main panel

03-29-2012, 12:20 AM	#1
eternalchild1 Newbie   Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	main panel I need to upgrade my main panel. If i have a 100amp main breaker outside can i put a 200amp panel in or do i need to change the 100amp to a 200amp outside?

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03-29-2012, 12:28 AM	#2
sublime2 DIY Enthusiast     Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 771	main panel I believe you may need to have the wire coming to the house changed to support a 200 amp service. Call your local power company they will tell you if your current feed can handle the upgrade. Last edited by sublime2; 03-29-2012 at 12:34 AM.

03-29-2012, 12:45 AM	#3
k_buz Licensed Electrician     Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 3,222	main panel It would probably be best to post a couple pics of what is existing. Something like what you are proposing most likely will involve more than swapping out breakers. __________________ Location...Location...Location Answers based on the National Electric Code. Always check local amendments.

03-29-2012, 02:05 AM	#4
rrolleston Electrical Contractor     Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Granville, NY Posts: 1,917	main panel Just calling power company can sometimes be confusing to a homeowner. They don't always have a good record. Having an electrician personally checking out the service is preferred way. But sometimes a picture will help. __________________ Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

03-29-2012, 08:05 AM	#5
Jim Port Licensed electrician   Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,957	main panel Do you just need the 200 for breaker spaces? __________________ Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

03-29-2012, 08:21 AM	#6
rrolleston Electrical Contractor     Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Granville, NY Posts: 1,917	main panel Posting pictures of you outdoor panel may be helpful if you have a main disconnect outside you may have more than 100 amps available. to feed a larger panel with more space. __________________ Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

03-29-2012, 08:29 AM	#7
joed Member     Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,014	main panel You can install the 200 amp panel. You will still have a 100 amp service however. The 100 amp breaker outside is the one that determines your service size and the cables required. __________________ Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.