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irishh7 · Jun 25, 2007, 02:19 PM

Hi. We had our 100 amp service upgraded to a 200 amp service last week (June 22, 2007) because our main circuit breaker tripped 3 times in one week. However, I don't believe that the electrician put some of the overloaded circuits on to their own circuits as my basement lights still dim when the dehumidifier comes on. I also ran a test to see if the circuit breaker would trip when I was using the same things that made it trip with the 100 amp service - it did. Is it possible to split certain main wires and put them onto a different circuit (thus taking some of the load off the overloaded circuits) without breaking into the walls/ceiling? I am wondering if I even needed a 200 amp service, since I still have to watch what is plugged in or run in certain areas.

Any help would be appreciated,

Dorothy

tkrussell · Jun 25, 2007, 03:56 PM

Beofre and this time you stated the main breaker tripped. Is that true? So now the 200 amp breaker tripped?

Or did a branch circuit breaker trip? Your explanation is a bit confusing.

If a branch breaker tripped, then that circuit is overloaded, not the Main breaker. If so then additional branch circuit(s) is needed. If you told the electrician the main breaker tripped, then he figured you need a new service.

If you did not point to a branch breaker that tripped, then he did not know that circuit was overloaded.

Before he upgraded the service, did he do as I suggested in a previous post:
Have the electrician check all connections, both line and load of the breaker that is tripping, looking for a loose or corroded connection. this can cause heat that will trip a breaker, for no apparent reason. Also check the amp draw of the frig, just to be sure there is not some other problem with it, such as a bad compressor. Leave the door open on the frig when the electrician is checking to be sure to cause the compressor to run.

Also could be the heating element that is built in the frig for the frost free operation. Any way you can have the appliance tech and electrician there at the same time?

Since the lights are dimming when the dehumidifier starts, that is a possible indication of only a loaded branch circuit.

Did you clearly request that additional circuits be added, included in your contract or scope of work?

irishh7 · Jun 25, 2007, 09:53 PM

Hi. Thank you for the quick reply and sorry for the confusion. Our main breaker did trip 3times in @ one week and the box felt very hot with the old 100 amp service. I am sure, as you said, that it is reason for the suggested upgrade. No, I did not request that additional circuits be added during the upgrade. I didn't realize that I had to do that. I figured that the loads would be more evenly distributed. Our main is not tripping now. The lights dim with the dehumidifier and a circuit trips when I have the same things plugged in that tripped it with the old service. I don't believe that this electrician checked everything you asked about, but I may be wrong. We are new to the area that we live in and didn't know who to call about this problem. Our electric company keep telling us that this is a very serious problem and we shouldn't wait to get it fixed. They couldn't recommend anyone - they don't come inside to fix problems. We called several different companies and most couldn't even come out for a day or two. The electrician we hired came that day and had the best price of anyone. I guess you do get what you pay for.

Do you think it is still possible for the two lines that we are having trouble with to be split and put on their own circuits (there is room for that in the box), without having to go through any walls or ceilings?

Thank you again for your help,

Dorothy

tkrussell · Jun 26, 2007, 01:47 AM

OK the main problem was due to the old service ,as I suspected, and new service was needed. This left a couple of circuits a bit overloaded, and now all that is needed is some additional circuits to split up some of that load, and you will be in great shape. No just changing the service does not cure all the ills in a home. And if the electrician is not aware of any issues with branch circuits, there is no way for him to know of the problem.

Keep the load on the circuits that are tripping as low as possible until you can get someone out to add a couple of new circuits.

irishh7 · Jun 26, 2007, 02:17 PM

Hi again! Just spent @ 2 - 2 1/2 hours going through the new circuits to see what was on each one. Boy, there are several that have too much on them and some that don't have anything on them! Go figure! Anyway, the electrician is coming back tomorrow and we are going to ask him about moving some of these lines. Just so I have an idea, is it possible to switch some of the lines to other circuit breakers from the box location or would new lines have to be run to the particular outlets, switches, etc. that are overloading the other circuits (would walls or ceilings have to be torn through)?

Thanks for your help,

Dorothy

Stratmando · Jun 26, 2007, 03:29 PM

I would remove multiple wires from one breaker, and place on unused breakers rated for that wire, Example:(20 amps for #12, 15 Amps for #14)etc.
Important, If a Red and Black are sharing 1 Neutral, They must be on opposite phase.
If house is done with conduit, may be able to pull extra wires.
Getting wires from Panel to other areas is a craft in itself. One electrician may Tear up your house, needing a plasterer, painter and plumber? Another Electrician may show no
Evidence of work. Sad thing is you may not want to pay the guy who looks like he did no work. I suppose that's why many run exposed all over the place. Looks like a lot of work.
Good Luck. It is hard to say your situation. If you had an attic and/or a basement. Then getting wires around less problem.