is considered minor in these cases and does not significantly alter the electrical system. However, a permit is almost always necessary for a complete upgrade or expansion of your panel, where the load will increase.
The Permit Process
To get a permit for an electrical panel upgrade, you usually need to apply to your local government. The application will ask for details like the size of the new panel, extra circuits, and what appliances or systems will be connected. You may also need to provide documentation such as blueprints or diagrams.
Once you apply, the local building or electrical inspector will review the plans to ensure they meet safety and code requirements. Depending on the complexity of the work and the municipality’s schedule, the approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. After the permit is issued, you can move forward with the installation.
After the upgrade is done, the last step is scheduling an inspection. An inspector will visit your home to make sure the work follows the rules and that your system is safe. They’ll check the installation, connections, and confirm your panel can handle the load. If everything checks out, you’ll get a certificate of compliance, giving you peace of mind that your home is up to code and secure.
The Benefits of Hiring a Pro for the Job
Having a professional electrician handle your entire electrical panel upgrade eliminates anxiety and stress. They know what your house needs and can handle the bureaucratic process of acquiring all the right permits from the city or county. And they’ll ensure everything is installed safely and is in compliance with all the rules. Because they deal with electricity, you know the work is done right. So, you don’t have to worry about one mistake leading to problems, trouble with the law, or issues a few weeks later.
Contact Us to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Our team is here to guide and support you through the entire process of upgrading your electrical panel. In addition to offering generator installation and other electrical services, We provide drain cleaning, heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services, effectively making us your one-stop shop solution for home improvement.
Call Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing for expert help!
