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    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    May 12, 2008, 07:58 AM
    Installing a ne Main Panel
    I am changing the location of the meter and I decided to install a new main panel and rewire the existing one as a sub-panel keeping all the existing brakes at their place
    I am going to use an SER 600V cable to connect the 2 panels.
    My question is:
    How am I going to connect the SER cable at the new added main panel?
    The biggest double pole breaker I can find is 100A .

    Thank you
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    May 12, 2008, 08:20 AM
    Have you any experience with SE cables and pulling meters.

    If not, call and get a licensed electrician. Meters and SEP work can be very deadly. You would be working on live wires.

    Also, make sure you have the utilities company's permission and necessary permits to do this work.

    Everything from the transformer to the Service Entry cable belongs to the Utility Company.
    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    May 12, 2008, 10:50 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf
    Have you any experience with SE cables and pulling meters.

    If not, call and get a licensed electrician. Meters and SEP work can be very deadly. You would be working on live wires.

    Also, make sure you have the utilities company's permission and necessary permits to do this work.

    Everything from the transformer to the Service Entry cable belongs to the Utility Company.

    Thank you but how this answers my question?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #4

    May 12, 2008, 02:47 PM
    Visa666,

    I apologize if you believe my questions to be irrelevant. They are not irrelevant.

    If you think anyone here is going to jump in and tell you how to remove meters, set up SEPs without asking you your experience level, your pressing your luck.

    There is quite a lot that has to be completed by the power company primarily because it is their equipment you want to shuffle around. Not to mention the Permits and inspections you will need to move the SEP side of the equipment.

    Oh, and by the way, Everything from the SEP back to the transformer is "Hot"?
    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #5

    May 12, 2008, 04:29 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf
    Visa666,

    I apologize if you believe my questions to be irrelevant. They are not irrelevant.

    If you think anyone here is going to jump in and tell you how to remove meters, set up SEPs without asking you your experience level, your pressing your luck.

    There is quite a lot that has to be completed by the power company primarily because it is their equipment you want to shuffle around. Not to mention the Permits and inspections you will need to move the SEP side of the equipment.

    Oh, and by the way, Everything from the SEP back to the transformer is "Hot"?

    DON
    I am moving the service to a different location. NOTHING in there is HOT until I have everything installed and the inspector says OK I am not stupid. I am looking for a specific answer... if you have it I would really appreciate it
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
    Senior Member
     
    #6

    May 12, 2008, 04:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by visa666
    I am changing the location of the meter and I decided to install a new main panel and rewire the existing one as a sub-panel keeping all the existing brakes at their place
    I am going to use an SER 600V cable to connect the 2 panels.
    My question is:
    How am I going to connect the SER cable at the new added main panel?
    The biggest double pole breaker I can find is 100A .

    Thank you
    Why are you installing a new panel (This is not to say you can't, but I'm trying to get a grip on what you are trying to do). Do you need breaker space?

    What size service do you currently have?
    Give more information.
    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #7

    May 12, 2008, 04:59 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Washington1
    Why are you installing a new panel (This is not to say you can't, but I'm trying to get a grip on what you are trying to do). Do you need breaker space?

    What size service do you currently have?
    Give more information.

    I thought would be cheaper to have a new panel instead of a disconnect. Also I was thinking about using some slots for the new built garage. Is not to late to change plans but if I can do it with a new panel would be better
    The existing panel is 200 Amps.
    Thank you
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #8

    May 12, 2008, 05:44 PM
    Visa, considering the lack of details, and your obvious lack of experience, why are the replies posted upsetting you??

    Telling us you are going to use "SER 600V" tells us NOTHING. How about wire size? How about the amperage of the service?

    Don is absolutely correct. The POCO needs to know what you are doing. Moving a meter is no simple thing. You can't just move it and say to the POCO, "OK boys. Hook it up."
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
    Senior Member
     
    #9

    May 12, 2008, 06:23 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by visa666
    I thought would be cheaper to have a new panel instead of a disconnect. Also I was thinking about using some slots for the new built garage. Is not to late to change plans but if I can do it with a new panel would be better
    The existing panel is 200 Amps.
    Thank you
    I see!

    Looks like you want to have 200Amps at the existing main. I see your reasoning (All circuits in your existing main)

    It would be best in my view (ignoring other options---not getting too technical), to install a 200A meter main disconnect outside (nema 3r rated), and run a 4/0 SER from the meter main disconnect, to the existing 200A main service rated panel (Which will now be a non service rated panel). If this is not an option for you, then let me know.

    There are grounding, and bonding issues that you will have to face as well, but we will get to that.

    I guess I should add: Depending on your jurisdictional code, you may be able to run your service conductors inside the house a specific length, before hitting a main disconnect. In our state, you are allowed to run un-fused service conductors inside a house a minimum of 15 feet before hitting a main disconnect.
    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #10

    May 12, 2008, 06:37 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Washington1
    I see!

    Looks like you want to have 200Amps at the exsiting main. I see your reasoning (All circuit in your existing main)

    It would be best in my view (ignoring other options---not getting too technical), to install a 200A meter main disconnect outside (nema 3r rated), and run a 4/0 SER from the meter main disconnect, to the exsiting 200A main service rated panel (Which will now be a nonservice rated panel). If this is not an option for you, then let me know.

    There are grounding, and bonding issues that you will have to face as well, but we will get to that.
    Thank you Washington
    I opted for the breaker panel because I couldn’t find locally a 200 A disconnect. I didn't realize that I will run in more troubles later... I mean ONE problem The SER connection into the new panel. I'll take your advice and install a disconnect. Have any idea where can I find a cheap one?
    Does the disconnect has to be grounded as a load panel?
    Do I have to rewire the existing breaker panel as a sub-panel if I use a Disconnect?

    Thank again
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
    Senior Member
     
    #11

    May 12, 2008, 07:12 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by visa666
    Thank you Washington
    I opted for the breaker panel because I couldn't find locally a 200 A disconnect. I didn't realize that I will run in more troubles later... I mean ONE problem The SER connection into the new panel. I'll take your advice and install a disconnect. have any idea where can i find a cheap one?
    Does the disconnect has to be grounded as a load panel?
    Do I have to rewire the existing breaker panel as a sub-panel if I use a Disconnect?

    Thank again
    Home Depot should have 200A disconnects--they will have 200A meter main disconnects (This is a meter combination. It has a meter with a 200 amp main disconnect). If Home depot doesn't have them, then try other box stores. ****Pricing varies.

    In simple terms, yes the main service will have all grounding tied together, while all grounding, and grounded (Neutral) conductors at the sub-panel are floating.

    Yes, you will have to rewire the grounding, and grounded conductors in the existing panel--if the existing panel is no longer the main service rated panel.
    Note: To float the neutrals, and grounding conductors in your non service rated panel (AKA: sub-panel), will depend on your panel manufacture. Example: It may be as simple as removing a green bonding screw to float the grounding from the grounded conductors in some panels.
    visa666's Avatar
    visa666 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #12

    May 14, 2008, 04:38 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Washington1
    Home Depot should have 200A disconnects--they will have 200A meter main disconnects (This is a meter combination. It has a meter with a 200 amp main disconnect). If Home depot doesn't have them, then try other box stores. ****Pricing varies.

    In simple terms, yes the main service will have all grounding tied together, while all grounding, and grounded (Neutral) conductors at the sub-panel are floating.

    Yes, you will have to rewire the grounding, and grounded conductors in the existing panel--if the exisiting panel is no longer the main service rated panel.
    Note: To float the neutrals, and grounding conductors in your non service rated panel (AKA: sub-panel), will depend on your panel manufacture. Example: It may be as simple as removing a green bonding screw to float the grounding from the grounded conductors in some panels.

    Thank you Washington
    I found a crappy kind of disconnect at HD
    Had it installed

    Thanks again

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