Trystan Casey
Upgrading your electrical service can be a complex and costly process, but it is essential to ensure your home's electrical system can meet your needs. The first step is to determine if you need a service upgrade, which a qualified electrician can help with. Upgrading to a higher amperage, such as 200-amp service, is a common improvement that can provide better support for future home additions, improved safety, and increased electrical capacity for modern appliances. The upgrade process involves multiple steps, including requesting a service change from your utility company, obtaining permits, scheduling inspections, and hiring a licensed electrician to perform the work. The cost of upgrading your electrical service can vary depending on your location and the specifics of your home, typically ranging from $750 to $4,500.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to upgrade | If your circuit breakers are shutting off or you have an older home with new appliances |
| Who to contact | A licensed electrician and your utility company |
| Cost | Between $750 and $4,500 |
| Time | One day, but scheduling can cause delays |
| Process | Disconnect power supply, install new panel, new wiring, and a meter socket |
| Safety | Dangerous for non-professionals due to electrical dangers |
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What You'll Learn
Request a service change from your utility company
To upgrade your electrical service, you must first request a change to your existing service from your utility company. This involves filling out a work order request form and providing all the necessary information for your installation. The paperwork is usually included in the cost of your electrical panel upgrade. Once you have requested a work order, you will need to wait for your utility company to process your request.
The time it takes for your utility company to process your request may vary, and it is important to be aware of potential delays. In some cases, there may be months-long delays in scheduling the upgrade, which can impact the overall project timeline. This is particularly true if the wires that run to your home are underground, as these upgrades tend to be more costly and time-consuming.
Once your request has been processed, your utility company will disconnect the power supply to your home. This is necessary to install a new electrical panel, wiring, and meter socket. It is important to ensure that all power to the building is turned off before beginning any work. After the new panel is installed, the utility company will reconnect the electrical cables to your home and restore power.
Upgrading your electrical service typically involves increasing the amperage of your electrical panel. This allows your electrical system to handle additional rooms, appliances, or modern renovations without overloading circuits. It is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to perform the upgrade and ensure that all work is code-compliant. The cost of upgrading your electrical service can vary depending on your home and the work required, but it typically ranges from \$750 to \$4,500.
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Get a city permit and hire a licensed electrician
Upgrading your electrical service is no small task and requires careful planning and execution. One of the critical steps in this process is obtaining the necessary permits and hiring a qualified, licensed electrician to carry out the work. Here is a detailed guide on how to navigate these steps successfully:
Obtaining a City Permit:
First, you need to determine whether you require a permit for the electrical work you intend to carry out. In most cases, electrical panel upgrades will require a permit. Contact your local government or city's website to ascertain the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an electrical permit in your area. For instance, in Philadelphia, you can apply for an electrical permit through the eCLIPSE system. You will need to log in, upload the required documents, and pay the necessary fees. The cost of the permit is typically calculated based on the estimated electrical construction cost.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician:
Once you have obtained the necessary permits, it is crucial to hire a licensed electrician to perform the electrical service upgrade. Working with electricity can be dangerous, and licensed electricians have the knowledge and experience to handle any challenges that may arise. They will also ensure that the work is completed according to local safety codes and standards, providing you with peace of mind and protecting your home from potential electrical hazards.
Licensed electricians undergo extensive training and apprenticeship, typically lasting several years, to gain the necessary skills and qualifications. They are also required to carry liability insurance, which protects you financially in the event of any work-related injuries or issues. Additionally, a licensed electrician can provide you with a surety bond, guaranteeing that you will be compensated if the job is not completed properly.
By hiring a licensed electrician, you can be confident that the work will be done correctly the first time, saving you time and money in the long run. They will also be familiar with the latest technology and can offer suggestions to help improve the electrical efficiency of your home.
In summary, obtaining the necessary city permits and hiring a licensed electrician are essential steps in upgrading your electrical service. By following these steps, you can ensure that the work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.
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Schedule a pre-meet with a trench inspector (if underground service)
If you are upgrading your electrical service to an underground electrical service, scheduling a pre-meet with a trench inspector is crucial to ensure the project's success. This step is often overlooked, but it is essential to understand the specific requirements for the underground portion of the electrical panel upgrade.
Before scheduling the pre-meeting, it is imperative to call Dig Alert (811) or your local equivalent at least 48 hours in advance. This service will help you identify the location of existing underground utilities to avoid any potential hazards or disruptions. Additionally, the work area must be clearly marked out in white paint before their arrival.
During the pre-meeting, the trench inspector, who works for your local utility company, will outline the standards and requirements for the underground conduit installation. This includes specifications such as the depth, width, and material of the trench. For example, trenches typically need to be a minimum of 36" deep, and if a 36" depth cannot be achieved, consultation with the local electric company's engineering department may be required. The trench inspector will also advise on the necessary steps to ensure the safety and stability of the underground electrical service.
By scheduling this pre-meeting, both the homeowner and the electrical contractor will be informed about the specific requirements, reducing the likelihood of errors or delays during the installation process. It ensures that the project complies with the utility company's standards and helps to avoid costly corrections or rework.
Therefore, scheduling a pre-meet with a trench inspector is a vital step when upgrading to an underground electrical service. It ensures that all parties involved are well-informed and aligned with the specific requirements, ultimately contributing to the project's overall success and safety.
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Install a new meter socket and electrical panel
Upgrading your electrical service is a complex process that should be left to professional electricians. They will ensure that all work complies with local codes and safety standards. Before starting the upgrade, you must first request a change to your existing service from your utility company. This can be done by filling out a work order request form on their website. Once the request has been processed, the utility company will disconnect the electrical power to your home.
Phase 1: Remove the old meter and meter socket
- Ensure all power to the building is off.
- Remove the glass meter from the meter socket.
- Unscrew the meter socket from the side of the house.
- Use cable cutters to sever the cable connected to the socket.
Phase 2: Install the new meter socket
- Enlarge the existing cable hole in the wall using a 3-inch diameter hole saw.
- Bore through the rim joist with a 2-inch diameter hole saw.
- Attach a length of 200-amp SE electrical cable to the new meter socket.
- Feed the SE cable through the wall and secure the socket to the house.
- Use a torpedo level to ensure the socket is level.
- Protect the service entrance cable with a weather head and conduit.
Phase 3: Install the new electrical panel
- Have the utility company reconnect the electrical cables to the house.
- Install the glass meter into the new meter socket and secure the meter cover.
- Label each breaker with the correct house circuit.
- Document any changes or additions to the electrical system and keep all relevant paperwork for future reference or home sales.
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Have the utility company reconnect the electrical cables
Upgrading your electrical service is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It is important to ensure that all work is performed by qualified professionals and complies with local codes and safety standards. One of the critical steps in this process is having the utility company reconnect the electrical cables. Here is a detailed guide on what this entails:
Once the new panel has been installed, it is time to bring power back to your home safely. Contact your local utility company to reconnect the electrical cables to your house. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your home's electrical system is functioning correctly and safely. The utility company will send a crew to reconnect the cables and restore power. In some cases, they may also need to mark the locations of underground lines to ensure safe installation.
Install the Glass Meter:
After the electrical cables have been reconnected, it is essential to install the glass meter into the new meter socket. This step involves placing the glass meter securely into the socket, ensuring it is properly connected and ready for use. The meter cover should then be secured to protect the meter and prevent any potential hazards.
Label the Breakers:
With the glass meter in place, it is now necessary to label each breaker with the correct house circuit. This step helps identify which breaker controls the power to each area of your home. Proper labelling ensures that, in the event of an issue or emergency, you can quickly identify and address the problem by switching off the corresponding breaker.
Document the Changes:
Any changes or additions made to your electrical system during the upgrade process should be carefully documented. Keep all relevant paperwork, including permits, inspection reports, and installation records. These documents will be valuable for future reference, especially if you plan to sell your home. They provide a clear record of the upgrades and can increase the resale value of your property.
Schedule a Final Inspection:
Before considering the upgrade complete, it is essential to schedule a final inspection. A qualified inspector will ensure that all work has been performed correctly and complies with local codes and safety standards. They will check the electrical system, including the newly installed panel, meter, and cables, to ensure everything functions properly and safely.
Upgrading your electrical service is a significant undertaking, and having the utility company reconnect the electrical cables is a vital step in this process. Always prioritize safety and ensure that all work is performed by licensed professionals. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transition to an upgraded electrical system for your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Upgrading to a 200-amp service ensures your electrical system can handle additional rooms, appliances, or modern renovations without overloading circuits. It also improves safety by reducing the risk of electrical fires and power surges.
The cost to upgrade to 200-amp service is between $750 and $4,500, but can be more depending on your home.
The upgrade typically takes one day to complete.
The process involves replacing the old meter socket with a new 200-amp rated version, installing a new service panel, and disconnecting/reconnecting the electrical power.
