What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Main Panel Upgrade(MPU) on the Central Coast of California with Elect Electric
Upgrading your home’s main electrical panel is an essential step to ensure your electrical system is safe, efficient, and capable of meeting modern energy demands. Whether you’re adding new appliances, integrating solar power, or simply updating an older home, upgrading the panel increases safety and future-proofs your home. If you live on the Central Coast of California, knowing the process—whether you have overhead or underground service—is crucial. Here’s a complete guide to what you can expect, from scheduling an appointment to final customer training.
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with Elect Electric
The first step to upgrading your main electrical panel is to schedule an appointment with Elect Electric. During this initial meeting, your technician will assess your current panel, your home’s power needs, and the type of service you have—overhead or underground. If your home has an aging electrical system or if you plan to install new energy-intensive appliances, this is the perfect time to discuss those needs.
Step 2: Site Visit for Detailed Assessment
After the initial appointment, your contractor will perform a thorough site visit to gather detailed information about your home’s electrical system. During this site visit, they will:
• Inspect the current condition of your panel, wiring, and electrical components.
• Evaluate whether your home has overhead service (where power lines run from utility poles) or underground service (where lines are buried).
• Determine if additional work is needed, such as upgrading the service mast (for overhead) or trenching for new underground lines.
• Identify any code compliance issues that may arise during the upgrade.
This site visit is essential for creating an accurate project estimate and ensuring that the entire process is smooth.
Step 3: Estimate Approval
Once the site visit is complete, Electwill provide a detailed estimate that includes:
• The complete up-front cost of the new panel and components with several options for upgrading your home with the latest technology(may not include utility charges at this time).
• Permit and inspection fees.
• Additional costs, such as upgrading the service mast for overhead connections or trenching for underground replacements.
After reviewing the estimate, you will need to approve the project before moving forward. Make sure to ask any questions and discuss optional upgrades like installing solar-ready panels or additional circuit breakers for future expansion.
Step 4: Paperwork and Permits with Municipality and PG&E
Once you approve the estimate, Elect Electric will begin processing the paperwork. This step involves securing necessary permits from your local municipality and coordinating with PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric), especially for overhead or underground service adjustments. Your contractor will handle the following:
• Permit Applications: These ensure the work complies with California’s building and safety codes. Elect will also schedule all inspections.
• Utility Coordination: If you have overhead service, PG&E will need to disconnect and later reconnect your power lines. For underground service, they may assist with locating lines or disconnecting power.
While this paperwork can take time, we will keep the process moving efficiently and keep you updated every step of the way.
Step 5: Schedule the Work
Once all permits are approved, your contractor will schedule the upgrade. This step is coordinated with PG&E to ensure that your power is safely disconnected and reconnected. Be prepared for a temporary power outage, which is typically completed within a day. During this time, it’s important to plan around the outage for essential power needs.
Step 6: The Day of the Main Panel Upgrade
For Homes with Overhead Service:
• Power Shutoff: PG&E will disconnect the overhead power lines.
• Removal of Old Panel: The existing panel and potentially the service mast will be removed.
• Installation of New Panel: Your contractor will install the new main panel, replace circuit breakers, and upgrade the service mast to meet current codes.
• Reconnect Power: After the installation, PG&E will reconnect the overhead power lines, restoring power after passing the required inspections.
For Homes with Underground Service:
• Locate Underground Lines: The utility company will locate and safely disconnect the buried electrical lines.
• Panel and Meter Upgrade: The contractor will install the new panel and upgrade any necessary equipment, such as the meter base.
• Trenching (if needed): If the underground lines are damaged or outdated, the contractor may need to dig a trench and install new wiring(If trenching is required this will be discussed so you are fully aware of the process, path and additional costs of the trenching).
• Reconnect Power: After installation, PG&E will reconnect the underground lines, and the final inspections will ensure everything meets local safety codes.
(For underground services where an upgrade is required there is a longer application and engineering expectation as well as additional fees that will be gone over in detail before work is completed.)
Step 7: Final Inspection and Power Restoration
After the upgrade is complete, a local inspector will visit to confirm that the installation is up to code. This step is essential to ensure safety and compliance.
Step 8: Customer Training on Panel Usage
Once your main panel is upgraded, Elect will provide a brief training session to help you understand the new system. This includes:
• Circuit Breaker Basics: How to reset circuit breakers and identify which ones control different areas of your home.
• Labeling: All breakers will be labeled for easy reference.
• Troubleshooting Tips: Tips on how to handle tripped breakers, AFCI or GFCI circuits, and what to do in case of electrical issues.
• Maintenance Advice: Tips on keeping your panel area clear of debris and moisture and when to schedule future inspections.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to confidently maintain your electrical panel and ensure your home remains safe and efficient.
Overhead vs. Underground Service: Key Differences
• Accessibility: Overhead service is easier and faster to access for repairs and upgrades, while underground service requires more labor for digging and trenching.
• Aesthetics: Underground service is less visible, which can improve curb appeal, but it may be more costly to repair due to the need for trenching.
• Durability: Underground lines are more protected from weather-related damage, but overhead lines can be less expensive and quicker to install or maintain.
Why a Main Panel Upgrade is Important for Central Coast Homeowners
Living on the Central Coast of California means dealing with unique electrical needs due to coastal weather conditions and older homes. An upgraded main panel:
• Increases your home’s safety by reducing fire hazards associated with outdated wiring and overloaded panels.
• Prepares your home for future energy demands, whether you’re adding new appliances, an electric vehicle charger, or solar panels.
• Brings your home up to code, which is especially important for older homes.
A main panel upgrade not only provides peace of mind but also ensures your home’s electrical system is ready for the future.
By following these steps and working with Elect Electric, you’ll experience a smooth upgrade process, whether you have overhead or underground service. With modern safety features and increased capacity, your upgraded panel will keep your home’s electrical system running safely and efficiently for years to come.
About the Authors:
This blog post was originally written by ChatGPT prompted by Daniel Ehinger, an experienced electrician dedicated to promoting electrical safety and best practices. The content was edited and enhanced by Daniel Ehinger, who provided valuable insights and improvements to ensure accuracy, clarity and readability.
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