Replacing Main Breaker Panel: Upgrade to code?

[jbelectric777]

minor repairs/replacements do not need a permit

minor repairs/replacements do not need a permit

I was told by New Jersey DCA that minor repair / replacement does not require a NJDCA sub code tech section sealed permit. However, any new installations, alteration or upgrade does. As a state licensee I protect my you know what... As mentioned before there are stiff fines and one thing you do not want is to have to appear before the board. I get a lot of calls where the customer thinks by paying me cash I will work without a permit or inspection, and its mostly finished basements and swimming pools, and I do the same thing everytime....... Hang up ......

 

[winnie]

When I spoke with the county inspector, they will allow a panel swap (with permit) and not require update to current code provide that I do not add/change any wiring in the rest of the house. If I run just 1 new wire, then the entire house must be update to current code.

Sounds like you need to do two separate jobs.

1) Permit and have installed the new range circuit.

then after this is all finished,

2) Permit and get the panel swap done.

-Jon

 

[charlie b]

The inspector initially informed me that the house had a Fed Pacific panel and that I should do some research as to the well documented problems with it.

What ?Inspector? would that be? A ?Home Inspector,? one of those who are often hired by real estate agents to go through a home before it is bought or sold? If so, I would not accept anything they said about what is, and what is not required to be replaced, without taking additional steps to get other opinions from electrical contractors or inspectors.

When I spoke with the county inspector, they will allow a panel swap (with permit) and not require update to current code provide that I do not add/change any wiring in the rest of the house. If I run just 1 new wire, then the entire house must be update to current code. The county requirements seems unreasonable. . . .

I agree that that is unreasonable. The NEC article that speaks to this question is 80.9(B). That article is presently in the Annex in the back of the book, and is therefore not enforceable. However, many local jurisdictions have invoked the Annex, and made it equal in force to the rest of the book.

What 80.9(B) says is this:

Existing electrical installations that do not comply with the provisions of this Code shall be permitted to be continued in use unless the authority having jurisdiction determines that the lack of conformity with this Code presents an imminent danger to occupants.

If the existing wiring does not present an imminent danger to occupants, then adding one wire will not cause the old wires to suddenly present a danger.

I had my Federal Pacific service panel replaced just about one year ago. The electrician also did a handful of minor tasks, such as running separate circuits for the dishwasher and the disposal, installing GFCI receptacles above the kitchen counters, and replacing the branch circuit wires to the water heater. I was present when the Electrical Inspector came by. He signed the job off without looking at anything beyond what was on the permit, and he did not question the 50+ year old wiring.

 

[growler]

If I run just 1 new wire, then the entire house must be update to current code.

I think you may have misunderstood what they were saying. What happens is this, if you change out any of the service cables then they have you bring the service up to code. To change out a panel they may want you to bring the ground system up to code.

You can run a lot of new wiring and not bring the house up to code.

In some areas we just clip the seal and remove the meter ourselves in other areas the power company will not reseal without a permit.

I have changed many meter bases and panels without a permit but not the service cables.

Get your friend that is a licensed electrician to do the work. He will know if you need a permit or not. If you do it's only 30 or 40 dollars.

 

[growler]

I am unsure how much of the existing wiring (if any) would be required to be upgraded to current code.

With a house built in 73 unless there have been a lot of handyman type of rigging. squirrel damage. or other hazards you probably won't have to change any of the wiring. What you need is to have a qualified electrician inspect for problems.