How to Replace Electrical Service Panels

Electrical service panels act as a connective point for electrical circuits to connect to the electrical power from the utility company. These panels are, overall, limited to a specific amperage. The addition of new high load appliances and additional rooms or buildings on a property often require the replacement of a service panel. This allows for the electrical loads of the new appliances and structures to be adequately and safely provided.

Pencil and paper
Masking tape
Multimeter
Screwdriver
Socket wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Contact the electrical company and schedule to have the electrical service turned off during the period of time the replacement will take. In most cases the replacement should be completed in one afternoon or evening.
- 2
  Test the service panel with the multimeter to make sure the power is off.
- 3
  Open the electrical service panel and turn the main breaker into the "OFF" or "OPEN" position.
- 4
  Create a sketch of each breaker. Label the breakers with their respective amperage ratings and the circuits they control.
- 5
  Tape the end of each wire that is connected to a breaker. Write down the circuit the wire is for and which breaker it attaches to. Wrap the tape around an insulated portion of the wire. A picture may also be taken for reference.
- 6
  Loosen the mounting screw on each breaker. This screw holds the load wire in place. Tuck the circuit wires out of the way.
- 7
  Locate the wall mounting bolts holding the service panel in place. Remove these bolts. In some instances, there may be screws holding the panel to the wall instead.
- 8
  Locate the main service panel lugs. These are often located in the upper portion of the panel. These hold two large wires in place. These wires connect the service panel to the electrical meter.
- 9
  Loosen the service lugs and remove the wires from the mounted position.
- 10
  Pull the service panel perpendicular to the wall. This may take some force if the panel has been installed for many years.
- 11
  Install the new service panel onto the wall and replace the main lug wires into the connective lug bolts.
- 12
  Place all of the circuit breakers from the old panel into the new one. This may require removing several face plates on the new service panel.
- 13
  Use the previously made sketch to connect the correct wires to their respective circuit breaker.
- 14
  Check that all connections are firmly in place and that all wires are correctly placed.
- 15
  Turn all breakers into the "OFF" or "Closed" position. The electrical panel is installed and may now be tested for operation when the utility service is restored.

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