[spuds00]

We just bought a double home that has 2 100 amp service. I want to put 200 amp service in one and feed 100 amps to the other half. How do I do this?

Thanks, Stan

[tkrussell]

You will need to come here with a plan, and we can help from there. To begin explaining all the details from start to finish will need a great deal of work to convey to you.

Along with this, you must consult with the utility for their requirements.

And contact the local inspector to learn the permitting process and local codes that amend or waive the National Electirc Code.

Most states, if not all, do not allow work in a multi-family dwelling to be done by anyone other than a licensed or otherwise qualified person.

[KISS]

I want to just throw out some things, because as tk says there is no info in your post.

Since this is a double house, is it going to be two separate metered services, 1 metered service (say 400 A) with sub metering. e.g.. You get the bill and you bill a tenent?

You never mentioned what you have, or how it's connected. Underground, overhead, distance to panel. Where the disconnect is, etc. What size panels you have, the wire size that run to each.

In a simple case, say the disconnects to the two existing panels are outside at the meter. That service would have to be upgraded to 300/400 A and those boxes upgraded. Then the wiring to the 100 A box and box itself would have to be upgraded.

The power co would have to be involved and sometimes 400 A service is not available and be inspected.

In any event, the only likely portion of this project that you MIGHT be able to do is upgrade the 100 A box, providing there is an outside disconnect to enable you to do so.

[spuds00]

It is going to be one house, I can either tie in the new house via junction boxes to the new 200 amp service, 18 in all. I think I can put a 100 amp breaker in the new 200 amp box and make the other a 100 amp box a sub feed. We are not allowed to have 2 services in one house. But I would like to know do I use 3 wires or 4 wires to the sub feed.

Thanks, Stan

[KISS]

You'll find that a 100 A breaker will be all you will be able to find for the 200 A box, so that's OK.

Your allowed to have a main breaker if you want for a sub-panel. It can be rated larger or smaller than the feed. e.g. 200 A main panel connected to a 100 A breaker feed. The sub-panel can be a main-lug panel with no main breaker.

If the properties are detached, then a ground rod is required at the sub.

Sub-panels require 4 wires. Sub-panels require that the grounds and neutrals are separate. Sometimes a ground bar kit and removal of a ground bond screw are required accessories for the sub-panel.

Main panels are sometimes wired with the ground and neutral separate if the discconnect is elsewhere, such as at the meter.

[KISS]

These may be allowed in liew of junction boxes.

Modular Splice & Tap Kit - 194130062

[spuds00]

Can I use 100 amp service cable and a single neutral? What size should the neutral be?
Thanks, Stan

[tkrussell]

No, the neutral must be part of the cable assembly.

Can I use 100 amp service cable and a single neutral?

[KISS]

Just for fun look at the SE equipment that thos mfr has to offer: Midwest Electric Products, Inc. You might like what you see.

[spuds00]

Sorry, got them mixed up, Meant to say, Can I use service cable and a separate wire for the ground? What size should the ground wire be?

Thanks, Stan

[tkrussell]

We keep going back and forth here because you are not explaining yourself.

The feeder from the meter to panel with the main breaker can be 3 wire.

The feeder from a main breaker at the meter to a panel must be four wire.

Which "ground' are you talking about?

The equipment grounding conductor or the grounding electrode conductor?

Stop using just the word "ground".

[spuds00]

That is what I wanted to know, 4 wire.

Thanks, Stan

[Washington1]

That is what I wanted to know, 4 wire.

Thanks, Stan

Thanks who?