Service Panel Change

[marleymarl]

I have a 100 amp Pushmatic breaker panel, and would like to have it changed to one with some room for additional circuits, but dont' need any more than 100 amps. The outlets in my house are non-grounded, and when opened up, do not have a ground wire. I would like to switch over all of the old circuits to the new panel at first, and then add some new circuits for the basement and garage at a later date. My questions are this:

Is it "code" to put the old circuits into a modern panel, as-is? I will upgrade them individually at a later date.

Is a permit generally required? (I realize it may vary by location)

Will the power have to be disconnected at the meter base during the switch? if so, can an electrician disconnect it, or is that handled by the utility company? Do people just change it over hot without disconnecting?

Assuming a fairly straightforward change, what should I expect to pay for the panel, new breakers for existing circuits (10), and installation?

Thank you for any info you may be able to provide.

[Vector]

Is it "code" to put the old circuits into a modern panel, as-is? I will upgrade them individually at a later date.

Yes, it's OK to put the old circuits into a new panel. The problem you might run into is wire lengths, and the wires may have to be extended.

Is a permit generally required? (I realize it may vary by location)

Absolutely.

Will the power have to be disconnected at the meter base during the switch? if so, can an electrician disconnect it, or is that handled by the utility company? Do people just change it over hot without disconnecting?

Yes, the power will have to be disconnected. The electrician does not disconnect it in most cases, the utility does. It would be incredibly reckless and foolhardy to swap it out live.

Assuming a fairly straightforward change, what should I expect to pay for the panel, new breakers for existing circuits (10), and installation?

Based on what I've heard from people who have had this done, anywhere from $500 to $2000, depends on a lot of factors.

The general process is this:

1. Get permit.
2. Utility disconnects power.
3. Change over panel.
4. Get work inspected and approved.
5. Utility reconnects power.

This *can* all be done in a single day, but you have to coordinate it just right, which is why this is usually left to the pros.

How many circuits does your current panel have? Generally speaking, a 100A panel will allow a maximum for 20 circuits by design. You may not be able to add ten more circuits into a single 100A panel, period.

You really should step up to 200A service anyhow, as you'd be going through 90% of the work already. Cost would only be marginally more.

[marleymarl]

Yes, the power will have to be disconnected. The electrician does not disconnect it in most cases, the utility does. It would be incredibly reckless and foolhardy to swap it out live.

I agree, however I have seen much worse. Lots of things are worked on "hot" as a matter of convenience rather than safety.

This *can* all be done in a single day, but you have to coordinate it just right, which is why this is usually left to the pros.

How many circuits does your current panel have? Generally speaking, a 100A panel will allow a maximum for 20 circuits by design. You may not be able to add ten more circuits into a single 100A panel, period.

You really should step up to 200A service anyhow, as you'd be going through 90% of the work already. Cost would only be marginally more.

Hopefully I can get it done in a single day, I have several aquariums that need power. I have battery backup for a few hours for a power falure, but couldn't wait longer than that. There appears to be a location on the wall next to the old panel where the new one could be mounted, and conveniently all of the circut feeds would not need to be longer.

My current panel has either 10 or 12 circuits in it (I'm at work right now and can't check), and I would like to add 5 or 6 more. If I upgrade to 200 amp, will the utility company have to run a new feed from the pole outside to the meter? Do they generally charge for this sevice?

[Vector]

There appears to be a location on the wall next to the old panel where the new one could be mounted, and conveniently all of the circut feeds would not need to be longer.

Take into consideration wire routing inside the actual panel too.

My current panel has either 10 or 12 circuits in it (I'm at work right now and can't check), and I would like to add 5 or 6 more. If I upgrade to 200 amp, will the utility company have to run a new feed from the pole outside to the meter? Do they generally charge for this sevice?

If they have to run new wire, they'll do that. Generally, there is no charge.

You would (most likely) have to run new wire from the masthead to the meter box, and then new wire from the meter to the panel. You'll have to run new wire from the meter to the panel anyhow, if it's not in the same location (and even then you'd probably have to anyhow).

I'm unclear, are you planning on doing this yourself or hiring an electrician? I'd strongly reccoment getting an electrician to do it, not because it can't be done by a DIY'er, but because of the time constraints you have.