Photo of an electrical panel with open doorFor single-family & duplex properties
For other properties, see Start Your Project
Updated: 04/15/2026

Referenced Codes
California Electrical Code (CEC)
PG&E Greenbook Manual

An electrical permit is required to upgrade the main electrical service panel of a residence. It is easy to get the permit online. View the steps at Electrical Projects.   

Installation Requirements

1. Load calculations and undergrounding conduit are generally not required unless:

  • Additional load is being added and the inspector requires the calculations.
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  • The existing service entrance is underground or if PG&E, Public Works, or the Building Division determine the need to underground the service entrance conductors.

2. Service panel placement (see illustration)

  • Meter height from ground:
    - 48” minimum
    - 75” maximum
    - 66” is preferred
  • Clear space in front of service panel:
    - 30” wide by 36” deep
    - Minimum headroom clearance of 6’ 6” 

ILLUSTRATION

Complex illustration of panel installation placement

3. Circuit breakers

  • The circuit breaker brand must be listed and approved for use as stated on the panel label.

  • A multi-wire circuit (3-wire, 120/240 volt circuit) requires an identified handle-tie on single pole circuit breakers. This is common where the wiring serves both the garbage disposal and the dishwasher.

  • Listed combination-type AFCI breakers are required where branch circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended.

4. Grounding
Refer to CEC Table 250.66 to size grounding electrode conductors

  • If the underground metal water piping system is the sole grounding electrode, then a supplemental electrode must be installed. The grounding electrode conductor must be continuous from the main electrical service and connect to the piping at an accessible location within 5’ of where the water service piping enters the house.

  • If using only a single ground rod, documentation from the contractor verifying a resistance to earth of 25 ohms or less at the single ground rod is needed prior to final approval.

  • Minimum 5/8” ground rod must be installed with at least 8 feet of its length in contact with the soil. Locate the ground rod as close as practicable to the electrical service.

5. Bonding a metallic water piping system
Refer to CEC Table 250.66 and 250.102(C)(1) to size the conductors

  • Metallic - If main water service piping to the house is metallic, the grounding electrode conductor connection installed as described above will provide the required bonding.

  • Non-metallic - If main water service piping is non-metallic, the metallic cold water piping system may be bonded at any accessible location. Piping is commonly bonded at the water heater.

  • The hot and cold water piping systems are effectively bonded together via the brass plumbing mixing valves at tubs and showers, etc. The City accepts a single bond to the cold water piping only; an independent bonding jumper to the hot water piping is not required. 

6. Bonding the gas piping system

  • If gas appliances are available - The gas piping is bonded via the equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuit to the gas appliances.

  • If the electrical system does not contain equipment grounds - The gas piping system must be bonded externally with a bonding jumper (same as water pipe).

  • Gas bonding connections are prohibited on the utility side of the gas meter.

7. Available short circuit current  

  • For service equipment exceeding 225 amps - Prior to meter release approval, provide City inspector with documentation from the Utility stating the maximum available short circuit current.

  • Electrical service equipment, including circuit breakers - Must have a short circuit current interrupting rating equal to or greater than the maximum available short circuit current provided by the Utility. Series Rated Circuit Breaker combinations must be of the type listed for use as identified on the panel label. 

8. Disconnecting Means
Refer to CEC 230.71

  • Generally, a building or other structure is permitted to have only one service and shall have only one disconnecting means. Where two to six service disconnects are permitted, each service disconnect shall be in a separate enclosure or in separate vertical sections where there are barriers separating each vertical section. 

9. Surge Protection
Refer to CEC 230.67

  • Where service equipment serving dwelling units is replaced, a Type 1 or Type 2 surge-protection device shall be provided.

10. Surface Mounted Panels
Refer to CRC R703.1, CEC 314.29  

  • Surface mounted panels shall not be mounted directly over an existing semi-flush mounted panel.

  • The existing semi-flush panel is to be removed and a minimum of one layer of water resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing in such a manner as to provide a continuous water-resistive barrier behind the wall veneer and the surface mounted panel.

  • Boxes, splices, and conductors not within a listed cable assembly sheath or continuous raceway shall not be concealed behind the surface mounted panel.