Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Electrical Sub-Panel Installation
Electrical Sub-Panel Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Electrical Sub-Panel Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Electrical Sub-Panel Installation labor cost? What are the important Electrical Sub-Panel Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Electrical Sub-Panel Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Electrical Sub-Panel Installation expect to pay between $319.50 to $639.00 for each electrical sub-panel. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are typically required for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work? | The operation and performance of the electrical sub-panel may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Electrical Sub-Panel Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Electrical Sub-Panel Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Electrical Sub-Panel Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Electrical Sub-Panel Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Electrical Sub-Panel Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All materials, connectors and fasteners used for the Electrical Sub-Panel Installation will be mechanically and electrochemically (non-corroding) compatible with the Electrical Sub-Panel Installation
- Electrical sub-panel will be installed so that the electrical sub-panel base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- Cutouts on exterior walls will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- The electrical sub-panel will be securely anchored to structural framing
- All electrical sub-panel operating methods and options work properly, at manufacturer's rated capacity
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- The electrical sub-panel will deliver power at rated voltage with proper polarity and grounding
- Install electrical sub-panel with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- All wiring will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the electrical sub-panel
Electrical Sub-Panel Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Electrical Sub-Panel Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the electrical sub-panel work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Select, specify and order electrical sub-panel; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of electrical sub-panel; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Obtain a permit for Electrical Sub-Panel Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Install electrical sub-panel using corrosion resistant screws, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Schedule and supervise Electrical Sub-Panel Installation permit inspection
- Connect electrical sub-panel to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect Electrical Sub-Panel Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
- Clearly label all circuits at the service panel with area (e.g. kitchen) and circuit type (lighting, appliance, etc.)
