Yes — an electrical panel upgrade requires a permit and inspection in Phoenix and across Maricopa County, and the utility has to coordinate the disconnect. Here’s how it actually works.
Why a permit is required
Swapping a service panel means working on the main electrical service of your home. Every Valley municipality — Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale — requires a permit and a final inspection for that work. It protects you: a permitted, inspected upgrade is documented, code-compliant, and won’t become a problem when you sell or file an insurance claim.
The utility coordination step
Your panel can’t be swapped with the meter live. SRP or APS has to disconnect power at the meter, the new panel goes in, and the utility reconnects. A licensed electrician schedules this with the utility — it’s not something a homeowner can arrange directly.
What a licensed contractor handles for you
- Pulling the permit under their license (AZ ROC)
- Scheduling the SRP/APS disconnect and reconnect
- Doing the work to current NEC code
- Scheduling and passing the city inspection
The risk of skipping the permit
Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner’s insurance, fail a home inspection at sale, and — most importantly — isn’t inspected, so mistakes go uncaught. On a 200A or 400A service, that’s a real fire risk. Always use a licensed contractor who permits the work.
Casther Electric is licensed (AZ ROC #311594) and handles the full permit and utility process. See our panel upgrade page or call (602) 403-2443.