new 200-amp outdoor residential panel

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andy32821

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Orlando, Fl
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Automation
Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some general service panel code information as well as how the Orange County Fl building department is going to look at this issue.

My 1992 house was built with a 125-amp outdoor panel next to the power meter. Inside the panel are two 240-volt breakers, one is a 100-amp breaker feeding my house panel, the other is a 40-amp breaker feeding the air conditioner.

What I would like to do is upgrade the outside panel to a new panel with a 200-amp main breaker, and three 240-amp breakers, 1) the existing 100-amp breaker feeding the house panel, 2) the existing 40-amp air conditioner breaker and 3) a new 60-amp breaker for an EV charger that will be installed on the other side of the garage wall from the new 200-amp outdoor panel.

What I do not want to do is, upgrade the 100-amp house panel with all that would entail.

So, how does the code, and Orange County Fl inspectors see about this idea.

Thanks,
Andy
 
I don't think anyone is going to object to what you plan to do.

The thing is you have added a substantial load to the service and might need to look into what the utility says.

This may well entail some kind of load calculation that could show your 100 A panel is insufficient.
 
andy32821 said:
Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some general service panel code information as well as how the Orange County Fl building department is going to look at this issue.

My 1992 house was built with a 125-amp outdoor panel next to the power meter. Inside the panel are two 240-volt breakers, one is a 100-amp breaker feeding my house panel, the other is a 40-amp breaker feeding the air conditioner.

What I would like to do is upgrade the outside panel to a new panel with a 200-amp main breaker, and three 240-amp breakers, 1) the existing 100-amp breaker feeding the house panel, 2) the existing 40-amp air conditioner breaker and 3) a new 60-amp breaker for an EV charger that will be installed on the other side of the garage wall from the new 200-amp outdoor panel.

What I do not want to do is, upgrade the 100-amp house panel with all that would entail.

So, how does the code, and Orange County Fl inspectors see about this idea.

Thanks,
Andy
Click to expand...
Have you talked to a local EC about this? Per the forum rules we are not allowed to assist DIYers.

Roger
 
Hi Roger, I am a Florida EC but currently inactive. I just want to make sure I can use the outside panel to add a circuit and not be required to upgrade the main house panel before getting a contractor involved. The power company says 200-amp service is not a problem.

Anyone getting pushback from inspectors for adding circuits to the outside house panel instead of the main house panel?
Is there a limit on outside panel use such as outdoor equipment only? Is the Garage "outdoor"?
I'm more of a controls guy, PLC's and such, hopefully some of the residential specialists can give me a heads up.
Thanks.
 
Wouldn't the existing panel now become a sub-panel and require the grounds and neutrals to be separated? I am thinking that the existing panel needs modification in this scenario.
 
He d
102 Inspector said:
Wouldn't the existing panel now become a sub-panel and require the grounds and neutrals to be separated? I am thinking that the existing panel needs modification in this scenario.
Click to expand...
What is the NEC definition of 'sub-panel'?

At one time three wire feeders were allowed to separate structures with 'limitations'. The OP has not stated if the existing are 3 or 4 wire.
Upgrading to a 200 amp panel does not magically change the current flow of buildings installed in 1992. The new feeder would be required to be 4 wire and he would need to make sure those "limitations' were not changed.

The AHJ may disagree, of course.
 
andy32821 said:
Hi Everyone,

My 1992 house was built with a 125-amp outdoor panel next to the power meter. Inside the panel are two 240-volt breakers, one is a 100-amp breaker feeding my house panel, the other is a 40-amp breaker feeding the air conditioner.

What I would like to do is upgrade the outside panel to a new panel with a 200-amp main breaker, and three 240-amp breakers, 1) the existing 100-amp breaker feeding the house panel, 2) the existing 40-amp air conditioner breaker and 3) a new 60-amp breaker for an EV charger that will be installed on the other side of the garage wall from the new 200-amp outdoor panel.

What I do not want to do is, upgrade the 100-amp house panel with all that would entail.
Click to expand...
I would imagine you need to upgrade the meter if it's not already 200-amp , then you need to change the 125 amp panel to a 200-amp amp panel that has 8 spaces in it. That would give you the spaces you need.

Put in the two existing 2-pole Breakers you already have, then add the other one you want. It's over and it's a wrap

Your inside panel should already have the grounds and neutrals separated, so no work would need to be done there at all.
 
andy32821 said:
Hi Roger, I am a Florida EC but currently inactive. I just want to make sure I can use the outside panel to add a circuit and not be required to upgrade the main house panel before getting a contractor involved. The power company says 200-amp service is not a problem.

Anyone getting pushback from inspectors for adding circuits to the outside house panel instead of the main house panel?
Is there a limit on outside panel use such as outdoor equipment only? Is the Garage "outdoor"?
I'm more of a controls guy, PLC's and such, hopefully some of the residential specialists can give me a heads up.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Andy, you said you're currently in-active as an EC. Well, what you're thinking of was changed in 08, lighting and panel boards and over current protection.
The 2005 Code 408.36(A) said that a lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboard must be protected on the supply side.

2005 NEC 408.34(A) says a lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboard is defined as a panel in which more than 10% of the breakers are used for lighting.

Yes, you're right it was common for inspectors use to catch folks on that.

The 2008 Code done away with and changed much of 408.36 and 408.34, (meaning a single pole 120-volt circuit would be allowed in accordance with 230-71 (a)
Maybe someone else can chime in on that.
 
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