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Maybe Get a New Electrical Panel

My house was built in 65 and the electrical panel is at least 15 years old. There is a deal through a company offering a new electrical panel with whole house surge protection for $949, the regular price is $2495. I'm thinking of getting a panel for several reasons: the whole house surge protection, the cost savings on the work, improvement in the quality of the AC in the house for my system, our lights dim even when turning on something like an iron to iron clothes and finally, it could save a little money on the electric bill.

Your thoughts? If I do this, any tips on the kind of panel to get or to pass on? I saw here that a Square D panel with copper buss is preferred over one with aluminum buss?
foster_9
jea48
4,481 posts
 
Foster_9,

Materials alone would cost more than $949.00

To change the electrical panel out the power company will need to pull the electric meter.

Depending where you live the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) may require an electrical permit.

If that is the case the power company may be required to get a release from the AHJ.

And at that point the $949.00 could turn into thousands of dollars..... Depends on if the house has to be brought up to meet current code.

You could call your Building Inspection Department and ask.

hifiharv
351 posts
 
To put the cost in perspective, I have been quoted between 1500 and 2000 for a new panel. My old one has aluminum bars which are corroding and the breakers are obsolete and hard to find. This is Florida and I believe a permit is required from the county. I know this job takes time and involves a service from Fla Power and Light, but do the parts really cost that much? I see breakers for $4.00 at home depot. Other than that it's just a box and buss bars. Pardon my ignorance if I am missing something here.
Anyone out there have an opinion on whether the Surge Protector is good or bad?
kennythekey
593 posts
 
The material cost probably comes from the surge protector. I'm pretty sure the protection is installed before the panel, so you probably have a somewhat permanent problem if you don't like what it does to your sound.

Not sure what the surge protection does to improve your AC if it's not conditioning. Definitely, a worthwhile endeavor to fully investigate this system before leaping.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback from all of you. All things considrered, I will likely not go this route.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
You can get a quality "value" pack (w/30a/50a and 20a breakers inc.) for around $120 @ HD. Homeline or GE. Top of the line Homeline "QO" panel box around $180. So, for just a panel change out $900- 1000 is fair. Are you out of circuits (spaces) in your panel box? How many amps is your old panel box? Not sure about whole home surge protection, but GE makes a product which fits in your panel box. around $60. How well it protects I do not know. I'd ask the company doing the work a few questions and then decide. Your lights are dimming b/c your iron is on the same circuit. You'll need more circuit runs which will require additional work. If you install a new 200amp panel box you'll have up to 40 circuits. Good Luck
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