Thomas Adams at Classic Electric is an Oregon Master Electrician specializing in residential remodels, changes, and additions.
Here is a time lapse video of an electrical panel change Thomas completed for a customer.
Most electrical panel and/or service changes are done for two reasons:
1. The existing panel is too small either in Amps (main breaker size) or there is not enough physical room in the panel to add new circuits (load) needed for a remodel, upgrade, or expansion. If you do not have enough Amps in your panel, you will need to get a service change. If you have enough Amps but not enough physical room in your panel, you will need to get a panel change.
2. If the panel is one of two brands—Federal Pacific or Zinsco. These panels have lost their UL listing because they are known for the potential to cause fires. In 80% of the cases tested, the breakers won’t trip when needed, which is an obvious problem. If you have one of these panels, you should very seriously consider replacing it. Depending on the size of the Amps in the panel, you might also need to have a service change done.
When you have a panel change done on your house, you will get a new electrical panel, new main electrical grounding will be replaced, and the water and gas bonds will be checked and upgraded, if applicable and necessary.
When you have a service change done on your house, we will not only be replacing the panel, but we will also change the wire that feeds the panel from the electrical meter in order to increase the new panel main breaker size. For example, if you only have 150 Amps at your existing panel, we will need to install a new meter and wire from the meter to the panel that is rated for 200 Amps to give you the extra load room in your panel. At this time, the meter the electric company reads will be replaced to meet current code. In total there are three pieces being updated: the meter, the wire between the meter and the panel, and the panel itself. Similar to a panel change, with a service change, new main electrical grounding will be replaced, and the water and gas bonds will be checked and upgraded, if applicable and necessary.
