How to Replace an Electrical Service Panel, Meter, and Riser (PART 1)

FINALLY! I'm replacing my old Zinsco dinosaur of electrical service with a new Plug-On-Neutral Square D Panel...and I've filmed it all for your enjoyment.
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First I had to pull a permit and schedule the POCO (power company) to come out and disconnect the overhead lines coming into my existing meter. After they disconnected power I was able to begin demo of the old riser, meter, and service panel.
This old service was not built to modern code, as the house was built in 1968. It was the first year residences were built with UFER (Slab) grounds, but the quality of construction back then was lower because there were less standards contractors were held to. I can stand in my yard and reach up to touch my existing service drop, because my Weatherhead is at 9 feet from grade. Also, Zinsco panels are outlawed so you can no longer get OEM parts for them, and really they should just be replaced as a long-term solution to a larger problem.
Once I get the panel, meter, and riser removed it's time to put up my new Square D 200a Main Breaker Plug-On-Neutral panel. Then I install a new Eaton 200a meter can and 2-inch rigid riser. My service-entrance conductors are 2/0 copper which are rated at 175a in NEC 310.15. (The 83% rule for services between 100-400a applies, so I don't need my conductors to be 200a rated).
Once I get the riser built I install the new service entrance conductors from the Weatherhead to the meter, then from the meter to the main breaker. That concludes part one of this video; part two will commence in a few days.
#electricalservice #electricalpanel #howto
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[@claytonrichmond8718]

I did three years in the army, got out, and started an electrical career in Texas. I relate to a lot of your content and love your videos. I have a great journeyman I work underneath and pick his brain daily! Of course, when I get off work for the day, I like to watch your videos. It’s almost like having a second journeyman anytime day or night. Keep the content coming!

[@dfworldwide7210]

*FortWorthbeenhere* ✌🏿💯📍💡🪛

[@nrgfre]

Ibew

[@matt59fire]

@@dfworldwide7210 Hows it working in Ft Worth? People tell me all sorts of things 😆

[@matt59fire]

I'm taking my exam this month hopefully

[@jimmymaracas6442]

@@matt59fire how’d it go?

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

Can’t believe an electrician lived w/Zinsco breakers for 5 years. Glad you were testing them, every time I test a Zinsco, or the ITE Siemens that were produced for a few years after they acquired Zinsco, at least half of the breakers fail to trip. Then again, a replacement QO plug-on neutral and the requisite combo breakers are a lot of $$! I too love those panels, it’s all I use...although getting breakers was dicey last Summer w/Covid shutting down 2 of Schneider’s plants. Keep up the good work mate.

[@steveloux4709]

QO w/PoN is definitely my preference too, and I resorted to buying breakers and SPDs on Amazon last summer due to the shortages! Next in line would probably be Eaton. I know this guy loves Siemens, but they are dead last in my book. Although I do think Siemens make one of the better AFCI/GFCI breakers with its diagnostic LEDs (at least they do in the Murray line).

[@c31979839]

Looking forward to part 2! And honestly I woukdnt mind if your videos were 30-40 mins. You have quality content, and a very good production value to your videos which make them very enjoyable to watch.

[@mattkrywyj5184]

The knockouts for the screw holes makes perfect sense. Yours is outside so it makes even more sense. What if the particular place you’re mounting it prohibits you from putting a screw in the exact place where their hole is or the particular place where it’s mounted is in framing so it’s screwed on the sides. Now, since your pane is outside, you don’t have any open holes and it’s that much more closed off from the elements. Pretty simple.

[@doc13067]

Great video and awesome work. I started inverting the panels when the service wires come in from the bottom to avoid taking up extra space in the gutters. It took some getting used to but it looks super neat that way.

[@nuttyprofessor1958]

Man! I can't tell you how much I appreciate a guy who cares about the neatness of his work! Good job!

[@aaronlee9651]

Most residential I worked here in Florida cared abosilutly nothing about the asthetetics. I mean appalling and unfit not code work. I would not do residential again unless my pay was double, but sadly it's cut in half... I don't look down at all on residential electricians, they get more side jobs too by far... Just almost a different field then industrial or commercial

[@raymond3722]

I really appreciate your efforts and thoughts.watching your video's and working details will let anyone gravitate into electrical installation.

[@1575murray]

I am impressed with the Square D panel especially with the plug on neutral bus and the insulation covering the power lugs which are always hot even with the main breakers off.

[@davidburbach1780]

Your the first electrical content creator I’ve watched cite the code in your videos. I’m so glad you did it and really hope it catches on.

[@mathman0101]

Sparky Channel always does that he is very good if you have never watched his content.

[@wizard3z868]

look into peterson electric hes like a younger sparky but reads off and from code all the time

[@mathman0101]

@@wizard3z868 yes josh is another great spark.

[@rogerdodger5886]

Watch mike holt

[@Idioot1337]

you're* not your

[@truthseeker7769]

Just found the page, very easy to watch. Clear and to the point. Love it!

[@rich92674]

Love the channel, Dustin. Not in the trade personally, but your videos are extremely insightful and educational for a layman homeowner. Keep up the amazing work.

[@zafarsyed6437]

Looked at the teaser shot and think, I've seen this panel before!- is it his?? YES IN DEED! Congratulations!

[@Aepek]

Well, this video went by FAST! Can’t wait to watch the next ones in this “series”. Love these types of vids, than again; enjoy watching all your vids....as you are “Real”, & make them FUN. Happy Christmas ✌🏼

[@williamholsey]

Bro, thank you. You're videos have helped me way now than you could ever imagine as a electrician

[@jackconnolly2665]

Pro tip: After doing several hundred service changes like this, I FINALLY figured out that if I spun the weather head around almost 180 degrees, the service conductors flowed out and around in a nice circular loop and looked better much better than the bent up mess you make trying to make drip loops. Try it one time and you will like it :). Like I said, it took me decades to figure it out Pro tip #2: All in one/meter panel combo. They have been the standard in my area since I started in the mid 70's. One less piece of gear to install. Pro tip #3. If you stay in the field, your body will take a beating. The last few years that I worked (in my early 60's) were rough. Now that Im almost 70, it is really starting to show.

[@aaronlee9651]

I feel the beating at thirty five. Six buldging disks 2 shallow hurniated. Commercial residential industrial service technician. Still mechanic level sadly.... doctors keep telling me to change careers...like yeah let me take a 10$ a hour pay cut, I'm a single dad

[@danielherman9483]

Not an electrician here, but definitely appreciate these videos - I learned enough from this to recognize that whoever did the service upgrade on my house did not assemble the weather head correctly (it's completely missing a cover), so now I know I need to call in a pro - that one is beyond DIY, not messing with the incoming service lines. Would never have even realized there was something wrong without this video until something broke or went wrong, so thanks!

[@ericbader]

I love the enthusiastic and professional way you teach

[@engrpiman]

Nice video. Very informative. I replaced my panel 2 years ago. I had to run two grounding rods as I was grounded to my water pipe. I had a hard time getting reconnected as a friend disconnected my service. Friend was a trained juryman with all the proper PPE. Next time il call the utility so I don't sit in the dark for an extra day. I did pull a permit and got inspected and signed off on

[@mohdahmed8400]

Thank you for sharing this valuable electrical explanation.

[@steve-o6413]

Nice job explaining, clean and neat workmanship...

[@getwrxed6218]

Love your videos bro!!! Keep it up please your channel is really inspiring and very educational. Your helping out thousands of apprentices

[@Bryan-df7kc]

🤯🤩 Thanks for this Dustin!! God bless and i hope all is well!

[@johnabner7743]

Great video Dustin keep em coming sparky 💪🏻

[@srtstl2599]

So satisfying!! I love being an Electrician! 💪🙃

[@tedlahm5740]

Wonderful instructive video. Looking forward to the second part.

[@seen921]

Great vid. Thanks for the quality lesson

[@mars7726]

Very cool. I know nothing about electrical work but these videos give me a nice appreciation for the trade.

[@Decktrio]

Wow. Thank you so much for this! I'm a 3rd year commercial apprentice, and I've never really had a chance to learn how to do services like this. I also have three old zinsco panels (a main and two subs) at home that I know should be replaced, but I've been holding off until I have more experience and can do it myself. Once I graduate, I want to completely redesign the way the panels/circuits are being fed, because it's 70 years of homeowners doing their own diy work.

[@steve-o6413]

Three Phase commercial color Codes are completely different from Residential and important for the Utility Company...

[@bankobismark7066]

Hi. Am Bismark from Ghana and I enjoy your work so much. Keep it up,but I what to be part of you.

[@jimbojames9370]

Always enjoy watching these videos and seeing the difference between the NEC and the CEC up here in the north. Very similar rules. We have to use minimum 2.5" for the mast (guess you guys call it a riser.) Support spacing sounds similar but have to have min 3. Guy lines if mast is >5' above roof. Also have to goop up any exposed threads on the rigid to prevent rust. Must be nice having the panel outside the house, never seen that. Meter base and panel never seem to be located near each other here. Every one I've done we run 1.25" or 2" PVC out the bottom of meter base, expansion joint then underground, stub up near panel location, LB, nipple thru foundation/wall and into back of panel mounted in basement or garage.

[@mr.c3928]

@Jimbo I appreciate your comment, good to know

[@jeanclaude2794]

thank you for doing this! very educational

[@paulanthony6763]

You had the only opportunity to paint and seal the siding behind the panel and meter pan.!!! love you channel brother! hoping to take the electrical exam this year.

[@yendycruz3875]

Me gusta tu explicación buen contenido sigue adelante con tus videos son muy profesionales!!!!

[@leaniderocks7]

Man. this was the best video ever. I have never seen anybody explain and do a panel upgrade like 👍 you. Looking forward for the next one

[@wizard3z868]

look at peterson electric

[@andrewmeagher8399]

I been learning so much from your videos before I start my apprenticeship in September

[@SilverEagle83]

Love that you cut it in half, I tend to skip the long vids :)

[@gradyrm237]

Just started watching your posts. I'm digging it

[@MACQJR]

I bet everyone wishes they had a JW like you. Cool, calm and knowledgeable.

[@kevinkenney5228]

Great show training thanks

[@timdouglass4934]

Very good video. Thanks for the bonding jumper info.

[@gonzo4996]

AWESOME video!! thank you very, very much!! I love how thoroughly and informative you explained everything! It's also very helpful [to me] that you're in Texas.

[@MrKurtn]

Appreciate you helping me sharpen my skills with electrical! I install pv and ESS’s. Sometimes both at the same time. Here’s what I know coming from the renewable energy side of electrical trades. For me to install an ESS, with or without PV, I need to be able to tap in between the grids main feed with an auto transfer/Mid switch. When I run into “all and ones” or panel boxes where I can’t easily wire the transfer switch into the topology of the homes electrical system I realize there’s a communication issue between renewable energy and electrical trades. I prefer a separate meter box, then a main disconnect for that grid fed electricity, then to my transfer switch, then to the homes breaker panel. That’s the best set up. I’m having to replace those boxes where I can’t route the feed to transfer switch then to the bus bar for home loads. Respect you.

[@steve-o6413]

Zinsco made a piggyback Service all in one in mid to late 70's, but it was for a flush mount, an only 100Amp...

[@MrKurtn]

@@steve-o6413 one of these manufacturers need to start making 100 and 200 amp

[@steve-o6413]

@@MrKurtn they had a problem with the Engineering of it and lost the UL label. It was easier to put a Surface mount all in one right next to it and backfeed it turning it into a Sub Panel if you had the room. Otherwise you might have to rip out the flush mount...

[@dom4039]

I’m in San Antonio ! Awesome to hear you’re right next me 🙏

[@keithoc6663]

1st year local 3, and im learning more from you

[@walisantana]

Your videos are awesome and another good thing is that I'm moving to Texas next month Gods willing, thank you for what you do

[@djlane522]

Wish we had these in my state. Inside services take way more time and effort. You definitely convinced me to move lol.

[@Alex-jo2oi]

I only work in a shop for now, but man I appreciate the free knowledge you put out! I'm hoping to step into the field sometime this year!

[@mr.c3928]

Good on you my man, the trade is bitchen and always will be

[@cperez1263]

Thank the heavens above for professionals like you. I had my panel changed out when I bought my house a few years ago. They did a great job and were done in just a few hours and the cost was very affordable. Amazing to watch for me.

[@dubselectorr345]

Quick and cheap are not great words in any field of construction.

[@cperez1263]

@@dubselectorr345 Neither is overpriced and slow. These guys did a great job and I watched them every step of the way.

[@cperez1263]

@@anonymoustargetindividual For the panel and 2 guys labor $1250 cash. They cleaned up nicely too.

[@PastorIhaza]

Great job!💪 I love the terminology 🥇🤓

[@Eddy63]

Excellent looking job as usual ... Fun to watch ...

[@nickesposito3497]

This channel is incredible for ECs and engineers. May not be a possibility, but only thing I would've tried to do different is put panel inside the house. Don't know what's on the opposite side of that wall but the panel would not be subjected to weather plus you could use extra slack of branch circuits to reconnect to all the breakers.

[@alexyoung1143]

I have no idea what you are doing or talking about but it's still cool to see

[@ferminbf2224]

great video dude!!

[@justintimeelectric3956]

Awesome video! Looking forward to the next one!

[@dskel572]

You the man, keep the videos coming!

[@woodlandburl6648]

Nice clean work!

[@xLeon-vr4kj]

Great videos. Keep them comming

[@jaydenbaptiste2675]

i’m a freshman at a technical high school and your videos help you need to post more i wait all the timeeee

[@wizard3z868]

look at sparky channel as well also peterson electric but hes not really beginner friendly but is very code insightful

[@jaydenbaptiste2675]

@@wizard3z868 i subscribe to sparky channel too i like him but with electrician u i feel like he’s more like straight forward and detailed and just more entertaining and interested in his videos than anyone else keeps my focus

[@wizard3z868]

@@jaydenbaptiste2675 I agree ! give Peterson electric a glance

[@tomdewey9690]

After 30 seconds I liked and subscribed. I can tell you know what you’re doing. I look forward to watching all your channel.

[@demetriotizcareno980]

Gracias and happy New year 2021 God bless you and your family

[@astron1701]

The knock out holes are there for the screws so you can only have the holes needed for the application. In the oilfield in Kentucky most use the center row top curve bracket to mount to the pole or fence post depending on overhead or underground service. The less holes in the box better to keep moisture and critters out

[@thomasstevens6441]

I am glad you covered that! I was going to mention that.

[@billymendoza7053]

I fell off but this right here got me back on I’m going to cop a notebook right now. And watching part 2 right now as well the long video make a man not want to sit there cause I be bored wit short videos too but this was it.🔥

[@mathman0101]

Next level content Dustin really well planned and thought out.

[@peterrubchinuk6364]

I think its "Dustin"

[@mathman0101]

@@peterrubchinuk6364 yes you are correct

[@andrewhguitar]

thank you for doing these videos bro

[@trekmonster91]

Great work/video as always Dustin. Looks great! Out of sheer curiosity, what watch are you wearing?

[@DesperateHorse3000]

Dustin, thank YOU for ALL the hard work you do to put out your videos, big fan here. I have a question or several. Could you do a video on installing EV chargers? Given that the country is eventually moving from gas to electric cars and cars may need to be charged over night some people don’t have a garage for EV chargers, which can pose some challenges. I have several apmts., and just thinking of the electrical issues coming related to this keeps me up at night. Any ideas?

[@JulianIsDown]

Can you go more into grounding your panel? With ground rods specifically.

[@heroknaderi]

I appreciate your video thanks 🙏

[@filupmarley]

Love the content. I wouldn't mind longer videos!

[@jfarinacci0329]

Really good video. Thank you.

[@6stLeak]

Im an apprentice and been in school for about 3 months now and man your videos are super helpful especially when I first started class, love your videos man!

[@wizard3z868]

sparky channel is another great apprentice resource

[@irvinflight795]

Great video, for safety reasons it's always best to stand to the right of the panel disconnect and turn on or shut off the power with your left arm , just incase the panel for some reason ( and it happens) explodes , that way your body is facing away from the front of the panel..Also at the street where the main power was switched off, I didn't see any lockout...Please excuse me I'm wrong..Again great video and awesome presentation!!! Looking forward to watching more of your videos..

[@monchyhernandez9698]

Great video 📹!! Expecting part 2..

[@mjmjersey]

Love your videos

[@dan260140]

Beautiful!

[@roy1m664]

Thanks for sharing!!! Just subbed!! Great information!!

[@alexanderlavictoire4087]

Hey Dustin I'm a 3rd year apprentience, part of the IBEW local 110 out of St. Paul. Just wanted to say your content is top notch. You do a great job at bridging that classroom to on the job gap, keep at the great content!

[@ElectricianU]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Very glad that your video showed up on my feed. You just gained another sub. 🤘

[@esam2017]

Good job ,Thanks so much

[@Johnny-300]

i just find your page and the first thing my son says wtf happen to his bread HAHAHA my son is going to trade school for electrician program... appreciate your page and the knowledge you share...

[@inchjhs]

I needed this. I don’t know if I’ll be doing it myself but I needed this. Just had a high wind storm and the electrical company’s power pole yanked out the wire from the riser. Now they are saying it’s on me to replace everything. The panel was already old but I think the yanking of the wire did it to the panel. 😭

[@CB_ChaosLove]

Dope dude All good stuff from Ya

[@victormartiny6419]

excellent video!

[@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076]

Your work is beautiful and useful, I hope I am healthy and safe

[@tomaz1264]

Sou do Brasil acho muito bom seu Trabalho

[@T.E.P.]

hey man greatest job on these vids and great intro ... long time fan

[@johnsimone7760]

Question. When you bonded the RMC to the meter using the bushing why didnt you need have another inside the panel? Wouldn't your panel side need the supply side bonding jumper since its your first disconnect from the meter? Thanks for the videos I love the info.

[@Fridayone35]

In the process of doing the same what made you go with the square d QO style vs home line or even Eaton brands.

[@kemoyhenry4402]

Actually to start an electrical career is great Way to start.

[@5dayslater]

This is the coolest shit. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@T3hderk87]

These videos make it so easy to learn. Now obviously, this is no replacement for proper training, but in the interest of piquing someone's interest in a trade this does it in spades. Wow, I rhymed.

[@harryhogan-shaw5472]

Fantastic video

[@miriamvivo4279]

Great video thanks

[@cessealbeach]

Like your videos, Awesome content brah.Thanks

[@Micah-Woods]

Takeaway: nice Hamilton! 😂 Solid tutorial too. 👌🏽

[@Gruntled2001]

I wait for these videos almost as much as I wait for Christmas!

[@ElectricianU]

Well Merry Goddamn Christmas my dude 🤘🤘🤘⚡️⚡️

[@Gruntled2001]

@@val4414 Thanks man! I got my inspiration for the twist connectors video from Dustin for sure 💪🏼

[@timlabarr6131]

Always great videos Dustin but I have a non electrical question for you. What kind of watch were you wearing in that video I like the look of it and I just broke the strap on mine a week or so ago. Keep then videos ah comin!

[@michaelfrenchman79]

great content 🔥💯

[@crazysquirrel9425]

A true craftsman.

[@somerandomguy3868]

I'm looking forward to seeing how you address the short service runs, great job so far, not that I expected anything else

[@jackconnolly2665]

I always addressed them first thing. On of my goals was to have no wirenuts in the panel :). If I had one or two, I'd hide them lol. I would relocate where the cables came out of the building to get more length.and/or relocate the panel a bit if possible. Sometimes I'd have to punch new holes in the back of the panel but it was worth the effort to have a clean panel at the end.

[@Squick99]

@@jackconnolly2665 And if that fails, send the new guy to bring you the cable stretcher from the truck!

[@jonanderson5137]

@@jackconnolly2665 Outdoor panel, can't have penetrations the same height as the gear and you're limited on main breaker height.

[@danielnation9123]

Love your channel you're a great communicator. 8 :42 didn't like that you turned the razor knife towards your wrist never cut towards yourself. Thanks for the great content.

[@lancec6342]

Awesome video 👍