testing amperage

kbc

i want to test my amperage on a new 200 amp service i got installed, if i use a clamp meter should each leg have 100 amps, if there is a difference between them should the difference be on the neutral

brric

Each leg will show whatever the load on that leg is up to 200 amps or so, per leg.

jbfan

If you were in fact using the full 200 amps, you would read 200 amps on each leg.

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kbc

how do u know if u truly have 200 amps, a friend of mine thats a electrician said something about the ground in the house that i possibly may not be getting a full 200 amps

brric

Huh?????????????

kbc

thats exactly where im at right now , saying huh?????
laughing

jbfan

Did you have this install inspected?
Was this a new install or an upgrade?

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Speedy Petey

This friend heard something and had NO idea what they were talking about, then told you what he thought they said.

The way you tell if you have a 200A service is by the size of the service cable, meter pan and main panel (or disconnect).
If all is correct, just look at the number on the main breaker. That is what size service you have.

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kbc

upgrade i originally had 100 amps but i adding an addition on my house so i upgraded

ddawg16

Go look at the main circuit breaker in your panel It should be a double poll and say 200 on it. If this was properly done and inspected, then I'm sure your ok.

You need to talk to you 'electrician' and get a better explination from him on what he means.

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Jim Port

The clamp meter would read would only read what was actually being used, not what the system is capable of supplying.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

biggles

keep in mind that 200A panel is protection for the service from your panel to the pole and the wire sized to handle it from the upgrade

brric

The service from the panel to the pole is only protected by the POCO primary fuses, not by the panel breaker and/or disconnect.

theatretch85

When I did my new panel install (replaced an FPE panel) I sized the wire from the meter to the panel for 200 amp service, but the inspector made me change out the main breaker from 200 to 150 (the original main breaker of the FPE panel). I still have the 200 amp main and I already know I don't have to re-buy the service wire from the meter to the main breaker if I ever want to go to 200 (I doubt I will ever need it).