Electrical panels, and use...

2225 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by rrolleston, Dec 9, 2012

edselsouth1

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2012

I have an attached garage addition, w/ upstairs living areas (all new construction), and would like opinions as to use of a particular breaker box to power the addition spaces. I have a Square D 200 amp box for the older part of the house, and would like to use an older Federal Pacific box to power the addition. Some 110v. electrical outlets, lights, ceiling fans for the upstairs, and 110v. electrical outlets and two 220v. outlets in the garage.
The FP box has the following specs: Cat.# lx116-24, Stab-Lok, 125 A. max., 120/240 V., 1 ph., 3 wire. It has 24 spaces, w/ a 100 amp main installed. Configuration of the breakers and uses will be different than shown in the pictures.
The Square D box specs are: HOMC30uc, Series SO1, 30 spaces. All spaces are currently in use. A 200 amp main is installed.
I would like to jump off of the Square D box w/ the FP box. Distance between the boxes is about 6 feet (just on the other side of an interior existing wall).
Anyone see a reason not to do so? There are no inspections required in the area where I live, as we are in the county. I will let the electrician obtain the permits if any are needed. Again, in the county, and may not be required.
Pics are enclosed, but are not the best quality, by a long shot. (New camera, and haven't got dialed in on it yet) Sorry for the quality.
Thanks, David.

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jbfan

· #2 · Dec 7, 2012

Unless you are in Canada, throw the FPE panel in the scrap heap and buy a new square d to match what you have.

When you say jump off of, I am assuming that you mean feed the new panel with a breaker from the old panel.

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TTW

· #3 · Dec 7, 2012

Please read this about Federal Pacific:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investiga...it-Breakers-Fire-Danger-I-Team-149541115.html

They have caused many fires.

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edselsouth1

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 8, 2012 (Edited)

Electrical panels and use...

jbfan....Thanks for your reply. I'm not in Canada, but the opinion seems to be to replace the FE panel w/ a different brand. Yes, I want to feed power to the new panel from the existing main Square D panel (200A).

TTW....Thanks also for your reply. Guess I'll be trying to upgrade to a better panel. I think I'll only need 100A for a main in the new panel, as only 3 or 4 of the 110v. outlets and/or lights would be used at a time, and the 220v would be only an occasional use.

Thanks, David.

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edselsouth1

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 8, 2012

Electrical panel uses....

Does anyone have a specific preference (model) for a Square D panel to use for the above described addition? Agreed, more available spaces is better. More specifics on the addition:
2 bedrooms, each having four duplex outlets, and one overhead light/ceiling fan.
1 bathroom, having a vanity light controlled by a wall switch, a duplex outlet (Ground fault) at the vanity, an in-wall 110v. heater controlled by a wall switch, and an exhaust fan controlled by a wall switch.
A main room with 4 duplex outlets, a ceiling fan (no light), and three wall switches (one controlling the ceiling fan, one dimmer controlling the stairwell lights, and one switch for outside stairs light)).
A garage with eight duplex outlets, two 220v. outlets, and six 2x4 four tube fluorescent fixtures.
Do you feel that a 100A main would be enough for this, or should I feed a 200A panel from the existing 200A house panel?
The garage lights/outlets would get the most frequent use, with the exception of the 220v outlets, and they might get used a few times a year. The bedrooms/bath might get use a few weeks a year when grandkids come to visit.
As said in previous post. a licensed electrician would be doing the work, and be responsible for any permits, etc.
Thanks, David.

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neo565

· #6 · Dec 8, 2012

You could use the fpe box, as long as you use modern Federal Pioneer breakers from Canada or Connecticut Electric UBIF series replacement breakers. The actual FPE breakers are a fire hazard.

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Jim Port

· #7 · Dec 8, 2012

The Federal Pioneers may not be listed for use in that panel.

IMO the better choice is to trash the panel and install a new one from a reputable brand.

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rjniles

· #8 · Dec 8, 2012

neo565 said:
You could use the fpe box, as long as you use modern Federal Pioneer breakers from Canada or Connecticut Electric UBIF series replacement breakers. The actual FPE breakers are a fire hazard.

You can buy a complete panel with some breakers in the big box stores cheaper than you could buy and import the breakers. The call them "contractor packs."

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edselsouth1

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 8, 2012

Electrical panels, uses...

Thanks to all for your replies. I've scrapped the FE panel, and will go w/ a new Square D panel. Recommendations anyone, based on my previous posts? Thanks, David.

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NJMarine

· #10 · Dec 9, 2012

Jim Port said:
The Federal Pioneers may not be listed for use in that panel.

IMO the better choice is to trash the panel and install a new one from a reputable brand.

Even if the Federal Pioneer are listed for that panel, the cost would might exceed the cost of a complete contractor panel pack at a box store.
I would probably install a main lug panel. No need for a main breaker.

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rrolleston

· #11 · Dec 9, 2012

I would get whatever panel gives you enough spaces for the circuits you would like while leaving some room for expansion. Also panels with a main breaker are not required because it will be in the same building but they are not much more expensive. You could also use a larger 200 amp with more room because it will already be protected by the breaker in the main panel.

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