Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    lobo5050's Avatar
    lobo5050 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jul 31, 2012, 04:18 PM
    Wiring 100 amp panel ahead of 50 amp panel.doable or not
    Hi.I want to upgrade my 50 amp service to a 100 amp service. I do not want to disconect and remove my existing 50 amp panel. My plan is to wire in a 100 amp panel ahead of the 50 amp panel. Effectivly turning the 50 amp panel into a sub panel and making the new 100 amp panel the main panel. The 50 amp panel will continue servicing the wall outlets and lights, the 100 amp panel will be used to service the baseboard heaters I am plannig to install. My question is, is this doable? Thanks.
    mike 165278's Avatar
    mike 165278 Posts: 168, Reputation: 7
    Junior Member
     
    #2

    Jul 31, 2012, 06:14 PM
    Yes, you can, but what size wire is feeding the meter? It might be too small to handle the added load. You need #4 copper or #2 alu at a minimum to handle 100 amps.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Jul 31, 2012, 07:40 PM
    You only have 50 Amp as your main supply? How old is the house and service?
    lobo5050's Avatar
    lobo5050 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Jul 31, 2012, 08:54 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    You only have 50 Amp as your main supply? How old is the house and service?
    Its just a cottage, it was built in 1958. I have owned it since 2005. The 50 amp panel is of the breaker type. If it were the fused type I would replace it, it just seems to me it would be a lot less work to tie in a 100 amp panel ahead of the 50 amp panel. I realize the wire from the power source has to be a certain size. That's why I am going to call the hydro service to upgrade when the new panel is installed. Thanks a lot for your help.if any one else wants to coment, I'm all ears.
    mike 165278's Avatar
    mike 165278 Posts: 168, Reputation: 7
    Junior Member
     
    #5

    Jul 31, 2012, 08:57 PM
    Just a thought... If you're upgrading to 100 amp for short $$ you can go to 200a, but I don't know what your needs are.
    lobo5050's Avatar
    lobo5050 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #6

    Aug 1, 2012, 05:53 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by mike 165278 View Post
    Just a thought... If you're upgrading to 100 amp for short $$ you can go to 200a, but i don't know what your needs are.
    And a good thought that was. 100 amp is probably all I need, if its only going to cost a fue bucks more to go with 200 amp then maybe that's the way to go. I will look into it. Thanks.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Updating service panel to 200 amp with feeder to 100 amp panel in old house [ 8 Answers ]

I currently in the process of converting 1000 sq ft of attached garage into living space while doing this we are updating electrical service to 200 amp new service, there is 100 amp service in the old part of the house which will remain but need to be sub paneled from the new 200 amp service. I...

200 amp panel feeding a 100 amp panel roughly 130' away [ 7 Answers ]

Hi all, We are building a apartment above the garage,my question is what size wire do I need to run from the 200 amp panel to the 100 amp panel roughly 130' away? I want to use aluminum wire as I think copper would be to costly. Thanks for your help in advance, Dude :eek:

100 amp sub-panel wiring [ 1 Answers ]

When wiring a 100 amp sub panel do you have to run a neutral and a ground wire?

100 Amp Sub Panel Wiring [ 2 Answers ]

I know that question has been asked a hundred times so forgive me. I just wanted to make sure with my layout and for code that I was doing it right. If it makes a difference for the code requirements I line in NJ. I am running a 100 amp sub panel from my basement to my garage. I would prefer to...

100 amp sub panel from 200 amp main panel [ 2 Answers ]

We have a 200 amp main panel. We added another floor and decided to add a new sub panel of 100 amps. Is this OK? Should the wire gage be different from 100 maps? Your help is appreciated.


View more questions Search