Upgrade to 200 or add subpanel?

Nschieffer

I currently have a 150 AMP panel and I only have 3 circuits available on it. I am going to finish my basement which will have a family room, a bedroom, and a 3/4 bath. I feel like I need more circuits to do this properly. Should I upgrade to a 200 amp panel or just add a subpanel for the basement? The finished square footage in the basement will be about 800 SF.

Just Bill

The limit on circuit breaker slots is 40, be it 150 or 200. If you have that many filled, consider a second panel. If you have a smaller panel(<40) replace the panel.

COLDIRON

Panel has plenty of capacity just add a Sub panel if your 150 amp panel is in good shape.

jairoc

I just upgraded from 150 to 200 I had a small panel and a sub panel. Now that I upgraded I have a large panel with 40 slots. I knew a guy so it cost me $1000 but it typically cost around $1800 to upgrade. So if you don't have any problems with current draw( lights dimming) then I'd say switch to a bigger panel or a sub panel

nap

actually, it was 42 but that limitation has been removed but I don't think you are going to see any panels with over 42 spaces anytime soon.
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Unless you don't care for having a sub, adding one would be the most cost effective method. If you up-size your service, you are going to have to replace most everything from the utility connection to the panel.

as jairoc stated, unless your load actually calls for an up-size, there is not really any benefit to up-sizing.