200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

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automaton

Member
Hello I am new to the forum, however I have been reading for quite some time now. I really appreciate all of your input and discussion.

I am fairly new to service entrance, so please be kind to me. Heres my question:

I have a 100 amp panel - no main breaker on it dateing back to 1950's. Bulldog Electrical Panel. Anyhow, this house was built in the 20's and has a Sub 16 circuit fuse panel on first floor. The main panel which is in basement is old and needs to be updated. I want to put 200 Amp Panel in, however it appears the service is only capable of 150 Amps. I want a 200 Amp Panel due to future expansion and additions on house. Now I personally am confortable with replaceing the Panel and changing SE Cable to meter with proper gauge, however the drip loop to meter is not something I've done nor would like to try without a skilled master near. Can I temporarly replace the Main Panel and connect it to Meter Head even tho the amperage is probably only capable of 150 amps then come back with the master in a couple weeks to upgrade drip loop to proper gauge? There will be no more then usual electrical demand for at least another year. Or will this have undesirable effects? I am changing it to 200 Amp Square D Panel with 200 AMP Main Service Breaker.
 
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southernboys

Senior Member
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

Why not change the whole thing out at one time. In my opinion I wouldnt put the panel up before changing wire.
 
iwire

iwire

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Location
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Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

Originally posted by automaton:
Can I temporarily replace the Main Panel and connect it to Meter Head even tho the amperage is probably only capable of 150 amps then come back with the master in a couple weeks to upgrade drip loop to proper gauge? There will be no more then usual electrical demand for at least another year. Or will this have undesirable effects? I am changing it to 200 Amp Square D Panel with 200 AMP Main Service Breaker.
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No you can't protect the SE cable at higher than it's rated ampacity even temporarily.

What you could do is install the 200 amp panel you want but back feed a 100 amp breaker installed in one of the branch circuit locations.

You would need a breaker retaining bolt or clip.

Once you change the SE cable you can switch over to the 200 amp main breaker.
 
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automaton

Member
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

Bob great idea. Ideally I would like to replace the entire line at once, but since I am doing this on an occupied dwelling and I have never had the opportunity to work on the SE from Meter to Drip Loop, I would like to have someone more experienced mentor me on this one. I am considering my alternative which may be setting up a small sub panel until I can schedule somebody with the experience and tools necessary to make this happen. I just need it to power up the bathroom anyhow until I can get this entire panel switched.

Thanks for your assistance.
 
roger

roger

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Location
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Occupation
Retired Electrician
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

George, see 05 408.36(F) or 99 408.16(F)

:Edited to add 99 section:

Roger

[ July 03, 2005, 09:11 AM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
roger

roger

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Location
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Retired Electrician
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

You're welcome George.

Roger
 
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automaton

Member
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

I need to look that up too. I am not worthy of being in the presence of such masterminds such as iwire. Never even thought of that. I may end up doing it all at the same time still, just trying to formulate the best plan still.
 
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redfish

Senior Member
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

Why don't you just stay with the 150A panel and don't add anything to it. When you replace the service, install an outside service disconnect ( a Midwest box with a 150A main and four extra spaces would do nicely) and run a new set of feeders to another sub panel in the new addition. You'll save a lot of time on wiring up the new addition. :)
 
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automaton

Member
Re: 200 amp panel upgrade on 150 amp SE

Yeah good idea, but I have to change the feeder either way, I have never worked on that kind of detail. I have done the panels, circuits, subs, but nothing ever that live. So I am waiting to hear back from a couple people to help me switch it out. I want to replace the service drip loop down to meter because the cable is falling apart, since I am in MI. I would like to replace with pvc conduit, I was just hopeing to get a jump on the panel so when that person comes to help, I dont have to worry about the panel. Not much room on side of existing panel for new one, so I have to remove that one first then replace.
 
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