If the wires coming in from the meter are rated 60amps, then a 60amp main is required. While the code has required 100amp minimum for some time, in the past 60amps was allowed and very common.
How old is the home?
60 Amp Main Breaker?
I am getting ready to install an upstairs washer/dryer combo and have run 10/3 with ground wire for dryer. I have an older home and my breaker box is an older Square D with a bunch of "piggyback" breakers. (no room left) so I want to install a sub box. However I noticed that the box is rated at 125 amp and it has 60 amp main breaker. Is there a reason someone would have installed a smaller main breaker and would I be able to replace it with a 100 amp main breaker?
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If the wires coming in from the meter are rated 60amps, then a 60amp main is required. While the code has required 100amp minimum for some time, in the past 60amps was allowed and very common.
How old is the home?
Can you post a picture of the panel? You might have a split bus panel.
I'm going to guess it was built in the 30's or 40's
I will try to post a picture. Not that great at that. If the breaker is in the slot, the trip switches are horizontal to each other (not over and under)
Given the age and if no upgrades have been done I am betting on 60 amp service . In which case your dryer is 50% of that
I see a split buss panel. The 60 amp breaker only feeds the bottom section. Looks like the size of the wires from the meter are sufficient for the 125 amp rating of the panel.
Remove the 2 single pole breakers from the top section. Install a tandem in the last slot in the lower section for those 2 circuit. Install the dryer breaker in the top section.
I agree on the split bus panel. You can see the jumper between the breakers. The 60 amp is the lighting main, not the panel main. A split bus can have up to 6 breakers to act as a disconnect.
Thanks everyone who has responded today, It gave me a lot of helpful information. I would like to replace everything, but I'm not sure middle of the winter is the right time, so for now I may either move some breakers around or add a sub box. I may be back with more questions, but for now "THANKS":vs_cool:
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