How far can an electrical panel be moved from the meter?

There is no absolute maximum distance, but the service conductors must be sized to limit voltage drop to acceptable levels (3% for feeders under CEC guidelines). In practice, most residential relocations are under 15 metres. Longer runs require larger conductors and may require conduit. We calculate proper sizing for your specific run.

Can I move my panel during a basement renovation?

Yes, and this is actually the ideal time — walls are open, conductor routing is easy, and the project is most cost-effective. We recommend booking the panel relocation early in the renovation process so we can rough-in before walls are closed.

Does moving the panel require the utility to come out?

Not always. If only the interior panel is moving and the meter base stays in its current location, utility involvement is typically not required. If the meter base or service entrance must move, confirm coordination with the serving distribution utility.

Can you keep my existing panel when relocating it?

In some cases, yes — if the existing panel is in good condition, properly sized, and not a recalled brand, we can disconnect it, move it to the new location, and reconnect it. If the panel is aging or undersized, combining the relocation with a panel upgrade is more cost-effective.

What's the 1-metre clearance rule in Alberta?

The Canadian Electrical Code requires a clear working space of at least 1 metre in front of any electrical panel, measured from the panel face. This zone cannot be obstructed by water heaters, shelves, doors, or any other fixed equipment. Violations are routinely flagged on real estate inspections.

How long does a panel relocation take?

Most residential panel relocations subject to address-specific scheduling (one full day). Your power will be off during the work. permit inspection subject to address-specific scheduling.

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Main Panel Relocation

Main Electrical Panel Relocation in Calgary

Move your electrical panel to a code-compliant, accessible location — required for renovations, basement conversions, and any project where the current location violates the 1-metre Alberta clearance rule.

Address-specific permits Utility feasibility Qualified assessment

⚡ Request project review

Conceptual HAUSE architectural model of a home and workshop

Alberta Safety Codes framework · CSA C22.1-24 (26th edition) in force April 1, 2025 · Confirm the permit authority and utility for the address.

What Is a Main Panel Relocation?

A main panel relocation moves your home's electrical service panel from its current location to a new, code-compliant position within your home. This is most commonly required when a renovation is converting the space around the panel (such as finishing a basement, converting a utility area into living space, or adding a garage suite), when the panel is currently in a location that doesn't meet Alberta's clearance requirements, or when the panel is physically inaccessible due to storage or construction changes over the years.

The project involves extending or rerouting the service conductors from the utility connection point to the new panel location, mounting the panel in the new location, reconnecting all existing circuits, and updating the service entrance pathway if needed. It is often combined with a panel upgrade (increasing capacity at the same time) since the labour overlap makes the combined project more cost-effective than doing each separately.

Evidence to review

Current panel is under stairs, in a closet, or behind a door that blocks the 1m clearance zone

Basement finishing or renovation will enclose the current panel location

Converting utility room to living space — panel must move

Garage suite addition requires relocating panel to shared utility space

Panel is currently outdoors or in a non-weatherproof location

Home inspection identified accessibility or clearance violations

Panel is currently in a bathroom or bedroom — code violation

Structural renovation (adding a bathroom, moving walls) affects panel access

How It Works — Technical Overview

Planning sequence

Site Assessment & New Location Planning

We assess the current panel location, the proposed new location, the path for service conductors, and the distance from the meter base. We identify the most efficient routing and confirm the new location meets all code requirements before finalizing the quote.

Permit Application

Panel relocation requires an electrical permit. The permit covers the relocation work including any new service entrance conductors and the panel mounting.

Utility Coordination (if service entrance is affected)

If the relocation requires moving the meter base or modifying the service entrance, confirm coordination with the serving distribution utility for a temporary disconnect. Simple interior relocations (where the meter base stays in place) don't always require utility involvement.

Relocation Day

We run the service conductors from the existing meter location to the new panel location, mount the new panel (or re-mount the existing panel if it's in good condition), reconnect all circuits, and verify operation of every circuit.

local safety codes authority Inspection

local safety codes authority inspects the relocation for code compliance. The new location must meet CEC clearance, lighting, and access requirements. We attend the inspection and address any corrections on-site.

Cost in Alberta

Scope-dependent

No published price estimate: compare an itemized, address-specific scope

Short relocation (same room, <3m)Confirm in quote

Long relocation (different room, 3–10m)Confirm in quote

Relocation requiring new service conductorsConfirm in quote

Combined with panel upgrade to 200AConfirm in quote

Permit & permit inspection (included)Confirm in quote

Confirm inclusions, exclusions, permit fees, utility work and restoration in writing before authorizing work.

Alberta Electrical Code & Permits

1-Metre Clearance Rule (CEC Rule 26-706)

The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC Rule 26-706), adopted in Alberta, requires a minimum 1 metre of clear working space in front of electrical panels, measured from the panel face. Nothing can obstruct this space — not a door swing, water heater, shelving, or furnace. Violations are flagged on home inspections and can prevent home sales.

Prohibited Panel Locations

The CEC and Alberta Safety Codes prohibit panels in bathrooms, clothes closets, and areas where combustible materials are stored. Panels in garages must be in a location protected from vehicle impact. Panels in utility rooms must maintain the 1m clearance rule.

Service Entrance Conductor Routing

When relocating a panel a significant distance from the meter base, the service conductors must be increased in size to account for voltage drop over the longer run. Our quotes include proper conductor sizing calculations based on the actual run length.

Metering Implications

In most cases, the meter base stays in its original location and only the panel moves. This is simpler and avoids utility coordination for most relocations. If the meter must also move (e.g., due to structural changes), a utility application is required.

⚠️ Questions before deciding

✕Renovation permit can be denied if panel location is flagged as a code violation

✕Home inspection at resale will identify the clearance violation — buyers will demand correction

✕Finishing over a non-accessible panel creates a permanent code violation

✕Panel in closets or under stairs is often the location found in post-fire investigations

✕Insurance may refuse a claim if panel location is found to be non-compliant

✕Delaying past renovation rough-in dramatically increases cost (walls closed, ceilings finished)

Project hand-off

Discuss panel relocation scope.

Share the property evidence and request an itemized review. No booking is implied.

Request review →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions Alberta homeowners ask about this service.

Related Services

100A to 200A Upgrade

Combine your relocation with a capacity upgrade — done together saves money.

Learn More →

Breaker Panel Replacement

While the panel is being moved, consider replacing an aging panel too.

Learn More →

Subpanel Installation

Add a subpanel in the area you're renovating instead of relocating the main.

Learn More →

Project hand-off

Discuss panel relocation scope.

Share the property evidence and request an itemized review. No booking is implied.

Request review →

Local knowledge / Calgary, Alberta

Plan the service path and restoration

Calgary electrical permitting and ENMAX connection requirements are separate. A new enclosure does not confirm a larger approved supply. Keep the load calculation, permit scope and utility response together.

Calgary homeowner permits exclude changes to the main electrical service, main panel, main breaker and meter base. Have the electrical contractor confirm the applicable permit and inspection sequence, and utility isolation or service review where required.

Understand the Calgary process ↗