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Rebuild
Oct 6, 2010, 06:22 AM
Can you connect a 3 phase 4 wire panel in place of a 3 wire panel in a home have expanded and eventually have to go to 200amp service but am working my way from house to pole because of expense

donf
Oct 6, 2010, 07:22 AM
I don't understand your question, why do you want to go to a three phase panel?

Residences are serviced by single phase 120/240 Volt. 100 Amp through 400 Amp.

Three phase is normally associated with commercial installations.

If you want to upgrade from 100 to 200Amp services, then you need to contact the Power Company and verify that they have the Single Phase equipment in place to make the change for you on the Line Side. For example, in our area of Virginia Beach, VA. the power company installed transformers capable of delivering 200 amp services and underground supply cable that were 4/0 Aluminium. This cable size can handle a 200 Amp service. So all that is necessary for me to make the change is to change the meter base and the conductors from the meter base (supplied at no cost by the power company) to my panel. The panel would need to be replaced with a panel listed for 200 Amp. The permit and Inspection would also be needed.

However, if you actually decide to go to 3 phase, then the power company will have to change out your transformer and the service drop or lateral cables to match the new service request. Guess who is going to get billed for that?

The permit and inspection will still be required.

The Main Service Panel will have to be replaced with a 200 amp three phase panel.

tkrussell
Oct 6, 2010, 11:32 AM
The answer to this question:


can you connect a 3 phase 4 wire panel in place of a 3 wire panel

Is no.