06/20/2026
Moving and consolidating panels - the ins and outs:
1. First step is determine if the original panel location(s) are free from clearance issues. National Electrical Code (NEC) dictates working clearances of 3’ in front of electrical panels and disconnects and 30” of side-to-side clearance for safely servicing panels. Panels cannot be within 3’ of water sources (plumbing pipes and associated outlets) and cannot be under ductwork. In addition, panels cannot be in storage closets, bathrooms, or above any steps in stairways.
2. Determine a clearance-safe location for the new panel location and identify whether the current meter location is also free of clearance issues or needs to be evaluated for moving as well. We work directly with utility companies and inspectors to ensure an approved meter location is identified and we are able to get from the meter location to the new panel location with the service entry wires. You never have to worry about being the middle man or coordinating the project yourself.
3. Determine routes to extend the old wires at the original panel(s) to the new panel location. This may involve drywall repair, removal of ceiling tiles, or other alterations and we make sure you approve any disruptions to your home’s surfaces and understand costs involved. New wiring will be routed through ceiling joists which requires planning and labeling feeds so we can re-label your new panel if your old panel was labeled correctly. If your panel schedule (the index of which circuits belong to each circuit breaker) needs to be updated we make sure your new panel has an accurate description of what each breaker powers.
4. Once all of the planning is done, and the new equipment and feeds are installed, we work with the utility company and inspector again on the day of the scheduled disconnect and reconnect of power from the utility company. The day of the shutdown we come and begin disconnecting the feeds from your old panel and getting them tied into your new panel, then we demo the old equipment.
5. Before the utility company can reconnect the lines to power the new meter socket and panel the inspector must come and approve the installation. Services require several parts to be approved - a) a grounding system that includes 2 ground rods, driven into the earth and connected by a properly-sized electrode grounding conductor, as well as a wire to your water meter or well if the pipe entering the home is metal. b) an outdoor disconnect for the whole power system is required for emergency personal in the event of a fire or other emergency. This allows emergency personnel to quickly locate and disconnect power without searching the house for the electrical panel. c) more often than not a new meter socket and mast (the pipe going up the house for the power lines to connect) is necessary for bigger wire to be installed. d) an intersystem bonding terminal must be installed for any other teledata wiring to be bonded to the home’s grounding system. And e) a whole-house surge protector must be installed to protect wiring and devices from power surges from lightning and other causes.
6. Throughout the entire process cleanup will take place every day and our philosophy is to do our best to leave a place better than the way we found it (I am a lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA, after all!). We include trash removal so all the old parts and pieces can be out of your way and you can enjoy your upgraded panel, with more capacity, safety, and ability to power your home!
Contact us today if you’re ready for a panel upgrade or evaluation of your current electrical service: 517-993-8287
*pictured below: a home with two panels, the main panel entering the house in an unapproved location and meter location without proper clearances. Panel was moved and outside equipment relocated with utility approval and all the feeds were connected in approved junction boxes and extended to the new panel location. This particular job took roughly 60 man-hours but the results were spectacular!
