Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel? ​​The full rundown

So you’ve been wondering, “Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?”. In short, yes, you do. This is because upgrading your electrical panel involves replacing and altering your home’s electrical system, which is considered significant electrical work requiring safety, code compliance, and inspection.

Even if you have the relevant knowledge, skills, and electrical experience, installing a breaker panel yourself without a permit can affect your ability to resell your home. It can also void your home insurance and potentially cost you additional money and time to have the installation inspected and approved later.

In this article, we provide a detailed guide on replacing a breaker panel. We also cover how to obtain a permit, schedule an electrical inspection once the work is complete, the associated costs, and the estimated timeframe.

Breaker panel replacement

If you experience frequent breaker trips or recently added major appliances to your home, your current panel may not be able to handle the increased load, and you will need to replace your breaker panel.

To begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, such as a replacement panel, gloves, goggles, circuit breakers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, pliers, and a voltage tester. 

Turn off the power supply

Turn off the main house power supply and cut all electricity to the breaker panel. In many cases, you can do this at the utility meter, especially if you have a service disconnect switch. Once the power is off, double-check using a voltage tester to ensure no power is flowing through the system.

If you don’t know how to safely disconnect the power, you should stop in this first step and call a licensed electrician to ensure you don’t risk electrocution or cause damage. If you are concerned about the cost of hiring electricians, it’s more affordable than you think.

Replacing a breaker panel is a complicated and safety-critical task that requires a solid understanding of electrical systems.

Remove the old breaker panel

After confirming the power is off, remove the panel cover and inspect the wiring. Depending on the panel's design, you may also need to remove some breakers to give you better access to the wiring. So, carefully loosen the screws on the circuit breakers to disconnect the wires. 

Remove the main feed wires (typically large gauge cables), ground wires, and neutral wires. Use masking tape or labels to mark each wire with its corresponding circuit for easy identification during reinstallation. Once all wiring is detached, unscrew the panel box from its mounting surface.

Install the new breaker panel

Mount the new breaker panel securely, ensuring it is level and aligned with the existing wires. Attach the main service wires to the lugs on the main breaker, tightening them firmly to prevent loose connections. Then, reconnect the ground and neutral wires to the designated bus bars, ensuring they are properly secured. 

For individual circuits, connect the hot (black or red), neutral (white), and ground (green or bare) wires to the corresponding screw terminals on the new breakers. Be meticulous about matching the wires to the correct breaker (remember the labels in the previous step), as incorrect connections can lead to electrical faults, overloads, or fires. 

Finally, slide each breaker into its slot, pressing firmly until it snaps into place. Ensure that all wires are properly routed and not pinched or tangled.

Test the new breaker panel and inspect

Before restoring power, double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and damage-free. Replace the panel cover and tighten the screws to hold it in place. Once you are confident everything is in place, turn on the main breaker first, followed by the individual circuit breakers one by one. 

As the power comes back on, check that all circuits function correctly and that no breakers trip immediately. If a breaker trips, you may have a wiring issue or an overloaded circuit that needs to be addressed.

Residential electrical permit vs electrical inspection

An electrical permit is an official approval granted by your local government before you begin any electrical work on a residential property. It serves as a way for the municipality to monitor and regulate electrical work to ensure it meets safety standards and building codes. 

In contrast, an electrical inspection occurs after the work is completed. 

A licensed inspector from the local government building department reviews the electrical work done at your residence to ensure it meets safety standards and local code requirements. If the work passes, the inspector will provide approval; if issues are found, corrections must be made before approval is granted. 

When is an electrical inspection required?

An electrical inspection is required when significant electrical work (installation or modification) is done in a home. Once completed, request an inspection from the local building authority. A licensed electrician will then check the electrical system against the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations.

Can journeyman electricians pull permits?

In most cities in the U.S., a journeyman electrician cannot pull permits independently. They must work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or master electrician who obtains the permit. On the other hand, homeowners may be allowed to pull permits, provided it is for basic electrical work, such as installing or replacing outlets, light fixtures, and minor repairs in their own homes.

This varies by city however. For instance, in Texas, Florida, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and parts of California, homeowners cannot pull electrical permits without a valid electrical contractor's license. This is why it's important to check with your local building department or permitting office.

How long does it take to get a permit for electrical work?

Depending on the city and the type of work, a permit for electrical work typically takes 1 to 5 business days. If the project is straightforward and the local permitting office is not overwhelmed, you can obtain a permit over the counter without having to return another day.

How much does an electrical permit typically cost?

The cost of an electrical permit depends on the type of work, the size and complexity of the project, and the city. Generally, the fee ranges from $25 to $100 for residential electrical work and from $50 to as high as $500 for commercial work.

When do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?

You will need a permit to upgrade your electrical panel, especially if you increase the panel’s amperage, replace an old or faulty panel, upgrade to a modern panel, or add new circuits. These are all considered complex and high-risk work. 

On the other hand, if you are doing basic electrical work, such as replacing your home light bulbs, installing plug-in appliances, or installing temporary holiday lighting, you don’t need a permit before doing it.

Wrapping up: Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?

As we’ve outlined in this article, you need a permit to upgrade your electrical panel. Since it involves significant electrical work like replacing an old panel or adding new circuits, getting a permit ensures everything meets safety standards and building codes. Always check with your local authorities to make sure your upgrade is done correctly and legally.