200amp/100amp question

[dan1]

If I have a 100amp panel in a home and say the homeowner needs more breaker space but doesn't want a sub panel and can't afford a 200amp service change, is it legit to put in a 200amp panel and switch out the 200 amp breaker for a 100amp breaker and it be considered a 100amp box?

 

[peter d]

Just use a 200 amp rated main lug panel and put a 100 amp breaker in it for the main. Don't forget the hold down kit for the main breaker if you do that, though.

 

[dan1]

Thanks, wasn't sure if that was allowed or not.

 

[augie47]

along with peter d's idea, I would use a 200 amp panel that could be converted to a main breaker panel in the future (such as G-E's LM1620CCU7) so he could still use that panel when he upgrades and for now simply install a back-fed 100.

 

[SEO]

How many circuits do you need? You can buy a 100 amp main breaker panel with 32 circuits.

 

[LarryFine]

Dan, welcome to the forum!


You could also add a sub-panel to the existing one. I prefer placing larger new loads in the existing panel, and relocating several smaller circuits to the sub-panel along with smaller new circuits. That allows a smaller new feeder and feeder breaker.

 

[gotmud]

Larry, I see he said he didn't want to put in a sub...:grin:

 

[LarryFine]

Larry, I see he said he didn't want to put in a sub...:grin:

I don't care what he wants. He should put one in anyway. ()

 

[infinity]

Larry, I see he said he didn't want to put in a sub...:grin:

I don't care what he wants. He should put one in anyway. ()

Is ripping out an entire 100 amp panel and replacing it with a 200 amp panel with a 100 amp main cheaper than installing a cheap sub panel? Sounds like money is an issue here.

 

[SEO]

He may not have the space or he may have a Zinsco, Pushamatic or FPE panel and wants to upgrade who knows?

 

[infinity]

He may not have the space or he may have a Zinsco, Pushamatic or FPE panel and wants to upgrade who knows?

You're right there are other factors that we're probably not aware of.