[DaveCrowell]

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

[tkrussell]

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.