Local Code Requirements
Local Code Requirements | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | McDonald
When you trust HEP for electric panel upgrades in McDonald, you’re getting more than a fresh breaker box—you’re getting peace of mind that every wire, conduit, and connection meets the latest National Electrical Code (NEC 2023) as well as Hamilton County’s specific permitting rules. Our licensed electricians pull the proper municipal permits, calculate load requirements, and install AFCI/GFCI protection where local inspectors demand it, ensuring your home is ready for today’s high-demand appliances and tomorrow’s smart-home tech.
From the first spark of planning to the final inspection sticker, we handle every step with transparency. You’ll receive a clear scope of work, a tidy jobsite, and real-time updates in our customer portal. Whether you ’re replacing an undersized 100-amp panel or future-proofing with a 200-amp service, HEP keeps your upgrade on schedule, on budget, and 100 % code-compliant—so all you have to do is flip the switch and enjoy reliable, safe power.
FAQs
Do I need a permit from the Borough of McDonald to upgrade my electrical service panel?
Yes. McDonald follows the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (PA-UCC), which requires an electrical permit whenever a service panel or service entrance conductors are replaced, relocated, or upgraded in ampacity. Before any work begins, you must submit an electrical permit application to the borough office or its third-party inspection agency, include a one-line diagram, panel schedule, load calculation, and pay the applicable fee. Work started without a permit can result in a stop-work order and double permit fees.
What electrical code is enforced for panel upgrades in McDonald?
Pennsylvania currently enforces the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) under the PA-UCC, with a few state-specific amendments. This means your new panel, service entrance conductors, grounding electrode system, AFCI/GFCI protection, surge protection, and labeling must meet 2017 NEC articles. Local inspectors also reference the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter E when reviewing single-family dwellings, but Article 110 and Chapters 1–4 of the NEC remain the primary standards.
Is a simultaneous grounding and bonding upgrade required when replacing the panel?
Almost always, yes. Article 250 of the NEC requires that the grounding electrode system and main bonding jumper be verified or upgraded when service equipment is modified. In McDonald, inspectors look for: • Two grounding electrodes (ground rods) or supplemental electrodes bonded together with #4 AWG copper. • A continuous grounding electrode conductor sized per NEC Table 250.66. • Bonding of the water service, gas piping, and any metallic raceways. • A main bonding jumper or screw installed only in the service disconnect (not in downstream subpanels). If your existing electrodes or bonding don’t meet current code, you’ll have to correct them before final inspection.
What is the minimum service size McDonald requires when upgrading from fuses or an outdated 60-amp panel?
While the NEC allows smaller services if load calculations justify them, McDonald’s inspectors strongly recommend (and often conditionally require) a 200-amp, 120/240-volt, single-phase panel for detached single-family homes. This accommodates modern appliance loads, future electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps. For small row homes or apartments, a 100-amp service may still pass if a detailed NEC Article 220 load calculation demonstrates adequate capacity, but anything below 100 amps is unlikely to be approved.
Can I perform the panel upgrade myself, or must I hire a licensed electrician?
Homeowners may pull their own electrical permit in Pennsylvania if they reside in the home and will perform the work themselves. However, McDonald’s permit office cautions that panel replacements are complex, involve utility coordination, and require strict adherence to NEC clearances, conductor terminations, and labeling. If you are not experienced, you are strongly encouraged to hire a Pennsylvania-licensed electrical contractor registered in Allegheny or Washington County. Utilities such as Duquesne Light or West Penn Power will only reconnect service after they receive a cut-in card from an approved third-party electrical inspector, so work must ultimately meet professional standards.
What inspections and utility coordination are required, and how long does the process take?
1. Permit approval – 1–3 business days after you submit the application and plans. 2. Rough inspection – Usually not needed for a straight panel swap, but required if feeders or service entrance raceways are being replaced inside walls. 3. Service inspection (primary) – Performed by McDonald’s third-party electrical inspector after the new panel, service conductors, grounding, bonding, and labeling are complete but before the utility re-energizes. 4. Utility reconnect – Once the inspector issues a cut-in card, Duquesne Light or West Penn Power schedules reconnection, typically within 24 hours. 5. Final inspection – The inspector verifies all breakers are properly sized, AFCI/GFCI devices function, directories are filled out, and panel clearances (30 in. wide, 3 ft deep, 6 ft-6 in. high) are maintained. Entire timeline: 3–7 days for a simple upgrade, longer if weather, utility workload, or permit backlogs delay scheduling.