Hey, is that egg on your face?

CplDevilDog

Well whad'da ya know...it is.

So, I always tell people to be careful when taking on any sort of DIY Electrical. The more I learn about electricity the more I think, "Hmmm, being an amateur Electrician is like being an amateur Brain Surgeon" the two are mutually exclusive.


So last year I ran a new lighting circuit for the upstairs bedrooms while I was rehabbing the attic. I've read a few DIY electric books (including several on that recall list) and thought I knew my Hot Wire from a Hole-in-the-ground.

So last week I had a real Electrician out to look at upgrading the Service Main and he says. "By the way, this new circuit is on the wrong side of your split Bus." My whaaa?

So while I'm cleaning up this mess, just a quick reminder, when in doubt sub-it-out (to a Pro)

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Julius793

Well how many breakers are on the top?

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AllanJ

There is some exclusivity. The amateur brain surgeon usually does not get a chance to (try again and) clean up the mess.

You are allowed 6 main disconnects (U.S. NEC) which means the split bus panel with no upstream disconnect may have at most 6 breaker handles* in the top half. Also with no upstream disconnect you need to be sure that the circuits in the upper half can't collectively overdraw the panel and service amperes rating.

*Added later: Including the breaker set that serves the lower half of the panel.

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The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded.

CplDevilDog

Its a 150 AMP service with a 70 AMP Main Disconnect. 6 breakers above the Main (2) 50's, (2) 30's and my (2) 15's.

The Electrician is recommending replacing the meter socket (water intrusion) and upgrade to a 240 Service and Panel. I've read that 240 is over-kill for most applications but the Materials costs are negligible.

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Some days, my Life needs a Rewind/Erase Button.
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Julius793

Wow now you lost me how about uploading a picture? What do you mean by 240?? If you mean 240v chances are that's what you have in your house.

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Electricity will kill you if you give it a chance

J. V.

If it has a main breaker, the 6 handle rule does not apply. You can fill the panel with breakers if it has a main breaker.
The six handle rule is to be able to eliminate the need for a main breaker. You already have a main so it is not applicable.

You already have a 240 volt service. It is the amp (ampere) rating of the panel that is being considered for upgrade.

rrolleston

If it's a split bus you can only have six breakers on the on the top 70 AMP Main Disconnect. 6 breakers above the Main (2) 50's, (2) 30's and my (2) 15's. The 70 amp main feeds the bottom part of the split buss and there 2 50 amp breakers 2 30 amp breakers and 2 15 amp breakers that is over the six throw rule.

CplDevilDog

Correct.

Sorry, upgrade from 150 amp panel to 200 amp panel. Not 240

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*Under ideal conditions

Some days, my Life needs a Rewind/Erase Button.
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AllanJ

Did he mean 250 amp panel? Is there such an animal?

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The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded.

frenchelectrican

For the panel ., no I don't recall it but for fuse and breaker yeah I have see it from time to time in stateside but European we do have both 240 and 250 amp breaker and fuse on hand.

Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )