Relocating electrical panel

[bmsemple1]

The electrical panel is currently located in the house in the hallway. I have been told by electricians that it is "unsafe and a fire hazard" (it's an old house with old wiring) and so the suggestion is to relocate the panel to the outside brick wall in the backyard and run new wiring.

My question is whether this is "normal" to have the panel outside? Are there any potential concerns with it being outside (in Dallas, Texas)? Also, how will the wires be run from outside the house into the house?

 

[slow]

I personally would never want a panel outside, but that is the norm in some places like California. How old is the house? What is unsafe, aluminum wiring, Federal Pacific?

 

[Bert_]

A hallway is a very normal place for a panel. Nothing wrong with that at all. Ask them why it is unsafe and if the code allows it there.

I realize it is normal in the western stated but I wouldn't put the panel outside.

 

[Richard Cranium]

With an out side box, make sure that the box is designed for outdoors.

 

[Norcal]

A hallway is a good place for a panel, not likely to get **** piled in front of it, as to moving it outside, Texas is a lot more humid then the Sacramento Valley so your mileage may vary, pretty much all new homes here have semi-flush panels stuccoed in here.

 

[ard]

Sounds like there are two issues: panel is unsafe and - unrelated- they are proposing to move it outside.

OP, I will add to the others- I've lived where panels are inside and out. GREATLY prefer inside.

Id fix the panel, if it is really unsafe. But be very very careful, lots of ways to get $$cammed. Post some pictures if you want more opinions.

 

[jim111]

Is your service size going to be increased? Is your service overhead or underground? Perhaps it is easier/cheaper to move a new panel to a more accessible service attachment point.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What brand of panel is it?

Ask them what specifically makes it unsafe....

 

[CJ7VFR]

I wonder if the guy who said it was unsafe thought that you needed 3 feet in front of the panel for access, and the width of the hallway is less than that?

Jim

 

[Moto]

The issue could be unfused conductors running some ways from the meter to the panel in the hallway.

Ideally, the meter and main disconnect are back-to-back or side-by-side and the conductors just go directly from one to the other.

It wasn't always done that way on older homes, though.

 

[bmsemple1]

I personally would never want a panel outside, but that is the norm in some places like California. How old is the house? What is unsafe, aluminum wiring, Federal Pacific?

Federal Pacific with really old Fuse boxes. none of the wire has ground so will not work with modern electronics.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Federal Pacific panels have a well deserved reputation for not tripping. The busbar to breaker connection is less than stellar, and after a time will start arcing, eventually burning the panel up.

I’ve replaced dozens of them over the years.

Definitely save up, and upgrade the panel.

As for the panel needing to be relocated, that’s not necessarily true.

The mention above about unprotected conductors is valid. Some municipalities are very particular about this, others let it slide.

You can add a fused disconnect switch or an enclosed circuit breaker outside to protect those conductors.

There are workarounds for your house being two wire, to put in modern grounding receptacles.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[ard]

none of the wire has ground so will not work with modern electronics.

Oh really????

Who is telling you that? People trying to sell you on an expensive new panel?

 

[Norcal]

There was not anything wrong with FPE fusible panels other then being fusible. They got the bad reputation from their Stab-Lok loadcenters.

 

[ford33]

OP post your location.

Hallway location is fine and convenient. Putting it outside seems less convenient.

 

[bmsemple1]

Federal Pacific with really old Fuse boxes. none of the wire has ground so will not work with modern electronics.

The panel is always written inspection reports here as being fire hazard. Since replacing with moden wiring time to do the whole project. The meter base does not have a mast so it low, I can actually grab it so that is another reason tackling this project. I have learned over the years that sometimes it is just best to start over so you know it is done right. I could still relocate the panel inside but I have been told by many that everyone is putting it on the outside next to the meter. I am just doing my homework so I am in the know!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Oh really????

Who is telling you that? People trying to sell you on an expensive new panel?

Most electronics are 2 wire.

However, many computers printers etc are 3-wire grounded and surge suppressors need a ground connection to shunt the surge to ground and therefore need a 3-wire grounded outlet.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The panel is always written inspection reports here as being fire hazard. Since replacing with moden wiring time to do the whole project. The meter base does not have a mast so it low, I can actually grab it so that is another reason tackling this project. I have learned over the years that sometimes it is just best to start over so you know it is done right. I could still relocate the panel inside but I have been told by many that everyone is putting it on the outside next to the meter. I am just doing my homework so I am in the know!

Since its FPE, i would get rid of it, even though its not a stab-lok.

The inspectors probably didnt know the difference between stab-lok and non stab-lok FPE panels...

 

[ard]

Most electronics are 2 wire.

However, many computers printers etc are 3-wire grounded and surge suppressors need a ground connection to shunt the surge to ground and therefore need a 3-wire grounded outlet.

Totally agree. But it will "work".

Indeed, it will likely work fine for many many years.

Obviously Id want a grounded system, but I wanted to make sure OP isnt being manipulated into a rash decision based on partial truths.

 

[bmsemple1]

Called the city today. It is confirmed the panel must be located on the outside of the outside of the house. It is the same code in all neighboring cities. Now I have to figure out the best approach to running the circuits to inside. I am thinking through the sofit in 2" conduit.

 

[ard]

Called the city today. It is confirmed the panel must be located on the outside of the outside of the house. It is the same code in all neighboring cities. Now I have to figure out the best approach to running the circuits to inside. I am thinking through the sofit in 2" conduit.

I would bet money you are asking the wrong question.

I live in CA, the main disconnect must be outside. It does NOT mean my 'panel' must be outside. I have a main disconnect outside and a sub manel in a hall in my interior mudroom behind a door.

Easier than splicing and extending 40+ circuits.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Called the city today. It is confirmed the panel must be located on the outside of the outside of the house. It is the same code in all neighboring cities. Now I have to figure out the best approach to running the circuits to inside. I am thinking through the sofit in 2" conduit.

There is no NEC code mandating this.

Ask them for the written local amendment...

 

[Bert_]

I would bet money you are asking the wrong question.

I live in CA, the main disconnect must be outside. It does NOT mean my 'panel' must be outside. I have a main disconnect outside and a sub manel in a hall in my interior mudroom behind a door.

Easier than splicing and extending 40+ circuits.

I'd put money on this being correct ^

 

[Norcal]

One reason may be the length of unprotected conductors in the building, the NEC wants it as short as possible but does not define the maximum length, some AHJ's define it as 5 feet, I would not be comfortable with long lengths of unprotected conductors in my house, BTW, "unprotected conductors" are the conductors from the weatherhead to the line side of the main, there is no overcurrent protection of any kind on them.

As mentioned by others, a main outside & the panel in the hall would be ideal.

 

[sberry]

If a guy uses outside disconnect put an 8 space panel in, maybe even feed thru lugs. It cost about the same as a simple disconnect and offers up the option to connect out buildings, well, even outside outlet outside.