Electrical Panel Permit
Requirements
The on-line permit is available for properties in Sunnyvale with a residential zoning district.
Zoning district information is available on-line by clicking on E-Zoning.
TThis permit will allow replacement of the existing electrical panel up to a maximum of 200 amps in the same
location. The new electrical panel must comply with the 2007 California Electrical Code and PG&E
installation standards. The following are the minimum requirements that must be met:
-
General Requirements - The main electrical service shall be installed with rigid conduit.
Electrical metallic tubing may be used where the service drop is attached to the building.
The service entrance cable may be used, provided the approved fittings are used with the cable,
such as a rain-tight service head or forming the cable goose-neck, taped or painted, and held securely in
place by a fitting approved for the purpose. (Article 230)
The minimum size service conduit shall be 1-1/4”. The minimum size service entrance wire shall be rated
100 amperes minimum if the load is 10 kW or more, or has more than 6 two-wire branch circuits.
A larger service may be required for new homes or additions to existing homes.
-
Service Entrance Conductors (Wires) – Conductors shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 8’
above the roof surfaces. The service head shall be so located that the service drops together with the open wires
between the service head and service drop will have a minimum clearance of 10’ vertically above ground and three
feet radius from doors and windows (Article 230.24)
Conductors and cables exposed to direct sunlight, including overhead service conductors, shall be listed
and marked as “sunlight resistant”. Service entrance conductors and conduit shall be sized according to the
following table (Article 310.8):
| |
| SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS SIZE AND RATING |
Service or
Feeder Rating |
Copper
Conductors |
Aluminum or
Copper-Clad
Aluminum |
Minimum
Conduit
Size |
| 100 Amps |
#4 AWG |
#2 AWG |
1 ¼ inch |
| 125 Amps |
#2 AWG |
#1/0 AWG |
1 ¼ inch |
| 150 Amps |
#1 AWG |
#2/0 AWG |
1 ¼ inch |
| 200 Amps |
#2/0 AWG |
#4/0 AWG |
1 ½ inch |
|
The grounding conductors must be identified by white or grey tape at both ends (200.6).
-
Meter location - The height of the meter shall be between 48” and 66” above the ground.
-
Working space - The clear working space in front of the panel shall be 30” wide by 36”
deep with a minimum headroom clearance of 6’-6” (Article 110.26)
-
Grounding of Services - Grounding shall consist of a continuous grounding electrode conductor
run from the panel to a ground rod (grounding electrode) and to the cold water pipe. Grounding of the
electrical service at the main water line must be within the first 5’ of water piping into the building.
The underground water service shall not be used as the grounding electrode without supplemental electrode.
[Article 250.53 (d)]
For existing structures and additions not affecting the main electrical service panel location, the
grounding electrode shall be nonferrous (copper), listed, and not be less than ½” in diameter. The electrode
shall be installed such that at least 8’ of length is in contract with the soil. The upper end of the electrode
shall be flush with or below ground level unless the above-ground end and the grounding electrode conductor
attachment is protected against physical damage.
The required grounding electrode conductor (from electrode to panel) size is listed in the following table:
| |
| GROUNDING ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR SIZING (Table 250.66) |
Size of Main
Panel |
Copper
Conductors |
Aluminum or
Copper-Clad
Aluminum |
| 100 Amps |
#8 AWG |
#6 AWG |
| 125 Amps |
#8 AWG |
#6 AWG |
| 150 Amps |
#6 AWG |
#4 AWG |
| 200 Amps |
#4 AWG |
#2 AWG |
|
-
Bonding - Bonding of the hot, cold, and gas lines is required when the electrical panel is replaced.
Bonding of the hot, cold, and gas lines is required with water service replacements (if using a less
conductive material than is existing) and for all re-pipes. Bonding shall consist of a continuous bond
jumper installed at the water heater between the hot, cold, and gas lines. The bonding jumper shall be
sized based on the following table:
| |
| GROUNDING ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR SIZING (Table 250.66) |
Size of Main
Panel |
Copper
Conductors |
Aluminum or
Copper-Clad
Aluminum |
| 100 Amps |
#8 AWG |
#6 AWG |
| 125 Amps |
#6 AWG |
#4 AWG |
| 150 Amps |
#6 AWG |
#4 AWG |
| 200 Amps |
#6 AWG |
#4 AWG |
|
The Electrical Panel Permit is NOT available on-line
if you are:
- Installing the new electrical panel in a different location.
- Installing a new electrical panel larger then 200 amps.
- Installing additional sub-panels with the new electrical panel.
- Performing additional electrical work in conjunction with the new electrical panel installation.
|
If any of the above conditions apply, the permit shall be issued at the One-Stop
Permit Center, City Hall, 456 W Olive Avenue. Specific process information
is available at the
Building Division web site.
|
Inspections
-
A minimum of two inspections are required, a utility release and a final. The utility release inspection should be scheduled when the new panel is installed and ready to be hooked up the PG&E supply. The building inspector will provide a utility release form which will need to be provided to PG&E to have the supply hooked up to the new panel.
A wire lath inspection is required for stucco repairs. A final inspection should be scheduled after all of the work is complete.
|
