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    buckslayer's Avatar
    buckslayer Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 7, 2009, 01:57 PM
    Main panel
    Hello everyone, this is my first time on this site and hope to get and give some help.

    I have a 100 amp panel and need to upgrade to 200 amp.
    My question is, instead of changing my box and all can I use my same 100 amp box and change entrance line to 200 amp and change main breaker to 200 amp? Or are the bus bars inside the box rated?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Sep 7, 2009, 02:08 PM
    The whole panel is rate for the given amperage. Also, a 200A breaker would NEVER fit in a 100A panel.

    You do need to change the panel if you do an upgrade.
    buckslayer's Avatar
    buckslayer Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Sep 7, 2009, 02:27 PM

    Ok thanks for the quick help.
    Now are the meter sockets rated also or can I leave the one on my house and just change the entrance line?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 7, 2009, 02:30 PM

    Sorry, but you must contact your local power company to make arrangements for the power upgrade.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Sep 7, 2009, 03:31 PM

    Yep, the meter sockets are rated as well. The Utility may also force you to use a particular meter socket. In our area, they get a stamp from the local Electrical Distributer that they are approved for use in our area.

    Service upgrades are a co-ordinated effort with upgrading the panel inside, the wiring and meter socket outside.

    In my area, the homeowner is responsible for the wiring from the masthead, including the meter box, but not the meter.

    The utility will upgrade from the pole to the masthead.

    The utility is generally responsible for disconnecting and re-connecting the meter.

    An inspection usually has to be done as well.
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