Simple service upgrade

[tdgates]

I have a project that has 1/0 Alum coming into the meter, #2 Alum coming out of the meter to main lugs on an old panel (that is rated 125 CU, 110 Alum). I haven't seen a panel like this before, but the main lugs feed 3 breakers. One for the range (40a), one for the dryer (30a) and one that feeds all the 15 and 20 amp breakers through #4 copper. This last one is 50 amps and is labeled 'main lighting breaker'. I know it may sound strange, but the 50 amp breaker has #4 copper that goes behind the guts of the panel and is connected to the bus. In case your wondering, it isn't 'home made'.

The 50 amp breaker trips when there is a lot going on in the house... AND dad is using heavy duty tools in the garage.

I can't think of a reason that I can't change the #2 Alum that feeds the panel to #2 copper and change the 50 amp 'main lighting breaker' to a 70 amp breaker.

What do you guys think? I have a feeling I may be forgetting something obvious.

Thanks for the help.

 

[celtic]

.... an old panel (that is rated 125 CU, 110 Alum).


I can't think of a reason that I can't change the #2 Alum that feeds the panel to #2 copper and change the 50 amp 'main lighting breaker' to a 70 amp breaker.

Not to be harsh...but I couldn't understand most of what you posted.

Maybe you can answer this question:
What is the brand of "old panel"?

 

[qcroanoke]

I have a project that has 1/0 Alum coming into the meter, #2 Alum coming out of the meter to main lugs on an old panel (that is rated 125 CU, 110 Alum). I haven't seen a panel like this before, but the main lugs feed 3 breakers. One for the range (40a), one for the dryer (30a) and one that feeds all the 15 and 20 amp breakers through #4 copper. This last one is 50 amps and is labeled 'main lighting breaker'. I know it may sound strange, but the 50 amp breaker has #4 copper that goes behind the guts of the panel and is connected to the bus. In case your wondering, it isn't 'home made'.

The 50 amp breaker trips when there is a lot going on in the house... AND dad is using heavy duty tools in the garage.

I can't think of a reason that I can't change the #2 Alum that feeds the panel to #2 copper and change the 50 amp 'main lighting breaker' to a 70 amp breaker.

What do you guys think? I have a feeling I may be forgetting something obvious.

Thanks for the help.

What you are describing sounds like a split buss panel. That panel is probably pretty old too.
I would look into sub feeding a panel in the garage for all of dads loads from 2 of the spaces above the main lighting breaker with maybe a 60 amp breaker. That would get Dads loads off of the 2 pole 50.
But it will still be an old service.....

 

[bobsherwood]

I agree with qcroanke. It's a split buss panel and usually the #4 CU is welded to the bottom half of the buss... there is no changing those wires. A sub panel does sound like a good solution.

 

[tdgates]

What you are describing sounds like a split buss panel. That panel is probably pretty old too.
I would look into sub feeding a panel in the garage for all of dads loads from 2 of the spaces above the main lighting breaker with maybe a 60 amp breaker. That would get Dads loads off of the 2 pole 50.
But it will still be an old service.....

I agree with qcroanke. It's a split buss panel and usually the #4 CU is welded to the bottom half of the buss... there is no changing those wires. A sub panel does sound like a good solution.

Thanks guys. That's a great idea that I hadn't thought of.