Hi.I want to upgrade my 50 amp service to a 100 amp service. I do not want to disconect and remove my existing 50 amp panel. My plan is to wire in a 100 amp panel ahead of the 50 amp panel. Effectivly turning the 50 amp panel into a sub panel and making the new 100 amp panel the main panel. The 50 amp panel will continue servicing the wall outlets and lights, the 100 amp panel will be used to service the baseboard heaters I am plannig to install. My question is, is this doable? Thanks.

Yes, you can, but what size wire is feeding the meter? It might be too small to handle the added load. You need #4 copper or #2 alu at a minimum to handle 100 amps.

You only have 50 Amp as your main supply? How old is the house and service?

You only have 50 Amp as your main supply? How old is the house and service?

Its just a cottage, it was built in 1958. I have owned it since 2005. The 50 amp panel is of the breaker type. If it were the fused type I would replace it, it just seems to me it would be a lot less work to tie in a 100 amp panel ahead of the 50 amp panel. I realize the wire from the power source has to be a certain size. That's why I am going to call the hydro service to upgrade when the new panel is installed. Thanks a lot for your help.if any one else wants to coment, I'm all ears.

Just a thought... If you're upgrading to 100 amp for short $$ you can go to 200a, but I don't know what your needs are.

Just a thought... If you're upgrading to 100 amp for short $$ you can go to 200a, but i don't know what your needs are.

And a good thought that was. 100 amp is probably all I need, if its only going to cost a fue bucks more to go with 200 amp then maybe that's the way to go. I will look into it. Thanks.