200 amp panel w/100 amp service

PirateKatz

Hi everyone,

I currently have 100 amp service in an older home that relies nearly entirely on gas for utilities. 200 amp service would be overkill and I have no intention of relying on electric heat or any other large electric draws.

However, my older 100 amp service panel does not contain enough slots to have an adequate number of circuits in the house; the kitchen is on a single circuit, as is the entire downstairs, and I have to be very careful to avoid tripping breakers. I would like to begin rewiring these circuits (and getting rid of any K&T) but am at capacity with my current panel (ca. 1970's, 20 slot CH panel).

Before I start calling electricians, city inspector, or power department, I'd like to get an idea of what my options are.

Is it possible to protect a 200 amp, 40 slot panel at 100 amps, either through a fuse or a breaker? If so, is there any term for this or is this an unusual configuration?

If this is not possible, is there such thing as a 100 amp, 40 slot panel?

Thanks!

JohnJ0906

The easiest, cheapest way would be to add a sub-panel off your existing panel.

If you wish to change your panel to a new one, I do know there are 100 amp, 30 circuit panels that are common. Off the top of my head, I'm not sure about the 100/40.

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JohnJ0906

Does the panel also contain the main breaker?
If the main breaker or fuses is separate from the panel, you certainly could use a 200 amp main lug panel.

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nap

If you want the larger breaker count, you can do a couple things:

install a 200 amp main breaker panel but you would need to install a 100 amp breaker before that to protect the feeders.

or, you can get a 2oo amp main lug only panel and install a 100 amp breaker (with appropriate hold down kit) and backfeed that breaker as your main. Just make sure the panel is listed as "suitable for service equipment" or it will not be legal.

Scuba_Dave

Yeah - I agree with John a sub is easiest method
You could put a 200a pane; & install a 100a breaker ahead of the panel
I'm not sure how grounding etc then has to be setup in the panel

IE - in the 200a panel do the neutrals & grounds need to be stup like a sub ?

I think easiest is putting another 100a 30 circuit panel in & feed it from existing panel
Or even put in a 200a panel & feed it from the 100
Then plenty of room & easier upgrade to 200a if ever needed
Anyone wants to install a 50a hot tub usually a 100a service might be small

JohnJ0906

That didn't occur to me....

If you really need more than 30 spaces, that would probably be the way to go.

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SULTINI

You can possibly get many more circuits in the panel you already have if you purchase mini breakers or multi breakers that take up 1/2 the space regular breakers do.

I would definitely check into that before I started any Sub Panel installation.

Check it out first and do some more research.

nap

what sultini referred to may be possible. Is there a model number on the panel? some panels can use tandem breakers, some can't and the only way to tell is by the model number of the panel.

frenchelectrican

SULTINI.,

The key issue it will come up is the model number on the load centre it will tell you the number of circuit both fullsize or twinners let me run a example here

I will use SqD number here other brand should be pretty simauir as well but not the excat the same but close engough to understand it.

QO200M13040S

QO = QO Series { a SqD family product }
200 = 200 amp
M = Main Breaker
1 = Single Phase
30/40 = 30 full space plus 10 twinner breaker of total
S= Surface mount

Here the other example

QO100M130F

QO= QO series
100 = 100 amp main breaker
M= Main breaker
1 = Single Phase
30 = 30 full size breakers note there is no second number due this do not allow twinner in this one
F= Flush mount

Hope that clear up a bit here.

Merci.Marc