Chapter 26: Main Panel Replacement

This guide focuses on replacement of an existing residential main panel. A service-capacity change, equipment relocation, subpanel project, damage emergency, or home with generator, solar or battery equipment needs its own assessment. These distinctions define the guide's scope; they do not create permit or inspection exemptions. The guide does not provide electrical troubleshooting, breaker-operation or repair instructions.

1. Start With an Assessment

An electrical symptom does not establish that the panel is the cause or that replacement is the right repair. A qualified electrician should assess the existing installation and explain any testing needed to identify the problem. You do not need to open the panel or reset a breaker to prepare for the appointment. Keep protective covers and barriers in place; do not access wiring or attempt testing or repairs. CPSC: Guide to Home Wiring Hazards · U.S. Fire Administration: Qualified Electrical Work

Ask the electrician to explain:

• What was found, and what remains uncertain?
• Why is replacement being recommended? Is repair or another option appropriate?
• Does the proposal replace only the existing panel, or also change the service capacity, location or related equipment?
• What additional findings could change the work or schedule?

The purpose is to understand the proposed scope before committing to a date or price. A general article cannot diagnose a particular home's equipment.

2. Review the Scope and Price in Writing

Spark Shark Electric provides written repair options with pricing before repairs begin. Review what is included, the proposed options and what you are approving. Ask about any assessment or service-visit charges before booking.

The written plan should make clear who handles permits, inspection requests and any utility coordination. Ask how the company will explain and price a change if the assessment or inspection identifies additional work. Do not assume a panel replacement automatically includes a service-capacity upgrade, equipment relocation or every related repair.

3. Plan Three Timeframes

“How long will it take?” is easier to answer when it is broken into separate questions.

Ask for the expected schedule in writing and identify its dependencies. An electrician's work appointment, an inspection appointment and a utility reconnection arrangement are separate commitments. A general estimate does not guarantee any of them.

4. Confirm the Permitting Authority and Serving Utility

Before applying local rules, confirm who has permitting authority for the property and which utility serves it. The electrician should identify the requirements for the actual address and scope, including any inspection and connection authorization. A utility disconnect question does not by itself determine whether a permit or City inspection is required.

For Projects Within the City of Moore

Moore lists the 2020 National Electrical Code with state and local amendments among its adopted codes. Its electrical-installation rule requires a permit before electrical facilities installation begins; permits are issued to state-licensed, City-registered electrical contractors. Have your contractor confirm the permits and inspections for the planned work. Moore: adopted codes and inspections · §5-403: electrical-installation permit

City approval and utility coordination are separate. Moore's code distinguishes rough-in approval from authorization for utility connection. It describes final approval and also allows inspector-authorized temporary connection under stated conditions. Ask which inspection stages and connection authorization apply to the project; do not assume every project follows one sequence. Applications and inspection requests are available through the City's portal. Moore electric code, §§5-404, 5-406 and 5-407 · GovBuilt portal

Confirm inspection appointment availability with the City. General inspection scheduling guidance does not guarantee a panel inspection or utility restoration at a particular time. These are Moore-specific provisions; other permitting authorities may have different requirements.

If the Home Is Served by OG&E

OG&E's construction FAQ requires inspection for new electric service installations and when OG&E disconnects service for an electrical contractor to work on equipment. The inspecting authority must send the inspection report directly to OG&E. Have your electrician confirm which utility steps apply and who arranges them. An inspection report alone does not establish a guaranteed reconnection time. OG&E: Construction Services FAQs

Do not infer an exemption from City or utility requirements simply because a project does not need an OG&E disconnect. Do not assume every panel replacement is a new-service installation, either. The scope and responsible authorities determine the applicable steps.

5. Prepare for the Work and Power Interruption

Ask how the affected equipment will be safely isolated and restored, whether utility involvement is needed, and what checks or authorizations must occur before restoration. Identification and control of every supplying source, and verification before work, belong to qualified professionals. A utility appointment is not a homeowner safety test. Do not attempt those procedures yourself. Manufacturer safety instructions: Homeline AF, GDE27609 Rev.05

Before the work date:

• Confirm the work scope, expected outage window, responsibilities and contact for schedule changes.
• Tell the electrician about generator, solar or battery equipment and any electricity-dependent household needs.
• Ask what access is needed. Clear ordinary stored items only where it is safe, without approaching damaged, wet, unusually hot or sparking equipment.
• Note any electrical issues already observed and when they occur. Do not create tests or approach equipment to gather more information.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• If anyone depends on powered medical equipment, arrange an outage plan with their health care provider and device supplier before the work. Do not assume the installation schedule guarantees uninterrupted operation. FDA: medical-device outage precautions

FDA's source addresses disaster preparedness. Planning around electricity-dependent medical equipment is also a sensible precaution for a scheduled outage; it is not a guarantee of a particular backup method or device's operation.

6. Confirm Completion and Keep the Records

At handoff, confirm the completed work, remaining items, inspection/utility status and whom to contact about a new issue. Immediate danger takes priority over a service call.

Keep the approved scope, invoice, equipment information, permit/inspection records and supplied manufacturer or contractor documents. Ask for an explanation of the updated circuit directory. Do not remove protective covers or operate equipment to verify the work yourself.

Get a Project-Specific Plan

To discuss panel work, contact Spark Shark Electric at (405) 436-4776. Calls are answered 24 hours a day. Field service, dispatch and arrival times depend on availability; call answering does not guarantee immediate dispatch or a specific arrival time.