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    roffbaxter's Avatar
    roffbaxter Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 9, 2015, 05:36 AM
    Convert from screw in fuse to breakers
    I want to convert a 60 amp screw in fuse box to a 60 amp breaker box without upgrading to 100 amp. Can I use a 100 amp main breaker panel with a 60 amp main breaker? I have a small camp in the woods and will never need a 100 amp service. Just looking to swap out fuses for breakers.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #2

    Apr 9, 2015, 11:42 AM
    Yes you can. However, most locales now require at least 100 Amps. If you are getting a permit, you may have to go to 100Amps. Many locations will now require a main disconnect in the meter base, Georgia does. That way if there is a fire, the FD can disconnect without going inside.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 10, 2015, 04:12 AM
    I'd bet a dollar or two that you already have a 100A service entrance.
    What fuses are in the panel? Is there a lighting main but also range fuses? If so, it is most likely a 100A service.
    roffbaxter's Avatar
    roffbaxter Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Apr 10, 2015, 06:22 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    I'd bet a dollar or two that you already have a 100A service entrance.
    What fuses are in the panel? Is there a lighting main but also range fuses? If so, it is most likely a 100A service.
    Yes there are separate lighting and range main fuses. On the bottom there are 4 20 amp fuses. On top left is main breaker. Top right is range. The service was installed in the 1940s. Thanks for your help!
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    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #5

    Apr 10, 2015, 01:13 PM
    HMM, double tapped fuses, is that allowed in the box?
    roffbaxter's Avatar
    roffbaxter Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 10, 2015, 03:54 PM
    Probably not. That's one of the Reasons I want to replace the whole thing. It's not my place. In-laws...
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #7

    Apr 10, 2015, 05:12 PM
    Aluminum wire without any antioxidant paste and wires wrapped the wrong way too! Good Idea to replace.
    roffbaxter's Avatar
    roffbaxter Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Apr 11, 2015, 08:44 PM
    Can you tell from the picture if this is a 100 amp or 60 amp service? If I add paste will the aluminum wires be OK?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #9

    Apr 12, 2015, 03:16 AM
    Looks like 100A to me.

    These services are often mistaken for 60A since the lighting main fuses are usually 60A. Thing is, the lighting main and range main are both main fuse blocks.
    Also, that is tinned copper, not aluminum wire.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #10

    Apr 12, 2015, 05:22 PM
    Yea, could be in that old of an install.
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