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ptnoble · Mar 31, 2007, 08:16 PM

I have seen that some of the helpful moderators and members can run calculations to determine what size (how many amps) electrical service is called for.

I am changing the service on my home and need to decide whether I go with 100amp, 125amp, 150amp, or 200amp service (I think that is how the steps in service go).

My house is 1670 square ft. and has the following:
-30 amp AC condensing unit
-standard dish washer
-electric clothes dryer
-plans for a hot tub (I don't know what is common amps for these. I am thinking of getting one from Home Depot that is 5 person with nothing fancy besides the hot water)
-gas hot water
-gas range/oven
-gas forced air heat

What would be my minimum electrical service requirement? What would be my best bet?

Thanks!
PN

tkrussell · Apr 1, 2007, 05:50 AM

With a hot tub , and according to the numbers ,you can just squeak by with a 100 amp as a minimum, with no room for any future addition in the future. Hot tubs are power hogs, I wonder how many people really leave them on after a few months when they see their electric bill.

100 amp and 200 amp are the most standard services sizes. With the panels and meters, along with the conduit and wire being the most commonly available, and most reasonably priced. The 125 and 150 amp are wacky odd ball size services, you will find the 150 amp panel will cost more than a 200 amp panel, and there is no 150 amp meter, you need to use a 200 amp rated meter.

My suggestion is to just install a 200 amp service, and there will be no worry of capacity for a long time, if ever. Along with the piece of mind, this will add resale value to the home.

ptnoble · Apr 1, 2007, 10:21 AM

Thanks tkrussell. I am thinking I probably will go with a 200amp service.

Regarding your hot tub, comment. Yes, I know they are power hogs. And to that end I was thinking that at some point down the road I might try and put some photovoltaic panels on my roof and get a bank of batteries. (I live in New Mexico where we average 300 sunny days a year). Do you have any experience/advice in this area? Can you point me to any good resources (web-based or otherwise).

Thanks for the calculation!
ptnoble

tkrussell · Apr 1, 2007, 10:25 AM

Sorry but I live in Maine, where we have 11 months of winter and 1 month of poor sledding.

Seriously, no I have not worked with or have any direct experience with PV systems. I can imagine you will need a heck of a bank of batteries to run a hot tub thou. Best I can offer is to search the web, and focus on any sites that are located in your state.