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

    Oct 30, 2009, 10:53 AM
    200amp main panel with 200amp sub panel
    Hi -

    I'm in Colorado and about to do an electrical service panel upgrade along with a sub panel install. (I should note here that I am an electrician - Australian, so the rules I'm used to are different here in the US).

    I've applied for and received the relevant permit from the city, but want to make sure I get everything done properly first time so as to not waste the inspector's time and such.

    1. I'll be replacing the current 100 amp service panel with a new 200 amp service panel. Was planning to use a GE brand panel. No problems there?

    2. I want to install a separate 200 amp sub panel in my workshop to run wood working equipment. Can I install a set of 100amp breakers in the main panel to run to the sub panel, thus giving me the 200 amp at the sub panel?

    Thanks Robert
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Oct 30, 2009, 11:50 AM
    My answers follow your questions:

    1. I'll be replacing the current 100 amp service panel with a new 200 amp service panel. Was planning to use a GE brand panel. No problems there?

    GE is a widely popular product. No problems.


    2. I want to install a separate 200 amp sub panel in my workshop to run wood working equipment. Can I install a set of 100amp breakers in the main panel to run to the sub panel, thus giving me the 200 amp at the sub panel?

    Please explain this. A set of 100 amp breakers to get 200 amp? You need a 200 amp breaker to protect a 2oo amp panel.
    youngfield's Avatar
    youngfield Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 30, 2009, 11:54 AM
    Hi tkrussell

    Sorry - goof on my part - I meant to write.. "200amp breakers in the main panel to run to the sub panel, thus giving me the 200amp at the sub panel". I should have re-read my original post. Sorry.

    So... 200amp main panel with 200amp breakers feeding panel, and a set of 200amp breakers in the main panel feeding to the sub panel. Would that be acceptable for code? Thanks

    Robert
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Oct 30, 2009, 02:33 PM
    Need a 2 pole 200 amp breaker as the main. You can use another 200 amp brekaer to feed a sub. Keep in mind, the service entracne will be a three wire, and after the main the feeder will be a 4 wire.
    youngfield's Avatar
    youngfield Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Oct 30, 2009, 02:36 PM
    Thanks tkrussell - I think you've answered my questions very nicely. Appreciate your help.

    I hope I understand the three wire main (2 x hots and neutral) and the four wire feed (2 x hots, neutral and ground).

    Robert.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    Oct 30, 2009, 05:20 PM

    Problem is, you may no be able to find a 200 A breaker for the panel. You may be limited to 100 or 125 A max.

    Nonetheless, you can still use a 200 A main breaker sub-panel fed with 100-125 A. The wire would be sized for based on the feeding breaker.

    You keep the neutrals separate in the sub. Remove the grond bonding screw ans purchase a ground lug kit when main breaker panels are used as subs.

    A ground rod is required if he structure is detached.
    youngfield's Avatar
    youngfield Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Nov 2, 2009, 03:41 PM
    Yep - I think it is going to be hard to get a 200amp to feed the sub - so I'm going to use a 125A and a 125A sub. Don't really need 200 at the sub.

    Thanks guys.
    -
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