Electrical Panel Location

1/2/2019 at 12:32:23 AM

Not quite,

New electrical panel will be located as per Canadian Electrical Code, you should contact licensed electrician to do the work and he/she will work on best location for your panel.

Slavko

1/2/2019 at 12:37:37 AM

I would have a professional come take a look. Panels locations should be easily accessible with no obstructions and approved by your permitting authority.

1/2/2019 at 12:40:54 AM

The work must be carried out by a licensed electrician and as per BC building code, there can not be a fixed obstacle in a 1 meter radius around the panel and to the floor. You'd better hire a general contractor for your kitchen upgrade. They work with licensed electricians and will consider whole other considerations in the new design.

1/2/2019 at 1:48:17 AM

Unfortunately code rule 26-600 doesn't allow the panel to be located there. A service panel upgrade/relocation might be simpler than expected if your basement isn't finished. The existing panel box would become a junction point for the existing circuits. I'd recommend speaking with the local city or county permmiting office regarding local perspectives and expectations surrounding the electrical panel upgrade. Then hire a qualified electrical contractor to come up with a efficient solution to your needs.

1/2/2019 at 6:47:32 AM

In Ontario, we cannot have the panel located where it is. Some good comments have been made about accessibility and with lower cabinets impeding the working space, it cannot be there. In saying that, no one can force you to move it now, but during a resale, either the cabinets or the panel have to move.

I have got by an inspection like this buy having the lower cabinets on wheels providing full access to the panel.

Relocating the panel is costly (+/- $2000-$4000) depending on a few pertinent variables.

Ask for 3 quotes from a LEC in your area, or search here.

http://applications.dmtispatial.com/esa/

https://www.esasafe.com/consumers/permits-and-inspections/what-you-need-to-know

1/2/2019 at 9:49:11 AM

Hi dear yes it can

1/2/2019 at 2:17:03 PM

Noel, Before making a simple answer, you shouldn't offer information that could be inaccurate without knowing all variables. Kitchen cabinets have base cabinets and because of this base cabinet, there is not 1 square meter of clear working space in front of that electrical cabinet, so this case would NOT be allowed in Ontario as per OESC.

1/2/2019 at 3:40:09 PM

Kristina, your question about upgrading a panel located in your kitchen is a good one. Many of our customers at Kirsch Electric have faced this particular dilemma. So, you are not alone!

As mentioned in a couple of the responses you have already received, you will get the most accurate information to make an informed decision about your panel upgrade by meeting with a reputable residential licensed electrician from your area. Each province has distinct electrical requirements and each licensed electrical company has their own pricing based on their expertise and the quality of service they offer.

We advise you to do a bit of homework before you arrange a meeting with an electrical contracting company. Most importantly, make sure they are licensed in Ontario by utilizing the search engine on the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) website: https://www.esasafe.com/consumers/hiring-an-electrician/hiring-a-licensed-electrical-contractor.

In addition to seeking an electrical contracting company that is licensed and does residential electrical work, you may also want to ensure that they have what is called ACP status. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) offer this status to electrical companies in Ontario that have a successful track record of passed inspections. This reputation has potential perks that are passed down to the customer as well - mostly cost of the permit and flexibility in scheduling the electrical work.

Lastly, look into the company's reputation. Read customer reviews or ask a company for customer references.

We hope our information helps you on the journey to upgrading your panel.

1/2/2019 at 7:28:05 PM

Hi Kristina

I can't really add too much to what has been posted previously. Clearly the panel cannot remain in its current location. In addition to the issue with the lower cabinets, the cabinet around the panel cannot be used for storage either; that is why they are very narrow and generally just cover the panel area.

As mentioned in a previous post, which I have done also, is turn that panel into a big junction box and re-supply all the wires from a new location. Unless all the wires come from the basement (which it sounds like you may not have a basement if the panel was located in the kitchen) this is generally the most cost-effective method.

Cheers

John Kuehnl-Cadwell, CD, ME

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc

1/3/2019 at 7:46:01 AM

The new panel can be relocated. In order to do so, the old panel location will be a junction box for the existing feed wires and you would have to extend all the feed wires to the new panel. (Unless you can re-route some or all to new location)

Kyle