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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
4,486 posts
 
There is a deal through a company offering a new electrical panel with whole house surge protection for $949, the regular price is $2495.
Sounds like a scam to me. Over 60% off the regular price?....

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.
That could be normal... The branch circuit the iron is being plugged into could be 15 amp and the lights that are dimming could be fed from the same 15 amp branch circuit. What else is fed from the branch circuit?

Depending where you live and the requirements of local codes in your area you may have to bring your whole house up to current code if you want to change out the electrical panel. That could be how the electrical contractor is getting his foot in the door with the ridiculously low price of $949.00.

Does the existing panel have a main breaker? What is the handle rating? 60 amp? 100 amp?
Jim
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kennythekey
593 posts
 
Foster9, Jim is on the right track. Your iron has nothing to do with getting surge protection.

IMO- If you can't do this yourself, you'd be better off getting an electrician to give you a breakdown of your circuits and usage. See if you can wire a new dedicated circuit for your equipment, and purchase a power conditioner such as a Furman.

And, get a different electrician than the one offering you the deal for the panel!
Kenny
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I am sure the materials used in your 1965 panel are much higher quality than the materials used today. Beside, an electrical panel for $949? I agree with what Elizabeth said "a chunk of crap".
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Sounds like a scam to me. Over 60% off the regular price?....
05-15-12: Jea48
Jea48, no, this is not a scam. The offer is made through Angie's List. The company that would do the work received an Angie's List Super Service Award. The companies I have hired from Angie's List have generally been good to great. Yes, the panel has a main breaker- not sure of the amps.

Rrog, the normal price for the panel installation is $2495. The discount is a limited time offer made to Angie's List memebers. The regular price is not $949. I believe you could be right about the quality of the panel I have vs a newer panel.
jea48
4,486 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.

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