Hi,

I recently bought a 1950s home with 60 Amp service. We are planning the upgrade now and after getting several estimates, it appears that there is a difference of approx. $1200 by the way getting 125 Amp or 200 Amp (it's $3200 vs. $4400, with the local utility company being responsible for almost $1000 of that difference).

I have searched this board, which I have found very helpful, and searched online for hours. I've also talked to four different electricians, all with different opinions. The problem is that I can't seem to get a good definitive answer to if we really should upgrade to 200 Amp or if we'd just be wasting $1200.

Here's what we're dealing with:

- 3 BR, 2 Bath, 2000+ sqft. Of livable space
- heat & water heater are gas
- dryer, range, dishwasher are all going to be electric
- medium-sized central A/C unit (I assume it's electric but don't have possession yet, so can't check - do gas A/Cs exist?)

Possible future upgrades (probably at most two or three out of these four would happen):

- House extension (adding up to 1000 sqft.)
- Two-car garage to replace current single
- Using basement as 1BR apartment (adding 2nd range, maybe 2nd dryer)
- Hot tub (not likely but who knows?)

If anyone can give me some good objective advice, I would really appreciate it. You guys really seem to know your stuff and I would feel confidence that I'm getting an unbiased opinion here.

Thanks a lot in advance for whoever might be able to offer any help.

Cheers,

Dave

Referring to Article 220 and using the Optional Method AC Larger than Heat, and figuring worst case, including derating for multiple appliances, I arrive at a connected load of 112.5 amps, without the hot tub.

With the tub, the total would be 152 amps.

A 200 amp service minimum is definitely in order.

If any more than what you listed can happen, you will need to consider a 400 amp service.