Navigating Main Panel Relocation Requirements for Your Lewisville Home Addition or Renovation Project
Planning a home addition or major renovation in Lewisville, Texas? One critical aspect many homeowners overlook is whether their electrical panel needs to be relocated to accommodate the new construction. Main panel relocation is often necessary for improving accessibility, accommodating renovations, or ensuring compliance with safety codes, making it essential to understand the requirements before breaking ground on your project.
Understanding When Panel Relocation Becomes Necessary
Moving the main panel involves transferring the central distribution point for circuits, which may be required for several reasons during home additions and renovations. One of the most common reasons for moving a panel box is for remodeling purposes. If a panel box is on a wall in the middle of your house and you need to remove that wall, you’ll have no choice but to relocate it.
Another construction-related reason to move a panel box is when you’re adding an addition to your existing house. Additions often require moving the panel box or upgrading to a larger service to accommodate the extra electricity you need. Additionally, many older homes have circuit breaker panels in poor locations like clothes closets, bathrooms, over staircases, or inside kitchen cabinets. These locations are no longer considered safe according to NEC guidelines.
Texas Electrical Code Requirements for Lewisville
State law adopts a minimum electrical code requirement for Texas. These laws and rules adopt the National Electrical Code from the National Fire Protection Association. Specifically, TDLR has adopted the National Electric Code 2023 Edition, as it existed on August 25, 2022 and as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. It became effective September 1, 2023.
Key clearance requirements must be met when relocating electrical panels. There must be 3 feet of clearance in front of your electrical panels, and the door must be able to open at least 90 degrees. In addition to the 36-inch dimension (914 mm), the work space shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) wide in front of the electrical equipment and not less than the width of such equipment. The work space shall be clear and shall extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6.5 feet (1981 mm) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater.
Due to the risks of shocks and electrical fires, electrical panels cannot be located in bathrooms per National Electric Code Volume 70. Panelboards, service equipment and similar enclosures shall not be located in bathrooms, toilet rooms, clothes closets or over the steps of a stairway.
Lewisville’s Permitting Process and Requirements
A building permit is required for all new construction, remodeling, changes or additions to structures which includes signs, fences, retaining walls, swimming pools, patio covers, rewiring, electrical or mechanical work and plumbing. This means that relocating your electrical panel as part of a home addition or renovation will require proper permits from the City of Lewisville.
The City of Lewisville has launched MGO Connect for all permitting and inspection requests. To apply for a building permit or to register as a contractor, please visit MGO Connect to create an account and submit an application. The purpose of a building permit is to ensure that construction projects comply with all zoning, fire, and building code requirements as adopted by the City of Lewisville. Building permits are reviewed by City staff and projects are inspected by City building inspectors for compliance.
A homeowner may perform work and pull all related permits. For work that normally would require a state-issued license (such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and irrigation), a homeowner is exempt from the licensing requirement if they own the property and live there as their primary residence, as shown by a homestead exemption for the property in the records of the Denton County Appraisal District.
The Panel Relocation Process
The process of transferring a panel involves several steps: Planning: Assessing the new location, evaluating wiring requirements, and ensuring compliance with safety codes. Disconnecting: Safely disconnect the power and shut down the panel. Rerouting: Reconfiguring wiring and conduits to reach the new location. Installation: Mounting the panel, reconnecting the circuits, and ensuring proper grounding.
The relocation is more complex than simply moving other types of equipment because it involves the main distribution point for all electrical circuits in the property. This task requires careful planning to ensure that the new location is accessible, safe, and compliant with local building codes and safety standards. Extending the main feed lines to the new panel position often involves extensive rewiring and ensuring that all branch circuits are properly extended and connected.
Safety and Code Compliance Considerations
If I relocate a panel by more than 6′ I have to bring the branch circuits up to code, which means additional work may be required beyond simply moving the panel location. There is a code about having service entrance conductors entering a building, and must be terminated on the first disconnect available within 8-10 feet of where it enters the building. Other areas they want the main disconnect as soon as the service entrance conductors enter the building.
Here are some additional tips for transferring a panel: Hire a licensed electrician for safety and compliance. Plan the new location carefully, considering accessibility and future needs. Obtain necessary permits and coordinate with utility companies. Label and document wiring connections for easy reinstallation. Conduct a post-relocation inspection for safety assurance.
Professional Installation and Expertise
Hiring a licensed electrician is essential to ensure a safe and correct relocation. This relocation project requires high levels of electrical expertise and skills to complete successfully, so you should not attempt to DIY it. Working with electrical systems in your home carries significant safety risks, requiring a professional electrician who specializes in electrical panels to handle.
When planning your Lewisville home addition or renovation that requires panel relocation, working with experienced professionals like Carroll Service Co ensures your project meets all code requirements and safety standards. We’ve been the DFW and Mid-Cities area’s trusted electrical contractor for over 25 years. We’re locally owned, fully licensed, and specialize in both residential and commercial electrical services. Their team understands the complexities of electric panel installation lewisville projects and can handle all aspects of the permitting and installation process.
Every electrician carries current Texas licensing and insurance so your property stays fully protected throughout the project, and We use commercial-grade components and UL-listed parts that last decades longer than standard residential materials. For over 25 years, we’ve built our reputation on showing up when we say we will, doing the work right the first time, and treating every customer like family. That’s why Fort Worth residents keep calling us back for their electrical needs.
Cost Considerations and Planning
The cost to move an electrical panel is around $1,500 to $2,000 on average. Replacing your circuit breaker box costs an additional $1,150. The distance you’re moving an electrical panel can affect your cost. For example, moving the electrical panel to a different spot in the same room will cost less than moving it to another part of the house or a different house entirely. You’ll likely need to pay for more wiring and additional labor costs.
Junction boxes, the covers, and the Romex connectors needed for each connection cost around $10 to $15. Wire costs anywhere from 50 cents to $1.00 per foot, so the farther you move the box, the more wire you’ll need. Additional costs will add up fast if many cables need to be rerouted and extended.
Conclusion
Relocating your main electrical panel during a Lewisville home addition or renovation requires careful planning, proper permits, and professional installation to ensure safety and code compliance. Understanding the requirements upfront helps you budget appropriately and avoid costly delays in your construction project. By working with licensed professionals who understand both state electrical codes and local Lewisville requirements, you can ensure your panel relocation is completed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all applicable regulations.