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100 AMP Braker Box or200 AMP Braker Box

2568 Views 21 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  nhoj
I have just rewired my home with 12-2 with ground and would like to know which to go with the braker box, right now I have a small 100 AMP box and need more space. So should I stay with the 100 AMP or go with the 200 AMP box?

I have a GAS Drier, Gas Stove & Oven, and a Gas Water Heater.

Everything else is Eleectal.

Yes I have AC.
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You cannot simply replace the panel with a larger panel.
You cannot simply replace the panel with a larger panel.

Yes I understand that. But you have to decide which way to go on this before you start digging and putting in new cable.
You wouldn't need to dig and replace cable if you "stay with 100A".

To your OQ, I would stay with 100A if all you have done is rewired the home and haven't added any significant loads. If you have added loads, or plan to, I would upgrade to 200A.
You wouldn't need to dig and replace cable if you "stay with 100A".

To your OQ, I would stay with 100A if all you have done is rewired the home and haven't added any significant loads. If you have added loads, or plan to, I would upgrade to 200A.

What do you mean in up gradeing: What type of equement or household applances would you say that would make you go to 200 AMPS.?
Would you say that I already have 220 going to the house and they cut it down before going into the house?
nhoj said:
Would you say that I already have 220 going to the house and they cut it down before going into the house?
With this post, it is quite obvious that you should not be working on the electrical service. You need to call a licensed electrician.
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240 is the voltage in the house.

To determine your service size you do a demand load calculation.
240 is the voltage in the house.

To determine your service size you do a demand load calculation.

I am not doing the work but I feel that I have every right to know what needs to be done.

An yes we are going to do a demand calculation.

As we were talking they feel with all the Gas Appearances that I have I am not pulling over 100 Amps. They feel that I am pulling about 70% or less.
My opinion is that you are fine with a 100 A service as I do not believe you actually draw 70A. The calc may come out to that number, but it is rare to draw that much with no electric appliances except AC.
My opinion is that you are fine with a 100 A service as I do not believe you actually draw 70A. The calc may come out to that number, but it is rare to draw that much with no electric appliances except AC.
The only things that I have electric id the Amplifier, Refrigerator, Microwave, dishwasher, TV, DVD Player, CD Player, and Computer. That is it.
I'm wondering what a "Braker" is.......

As for panel size.....unless you have a garage with some heavy duty power tools...a 100A 'breaker' panel (load center) is fine.

If your hurting for more circuit breakers, see if your panel can use tandem breakers. The panel has to be rated for it.
I was told if I went to a 200 Amp. box from a 100 Amp box you would save energy and lower your Electric Bill. I just don't understand how this can happen.

I know if you go from 14-2 with ground to 12-2 with ground you electric wire will run cooler.

Can someone please explain how you would be able to lower your electric bill by changeing from 100 Amp. box to a 200 Amp box?

I was told that the 200 Amp box would not make make things work harder and would make your applances last longer. Can you explain this also.
My opinion is that you are fine with a 100 A service as I do not believe you actually draw 70A. The calc may come out to that number, but it is rare to draw that much with no electric appliances except AC.
K_buz Is it true that if you change from 100 Amp to 200 Amp you will save energy and lower your electric bill?

I was told this by selveal people and I just don't understand how that could be.

They told me that your applances would not work as hard and it would save the wear and trere on them and that would lower your electric bill allown.


I do know by going from 14-2 with ground to 12-2 with ground your wires will stay cooler and not over work themselfs.
K_buz Is it true that if you change from 100 Amp to 200 Amp you will save energy and lower your electric bill?

I was told this by selveal people and I just don't understand how that could be.

They told me that your applances would not work as hard and it would save the wear and trere on them and that would lower your electric bill allown.


I do know by going from 14-2 with ground to 12-2 with ground your wires will stay cooler and not over work themselfs.
Neither of these two will have any affect on your electric bill.
Some one is feeding you BS.
Someone was definitely cleaning out the barn telling you that.
To be realistic Even thoru I may not need 200Amp box would I be wise to put one in?

I just took the 200 Amp box back and got a 100 Amp box with 20 20.

If I was to sell the house will this make a big differance? :confused1:
This is starting to scare me...I'm out.
This is starting to scare me...I'm out.
No need to be scared all I am asking for is advice and you'll the one that should know the answer.

Which is the smart thing to do?

Go with the 200 Amp box in case we decide to sell the house down the road. Or keep the 100 Amp box and maybe have that as draw back of selling the house.

Right now we are keeping it.
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