[Salky]

I am in the process of up grading my Panel from 100 amp to 200 amp, but I have to move the panel about a foot. What do I do with the existing wires that don't reach the new panel, and also is 2/0 wire the right wire for the meter base?

[nmwirez]

I am in the process of up grading my Panel from 100 amp to 200 amp, but I have to move the panel about a foot. What do I do with the existing wires that don't reach the new panel, and also is 2/0 wire the right wire for the meter base?

2/0 awg is correct if it is copper. Moving the panel may require a j-box for splicing if there is no ceiling access to pull slack to get the cabling to wirenut splice in the new panelboard. If there is an accessible overhead attic or ceiling opening for j-box splicing, make sure the j-boxes are covered and have adequate grounding. J-boxes in the wall are an accessible requirement and most AHJ's will ask for a removable cover. Nm

[Salky]

Even though some of my existing wire won't reach the new box, what size junction box should I use and how many connections can I have in each box? I also have ceiling access to install these boxes.

[nmwirez]

Salky , I answered your inquiry at another post. Nm

Well, this one is slightly different. The j-boxes require sizing for the wire fill quantity and size being spliced. Look inside a wall box and there is a list of wires and sizes allowed for the box fill.

[tkrussell]

If you in the process of upgrading your panel from 100 amp to 200 amp, can I assume you are also upgrading the meter socket from 100 to 200 amp?

Also, if the is an overhead service, the conduit riser and conductors will need to be changed to #2/0 copper.

Otherwise you only have a new, larger, and more expensive 100 amp panel.

If the service is underground, may need to check with the utility that the transformer and underground feeder to the service is of the correct size to handle 200 amp.

Thou splicing service entrance conductors that run from the meter to a panel is allowed, keep in mind that if there is no Main Breaker at the meter, and assuming the Main Breaker is in the panel, the wires from the meter to the panel are not protected by normal fuses or circuit breakers on the utility side.

My point is that any splices in these wires need to be made up very good. A junction box to handle three #2/0 wires in and out, will need to be sized according to NEC Section # 314.28, which explains that the box is sized by the trade size of conduit that is sized for the wire size, and if the conduit entries are straight or at angle.

So, for example, the smallest conduit 3-#2/0 THHN copper wires will fit is 1-1/2", if one enters a box at one end, and the other leaves the opposite end, the box needs to be at least 8 times 1.5= 12 inch in length between the two conduit entires.The width can be of any size, the smallest made might be 8 inch.

I would do my best not to splice these wires,esp if the Main Breaker is in the panel, leaving these wires and splices with no protection.

[nmwirez]

[QUOTE=tkrussell]If you in the process of upgrading your panel from 100 amp to 200 amp, can I assume you are also upgrading the meter socket from 100 to 200 amp?

Hi tk,

Thanks again for covering the unseen details. I really tried to boost your rating to no avail I couldn't refer anybody else. :D nm