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    hartley5917's Avatar
    hartley5917 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 7, 2007, 06:31 AM
    Moving and replacing electrical circuit breaker
    I live in Georgia and currently have a 100 amp service running into my circuit breaker. Every now and then the fuses trip and I have to reset them. I am thinking that I will need to go to a 150 Amp service. Also the panel box is located in the kitchen on a wall that we are going to tear down due to some remodeling. The panel box is going to have to be moved to the hallway. I need to know what would be involved and how many hours it would take an electrician to complete. I need to be informed so when I receive my quotes I will know what the job consists of and will know a fair price when I see one... Thanks!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 7, 2007, 07:14 AM
    TKRussell will give you the most accurate answer but here's a little info. Your fuses don't trip but your breakers do. They trip because you have overloaded your circuit, not because you have 100 amp service. Moving the panel means all cables will need to be lengthened or shortened because of the new location. Shortening isn't too tough but lengthening is going to be pricer.You can't just splice on 10 more feet. Ask your electricians about the hallway location and ask what's best and code. It may end up elsewhere. Can't even give you a ball park because we need to know how many circuits you have, nows a good time to add a bigger panel and some new circuits to relive the overloading. Start counting your circuits and listing the proposed appliances and grab your checkbook. You might be writing a 4 digit check soon.
    hartley5917's Avatar
    hartley5917 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jun 7, 2007, 07:48 AM
    The best thing cost wise would be to have the new panel moved closer to where the main power comes into the house?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 7, 2007, 09:51 AM
    Not what I meant, code may dictate the location of your panel. Your contractors can give you a better on site option regarding the cost of moving closer to the feed or not. When you move a panel in any direction some cables will be short and others long, in general. TK will be able to be more specific but it will help to know your load needs. Do you have AC, electric stove or oven, electric water heater, things like that. They require a heavier cable.
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
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    #5

    Jun 7, 2007, 11:42 PM
    You'll have a better ball park figure by getting three estimates from licensed, bonded and insured electrical contractors in your area.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Jun 8, 2007, 02:46 AM
    Ask for a 200 amp service, rather than a 150 amp. Usually, 150 amp panel is more costly than a 200 amp, and the meter needed is already a 200 amp.

    Relocating the panel, as explained, involves extending all the branch circuit cables. This is a wildcard and each job is unique. Do as Washington suggested obtaining estimates. Ask each contractor how he plans to relocate the circuits. Be sure each contractor does the service sizing calculations to be sure any service you have installed is of an ample size for existing and future loads. Also be sure that each contractor includes any applicable permit and inspection fees.

    Something to look into, there is a possibility that there is a loose connection causing the breaker to trip, rather than an overload condition.
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