I am planning to upgrade my panel, and where I live in Norcal, PG&E requires a meter release from the city before they will do a service disconnect. The current panel is an overhead connection with a galvanized steel service mast that is 1 1/2 inches. The new panel will require a 3" service mast. My questions are as follows:
1/ Should I install the new panel and the new service mast (without any wiring connection) somewhere near the old panel first before getting the city to come out and inspect for the meter release? This means I will have two service mast on the roof at the same time, and will have to fix the hole on the old one later.
2/ If I want to keep the old panel and convert it to a subpanel of the new panel, is there an option to cover up the opening for the meter on the old panel since the meter will be moved to the new panel? (I understand that this option requires separating the ground and the neutral on the old panel)
Thanks!
1/ Should I install the new panel and the new service mast (without any wiring connection) somewhere near the old panel first before getting the city to come out and inspect for the meter release? This means I will have two service mast on the roof at the same time, and will have to fix the hole on the old one later.
2/ If I want to keep the old panel and convert it to a subpanel of the new panel, is there an option to cover up the opening for the meter on the old panel since the meter will be moved to the new panel? (I understand that this option requires separating the ground and the neutral on the old panel)
Thanks!
