Do I Need a Permit to Upgrade My Electrical Panel in Port Washington, WI?

If you’re making exciting new changes to your space, you might be wondering, "Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?"

It’s true that big projects often involve changing things around, knocking down walls, and moving or installing new appliances. And, yes, anything involving upgrading your property’s electrical panels will require you to obtain a recognized permit.

Unfortunately, pulling a permit involves a lot of paperwork. Why not let a qualified electrician in Port Washington do it for you? Here’s more from Professional Services.

Why Electrical Upgrades Require a Permit

Permits cost money, but there is a good reason that they are not just money-makers for city officials. Jobs requiring a permit need built-in safety measures for the sake of the people performing the work and those relying on the electrical system afterward. Here's why:

Permits Protect You and Your Property

Cities issue permits based on how to perform electrical work according to city codes. A permit is for a specific job, ensuring that you do it according to the required standard, i.e., safely.

Permit Inspections Verify the Safety Standards of Your Work

With a permit, an inspector will review the finished work to ensure the electrical work meets all required standards. If it fails, your contractor must redo the job.

Permits Offer Community Protection

Permits protect the community at large. Poor electrical work can cause massive fires, electrocutions, and explosions.

How Hard Is It to Get a Permit for an Electrical Upgrade?

Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel? For the sake of everyone around you and your property’s structural integrity, the answer is yes. You might even have to jump through a few hoops in Port Washington to do so.

If city officials refuse to issue an upgrade permit, nobody would care about modern electrical standards, which wouldn't be good for anyone. The slight challenge of getting a permit keeps everyone on their toes regarding safety standards and changing techniques.

Projects That Require an Electrical Upgrade

So, which projects might require you to apply for an electrical upgrade with a permit?

Renovation for Home or Commercial Spaces

Renovation projects often demand upgraded electrical panels for:

• A new addition.
• More lighting.
• Increased capacity for more appliances.

Enhancing Energy Use

People in Port Washington usually want to enhance their energy usage for two reasons: safety and efficiency.

• Safety: Older electric panels often don’t meet current safety standards, putting you at risk of serious harm through outdated electrical panels. Flickering lights and constant trips to the circuit breaker are signs you need to upgrade.
• Energy efficiency: An electric panel upgrade results in a more energy-efficient system. It saves money and improves your carbon footprint.

What to Expect When the Permit Allows Work To Begin in Port Washington

The steps involved in an electrical upgrade show why a permit is important to safety and function. Here's what to expect for these projects:

Power Shuts Off

The team shuts off power to keep people on the property safe as they work. The power company needs to know about the upgrade to understand why you’re disconnecting for a time. A clear arrangement also assures the property will reconnect smoothly once the new system is in place.

Work Starts

The time for each project varies, as does its energy demands. Your contractor should be able to provide a timeline so that you can plan for the power outages.

Third-Party Inspection

Once the work finishes, the inspector checks that everything is up to code and functioning. At this point, your project’s permit really pays off. Besides hiring the right contractor, this inspector provides a layer of safety and functionality for reassurance.

Note that licensed electricians may also recommend generator installations to protect your newly installed electrical panel or keep power going in a storm or another emergency.

Call a Port Washington Electric Contractor To Help With Permits and Perform Upgrades

Do GFCI outlets go bad? Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel every time? With all these questions about pulling permits, electrical codes, and local regulations, you can rely on Professional Services.

People trust our hard work, training, and friendly customer service for residential and commercial electric services throughout Port Washington. Call 262-268-9767 to schedule an electrical panel upgrade and more from Professional Services. We look forward to helping you make your project a reality!