Installing an Electric Panel with a Permit
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Should there be a permit be done before installing the new electric panel? © By: Dave Rongey |
Permit for an Electric Panel
Electrical Question: Should there be a permit be done before installing the new electric panel?
My electrical wiring project involves the electrical panel in the basement of a old home.
Should a permit from our local building department be obtained before installing a new electric panel? We are waiting for inspection of what has already been done. But they claim they are waiting on the permit from the city building department. It has been two weeks now since the work has been done.
This electrical wiring question came from Stephanie, a Homeowner in Cincinnati , Ohio.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Stephanie.
Installing an Electric Panel
Application: Install an Electric Service Panel
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the , turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Cincinnati , Ohio. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Permit for Installing an Electric Panel
Electrical Service Panel Project
Typically a permit is filed before any work is started, and in some cases, depending on the extent of the project, a plan or drawing describing the project may be required as well.
The Process of Replacing or Upgrading an Electrical Service Panel
Based upon my own personal projects when Replacing or Upgrading a Main Electrical Service Panel the following events are typical:
A permit is obtained from the local building department or authority before any work is started.
The local power company is notified to come out and disconnect the power to the home, typically early in the morning, and then the panel upgrade project may begin. If the project will be completed by the end of the day a reconnect is scheduled with the power company for late afternoon.
After the project is completed an inspection is requested, or is already planned for the same day in the afternoon.
After the inspector has approved the project the power company is notified that the service panel is ready to be reconnected and powered up. Again, this is commonly already planned for the late afternoon of the same day.
Adding an Electrical Panel or Sub Panel
If your project is for adding a panel that is not the main service panel then a permit is still required before the work begins, and the project must be inspected when the work is completed, however the power company is not involved.
More about a Replacing or Upgrading an Electrical Panel
Home Electrical Codes for Main Service Panels
Electrical Wiring Codes
How to Install Basement Electrical Wiring
Basement Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Basement Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, and smoke-detectors.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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