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I have a 100 amp electrical service using a fuse box to which a small circuit breaker panel was added (see photo). I would like to convert the whole service to a 150 amp circuit breaker panel. I live in Rochester, Minnesota. What is your estimate of the cost of this conversion?
Aprox. $500.00=$800.00 should be able to get panel swapped out. Labor and Materials.
Pulling new(Bigger wire may be necessary)1/0 is OK for 150 Amp. Smaller and you can't.
Tell us a bit about the sub panel below your main. What is it controling?
We remodeled our kitchen and added a 3 season porch and deck about 10 years ago. The subpanel has five 20 amp circuits for the porch and deck and recessed lights and microwave in the kitchen. I think that the electrician who added those circuits should have recommended replacing the old panel. I won't be hiring him again. I assume that whoever replaces the main panel will get rid of the subpanel as well. Thanks for asking.
Sub looks OK but you would likely do well to have it all in one panel. Can't quite see by the pics but you should consider GFI for the deck and porch areas.
All in one panel is better. Your Electrician was not bad. That little panel saved you money at the time. Didn't necessarily need to upgrade. I would of suggested converting to breakers, when adding those 4 circuits.
Did he miss the board?
You are right – the electrician did a good job overall and probably saved me money by using the little panel. But I think he should have given me the option of going to a single panel with circuit breakers. Home sellers in my area often have to convert to circuit breaker panels prior to selling. It is my understanding that it is the insurance companies that are forcing the issue and that it is one of the things that realtors always check on.
Miss the board? He added a mounting board for the small panel directly below the fuse panel.
I see the board. Part of the panel is on and part is off. It is safe enough. Just not how I do.
I'm kinda picky.
If all phone wiring is from above, and if you're capable of relocating phone connections,
would consider moving box up, cleaning up wiring. Don't cut wires too short.
If you would like an estimate for a service change--depending on your over head service conductors, or service laterals, then you should consult an electrical contractor.
Just to give you an idea--our area is no less than $2200 for a service change, and could run you close to $4000-$5000 (mainly union shops) with some contractors. If your service wire from your serving utility can accept the load, then you may just need a panel change. It depends!
I did miss "existing 100 Amp service", I was talking about panel, breakers, 3 Hours.
Closer to $800-$1000.00
The cost of Copper will greatly affect the cost.(Length of run). Meter and riser wires could be good. I see it is difficult to give estimate for job not seen.
I live in an area where Money People moved in, Many of the older and good people down here have been dropped. Most Electricians going after The Developers, and "Big Money"Leaving Regular People screwed. I do Ok at $80.00@ Hr, No real Overhead.
Bigger companies I have worked for would create unnecessay work, or drag jobs out to keep help working.
In an 8 Hour day, I would toun in 10 hous of billable time. Boss wou say"How do you do that in 8 Hour day"?I would say"30 minute to trouble shoot and repair, I still charge an hour" He would say he can't get the others to put in 6.
I was running him out of work. These BOYs I worked with were unqualified helpers,
who bragged about running off Masters and Journeymans. It was like a day care gone bad. I HAD to start own company.
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