redoing an existing 400 amp electrical service in a residential home

john_mayo · 03-04-2013, 10:08 PM

Let me first start off by saying I'm trying to contract this job out but now feel the guy may be trying to get me for more than I have to fix. So this is the existing system a electrical pole 35ft from the house has the electrical meter on it from there 400 amps runs directly in to a federal pacific 400amp enclosed throw lever switch with 400amp buss fuses from there it distributes into a 200amp federal pacific stab-lok circuit breaker panel, also a federal pacifific 100amp enclosed swithch with buss fuses that run the air conditioner, and a square d 60amp circuit breaker panel that runs welders , air compressors, ect....
I know I need to replace the 200 amp service panel with stabloc breakers because of fire hazards that they can cause. My question is can I just replace the 200amp breaker and leave the rest of the electrical alone and it still pass codes? I live in TN ... my hired electrician wants to take everything out and replace with 2 -200 amp panels. I feel this is to much work considering I will have to rerun wire to the pole. Please help I'm on a limited budget and could use the money else where

stickboy1375 · 03-04-2013, 10:10 PM

So get a different estimate...

k_buz · 03-04-2013, 10:14 PM

There is no requirement to replace FPE equipment. It is strongly recommended, but changing just the main breaker is not/will not fix the issues with FPE equipment.

john_mayo · 03-04-2013, 10:22 PM

I hate to say it but my moms in volved and to her this guy must be jesus the electrician and she is hellbent on using this guy because he gave her a good deal on a roof and not wanting to get a second estimate and I feel he may have seen her coming a mile away. I'm just trying to get some info so I can question this guy on his proposed plans.

john_mayo · 03-04-2013, 10:26 PM

If I change the main breaker with a new one with non stab -loc breakers from a different company why would this not change the problem. The problem is stab lok circuit breakers don't always work and I have first hand knowledge of this.

k_buz · 03-04-2013, 10:46 PM

Its usually not that easy. You need to stop asking us, who cannot see the job, and get a second opinion for someone who can see the job.

stickboy1375 · 03-04-2013, 10:54 PM

I agree with k_buz, this is just one of those jobs that's impossible to pass judgement without seeing the job and existing equipment in front of us...

Glennsparky · 03-04-2013, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_mayo

...My question is can I just replace the 200amp breaker and leave the rest of the electrical alone and it still pass codes? ...

Yes. All your equipment is grandfathered in. If it's in good condition inside, everything you've described sounds fine, except for the stab loc breakers. I've never heard of any issue with buss fuses. And IMHO, I'm much more concerned with wires that run inside houses, near combustables, than with wires that run underground or across masonry.

I agree with Stickboy, you must get other estimates, to bargain with, or just for your peace of mind. Just be honest and clear that they won't get the job and pay them for their time. In these hard times some people would rather make service call wages to write up an estimate, instead of sitting home and make nothing.