[ek74]

Saturday night we had an electrical emergency, our main breaker in our 100 amp service panel blew, smoke pouring out melted breaker kind of blow. We replaced the entire service panel and upgraded to 200 amp since we were interested in doing the upgrade anyway and that seemed like a good time to do it. Does the service entrance cable need to be changed? How about the meter or cable going from the meter to the house? Do any authorities need to be called before hand?

[tkrussell]

Yes, the cable feeding the meter, the meter, and the wiring from the meter to the panel must be all rated 200 amp.

Almost every town, city, certainly state, has an inspection procedure, many times in addition to the utility company policy and procedure.

You can start by checking with town hall or the local utility company to learn what needs to be done and who needs to be involved.

What city and state are you located in?

[ek74]

Thanks for the reply.

I live in Elsinboro, NJ which is Salem county. I called my local electric company who referred me to the local electrical engineer, who then told me I wasn't supposed to be referred to them and told to ask an electrician. Nice huh. We do have an electrician but I just want to educate myself on this to make sure every thing is on the up and up. Not that I don't trust the guy, I just like to be informed.

[tkrussell]

OK, well that is sometimes how it goes. Liability is the key. Plus the attitude of Jersey.

OK if you want to stay on top of your electrician, get back and ask what you need.Be sure he takes out permits, and has everything inspected, and ahds the proper licenses and insurances.

[ek74]

Thanks for the advice! We actually had to call out a different electrician for an estimate. Turns out the one we were using didn't have insurance. That could have been a disaster, goes to show you can't always trust the people your friends refer.

[tkrussell]

Excellent catch, good luck. Let us know how you make out.