Grounding & Bonding
Grounding lets breakers trip on a fault. Bonding ties in metal pipes. Older homes often lack one or both.
Signs your panel or wiring needs attention
- Two-prong outlets around the house
- No ground rods at the panel
- Unbonded gas or water pipes
- A faucet or appliance that tingles
How the job goes, start to finish
- Test the existing grounding system
- Drive rods, install the grounding electrode conductor
- Bond water, gas and CSST (flexible gas line) where required
- Confirm it with a ground test
What moves the price
- Amperage: same as now, 200 amps, or 400 amps
- Separate meter and main, or a combined unit
- Utility rules for the mast, meter socket and service entrance
- How many circuits move or extend to the new panel
- Grounding, bonding and surge protection up to current code
- City permit fees, which vary
Permits for panel and wiring work
Panel and service work needs a permit and a city or county inspection. Meter work also needs a utility disconnect, on the utility's schedule and fees. Each fee is listed separately.
Brands we install
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown to identify the equipment we install and service. Chief Electric installs and services SPAN equipment. Chief Electric is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with these manufacturers.
The offer for this service
Panel and wiring questions
Does grounding protect against power surges?
Not alone. It's one part of the system, and surge protection needs a good ground to work.
Is grounding part of a panel upgrade?
Yes. Every panel we install leaves with grounding and bonding up to current code.
Do you charge for the quote?
No. An electrician looks at the job in person and quotes it, free.