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tasslehawf · May 9, 2009, 04:29 PM

I have been told that it is possible to install a new 200A main panel near our old 100A main panel, install a new weather head and when I have the power company switch the power to the new panel, then setup the old panel as a sub panel of the new.

One of my main concerns is that the old panel has the meter integrated into it so when the electric company comes to install a meter in the new combo panel, will the take the old meter away, thus leaving a gaping hole in or old meter and negating it's usefulness as a sub panel..

OR, can I get a new 200A panel without an integrated meter and run the existing main power through conduit into the new panel and also wiring back to the old to make the old into the sub panel?

The reason for all this mess is that our current panel is maxed out and I want to run 220 to our garage where I have welding gear (currently there is a single 20A 120v breaker that powers the entire garage and another out-building). Also I live in California (Los Angeles) where I'm allowed to do the work myself as the homeowner.

stanfortyman · May 9, 2009, 05:50 PM

Just do the right thing and upgrade to 200A right in place of the old service.

EVERYTHING will need to be replaced, from the riser and weather head down to the meter/main panel.

Do you have any experience at all doing this sort of work?

tasslehawf · May 9, 2009, 06:02 PM

Would it be possible to install a new 200A panel with integrated meter next to the old panel (I'll install the new panel and weather head). And when the power company comes to move the power to the new panel, I'll replace the existing panel with a new 100A sub panel. This way I don't have to lengthen any of the existing wiring or move any of the conduit and there will be virtually no down-time.

tasslehawf · May 9, 2009, 06:06 PM

I have done some conduit work and other electrical (industrial). I have no qualms doing in myself if I know I'm doing it the safely and legally. I have been considering for a long time studying to become an electrical contractor.

stanfortyman · May 9, 2009, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by tasslehawf

Would it be possible to install a new 200A panel with integrated meter next to the old panel (I'll install the new panel and weather head). And when the power company comes to move the power to the new panel, I'll replace the existing panel with a new 100A sub panel. This way I don't have to lengthen any of the existing wiring or move any of the conduit and there will be virtually no down-time.

All I can say is that is not how an electrician would do it. IMO it is kind of a hack job.
If you have no other choice then it is what you have to do.
That will leave you with all that equipment on your outside wall, in addition to all the new. You will also need a meter blank. I am not sure if a permanent blank is legal or not. They are usually temporary.

Doing it right will leave you with all new equipment in place of the old and a nice clean installation.

Originally Posted by tasslehawf

I have done some conduit work and other electrical (industrial). I have no qualms doing in myself if I know I'm doing it the safely and legally. I have been considering for a long time studying to become an electrical contractor.

I can tell you one thing for certain. It talks a lot more than studying.

tasslehawf · May 9, 2009, 07:05 PM

So if I disconnect the power, replace everything with new and have the power reconnected and inspected, what kind of down time do you think I'm looking at?

Also, do you think I'm going to be able to simply re-wire the existing wiring into the new box? Are they going inspect beyond the box? I didn't do any of the wiring, but I know for example, we still have cloth covered wire in some of the older areas of the house, although the wiring in box looks fairly new.

If you really think this is something I shouldn't do myself, I probably won't end up doing it at all. The electricians in this area want way too much for me to afford ($6000). But If I know the equipment I need and the wire gage I need to buy and someone to check my work before it goes hot, I'd be OK. I don't personally know an electrician.

KISS · May 9, 2009, 07:42 PM

Usually the power company dictates approved panels and their location. Upgrades usually have to conform to the new rules.

The power company is the only entity that can remove a meter and re-install it. It must be inspected before the power company will turn on power.

Usually the job is co-ordinated. Power company part done on the same day as your part.

You will likely have to rent a generator or borrow power from a nice neighbor. Remember the fridges and freezers.

tasslehawf · May 9, 2009, 08:53 PM

Looks like I'm going to call an electrician I've worked with before (they let me install the conduit in my industrial space and they pulled the wiring). I'll see if I can get them to help me out with the permitting and advise me on placement and wiring to keep some of the cost down. I looked over the requirements for the power company and it makes me feel like I needs someone with more experience looking over my shoulder. Otherwise I feel totally confident doing that labor if I know what I need to do.

stanfortyman · May 10, 2009, 05:38 AM

I say good call on your part. :cool:

You may be able to do the physical act of turning the screws or mounting the panel, but knowing what you are doing and WHY is 1000 times more important. ;)