I've got a Federal Pacific Electric (stab-lok) panel in my laundry room and I really want to switch it out as soon as I can. There's a galvanized pipe running right under it, going outside to an outdoor faucet and into the wall to my main water shut-off, which makes me worry about the safety of having electric and water so close together—especially if there's a leak! Plus, my washer and dryer fit really snugly in that space, making it tough to access the panel without some acrobatics. I spoke to an electrician who works for the union but does residential work on the side. He claims there's no code issue with having the panel in that room, but I wonder if moving it to the next room might be smarter. He said it can be done, but it'd involve running wires through the foundation due to a window being in the way, and that would take longer. He estimated around $2000 for just swapping the panel but said moving it would double that because of drywall work involved. Am I overthinking this? Has anyone dealt with something similar? Thanks for any guidance!
2 Answers
Honestly, a full panel swap for $2000 sounds like a deal too good to be true nowadays. There’s usually code compliance and permitting issues that should be factored in, especially with all the plumbing around. Just make sure he's not cutting corners—consider getting in touch with a couple more electricians to compare.
Moving the panel might be a good idea if it means better safety and easier access. It's actually a code violation to block access to a panel; your washer and dryer should be more than 3 feet away. Don't let the electrician rush you—get multiple quotes! And make sure any work done is permitted and passes inspection. That's super important, especially with all that water nearby!
Thanks for the heads-up!
Good point! He’s a union guy, but I’ll definitely look around for more opinions.