How to Upgrade an Electrical Panel for an Older Home
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Installing a New Electrical Service Panel: Upgrading a Fuse Box or Upgrading a Home Electrical Panel. One of the most important renovations or upgrades for an older home would be to replace the main electrical service panel. Depending on the size of the home the new electrical panel will be at least 125 amps. © By: Dave Rongey |
Updating an Electrical Pane
Electrical Question: How should I upgrade a electrical fuse box to a circuit breaker panel?
I purchased an old home that I would like to renovate.
- The home was built in the 1950’s, and about 600 square feet.
- The electrical panel was a fuse box with several add on electrical junction boxes, all were located on the exterior of house just out side back door.
- The kitchen has an exterior wall. I decided it would be best to eliminate all the junction boxes and the fuse box and install a new circuit breaker panel on interior of the house.
- The problem is when the box was placed on the inside wall the inspector stated there had to be 36 inches of clear space in front of the new panel. This eliminates 36 inches of counter space in an already tiny kitchen.
Question: Would it be possible to put the circuit breaker box on the back exterior of house, and if so what type breaker box would be required. The current panel box is 150 amp and for this small house is already sufficient.
This electrical repairs question came from: Chris, in Richmond, Virginia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.
Installing a New Electrical Service Panel
Application: Install a New Main Service Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician. Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the electric panel upgrade.
Estimated Time: Depends on the exact type of the existing panel or fuse box, the replacement panel to be installed, the original wiring methods that were used for installing the existing wiring, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specifications in accordance with the local utility company or electric service provider.
Notice: Making changes to the Home Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Upgrading a Fuse Box or Upgrading a Home Electrical Panel
- One of the most important renovations or upgrades for an older home would be to replace the main electrical service panel.
- Depending on the size of the home the new electrical panel will be at least 125 amps.
- If the home has a basement then the electrical meter and main disconnect switch is located on the outside of the home and the circuit breaker panel is located in an clear accessible area of the basement.
- If the home does not have a basement then it is typical to install an All-In-One panel that has the electrical meter socket, the main circuit breaker disconnect, and the individual circuit breaker section all enclosed inside one enclosure.
- The exterior electrical panel is required to be weather proof and have the NEMA 3R designation.
- The new panel should be located where the old existing electrical panel was, or in a location which is specified by the electrical utility company.
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