Code Requirements
Code Requirements | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Crab Orchard
Crab Orchard homeowners count on HEP’s licensed electricians to navigate the ever-evolving NEC code with confidence. Whether you’re adding new appliances, remodeling a kitchen, or simply tired of tripped breakers, our team evaluates your existing service, calculates proper load capacity, and designs electric panel upgrades that meet today’s safety and efficiency standards. From AFCI/GFCI protection to surge suppression and precise grounding, every component is installed and inspected with meticulous attention to local regulations, so you can rest easy knowing your family and investment are protected.
Choosing HEP means more than swapping out a box of breakers. We pull all necessary permits, coordinate inspections with Cumberland County officials, and leave your space cleaner than we found it. If you’re ready to eliminate flickering lights, unlock room for future circuits, and boost your home’s resale value, schedule your free assessment today and discover how seamless code-compliant electric panel upgrades can be.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel in Crab Orchard?
Yes. All service-equipment changes in Crab Orchard require an electrical permit that is issued by the Raleigh County Building & Inspection Department (or the Cumberland County Codes Department if you are in Crab Orchard, TN). The permit must be obtained before work starts, and the completed installation must pass an on-site inspection by the county electrical inspector before the utility will reconnect power.
What size service does current code require for a panel upgrade?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments allow a minimum 100-amp service for existing one-family dwellings, but most inspectors in Crab Orchard strongly recommend, and often condition approval on, installing a 200-amp, 40-space panel because it provides capacity for future HVAC equipment, electric vehicle chargers, and other high-demand loads. New dwellings must have at least a 200-amp service under the currently adopted NEC edition (2020 or 2023, depending on the county).
Are AFCI or GFCI breakers required when I replace the panel?
Yes. When a circuit is modified, extended or brought onto a new panel, it must comply with the latest NEC 210.8 (GFCI) and 210.12 (AFCI) requirements. That means most 120-volt, 15- and 20-amp branch circuits serving bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, laundries, bathrooms, garages and outdoor outlets must be protected by either a dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker or separate devices. The inspector will fail the job if the required protection is not installed.
Must I install whole-house surge protection during a panel upgrade?
Yes. NEC 230.67, adopted locally, now mandates a Type 1 or Type 2 Surge Protective Device (SPD) on all service equipment replacements. The SPD can be factory-installed in the new panel or field-mounted next to it, but it must be listed for the purpose and connected per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Who is allowed to perform an electric panel upgrade in Crab Orchard?
Only a state-licensed electrical contractor—or the homeowner working on an owner-occupied, single-family residence—may perform the work. The person pulling the permit must be the same individual or company doing the installation. Most insurance carriers and utility companies also insist on a licensed electrician to ensure the work meets NEC and local safety standards.
Will upgrading my panel force me to rewire the entire house?
No, but any circuits that are altered or terminated on the new panel must be brought up to current code. That usually means installing proper grounding, correcting conductor sizing, adding AFCI/GFCI protection, and labeling every breaker accurately. Existing branch-circuit wiring that is not disturbed can remain as-is, provided it isn’t hazardous and was code-compliant when originally installed.