sub panel question?

zombie911 · 12-31-2008, 02:32 PM

Hello,

Please bear with me...I have a older home and want to add 2 outlets in the garage that need to be dedicated to run some computers

At the service panel I have a 100 breaker and at the sub panel in the house are:
1-50A single
4-15A single
3-20A single
and a 40/20A(2-40's tied together on the outside with 2-20's in between)

this is an older style panel and all holes are used.
so here is the question,do I need to upgrade the panel or can I some how use existing panel,I know there will be more questions but I am hoping this will start leading me in the right direction.

Thanks

HouseHelper · 12-31-2008, 02:51 PM

50A single???

What brand and model number panel is it?

zombie911 · 12-31-2008, 03:12 PM

ITE circut panel
CQ8s/f

Is that of any help?

220/221 · 12-31-2008, 03:50 PM

Some would suggest that you could twin up the existing 20's but I would put in a panel with more space. If you panel is one of those exposed in the basement units, it is actually not difficult to do......for me anyway

The existing panel is already crammed with wires and adding a few more won't help.

Cost for a new panel and breakers will be under $200

If you are a good mechanic it is just a matter of taking out the old and putting in the new. There are a handful of rules to apply. Post pics and someone will (maybe) walk you thru it.

If you are not so good you might want to call someone.

*permits, inspections and power company disconnect may apply

zombie911 · 12-31-2008, 04:45 PM

Thanks for the reply,it is a way older box and all the breakers are and knockouts are only 1/2" so no way to dbl up, so basicly all I need to do is throw in a new panel. Will a 100 or should I go up to a 125? and is it also sugjested to replace breakers with newer ones? I was going to try and find the same brand of panel so I could reuse the breakers.
Also the single pole 50a are those still around? Sorry for all the newbie questions but I am pretty well versed in the construction trades and this is one I am lacking on.

thanks

zombie911 · 12-31-2008, 05:03 PM

My camera is broke so I have drawn what the old sub panel configuration looks like.

220/221 · 12-31-2008, 08:35 PM

All new panels will be rated at at least 125 amps.

New breakers are cheap. 4 bucks for a single pole and 8 bucks for a double pole.

Your 50 is a double pole BTW. It uses 2 legs for the 240V ciircuit to the range or AC.