225 Amp Panel

[jnsst2]

I am new to electric and started taking classes to learn this trade. I am having an electrician do some work at my home. I have an old 200 AMP Federal Pacific Stab Lok II box that I am replacing. I choose to go with a 225 amp Square D box. My old meter socket outside is 200 AMP.

I get different answers on my question. Does my meter socket need to be at least 225 AMP or can I use a 200 AMP meter socket. Some electricians I spoke with believe I can, the one inspector said no way the meter socket must always be at least the rating of the panel. Where can I find this in the code and what is the correct answer?

By the way, who makes a 225 AMP meter socket, I only see 200 AMPs and the next step is 320?

 

[iwire]

225 amp Square D?

Are you sure it's single phase?

Typically 225 amp panels are 3 phase.

 

[jnsst2]

it is a single phase residential. I noticed a few others are also starting to make 225 single phase.

 

[iwire]

In my opinion 225 amps is a ridiculous service size for a home.

As far as I know you will be stuck using a 320/400 meter socket for this 225 amp panel.

I would stick with two hundred or if I had to move up to the 320/400 meter I would install two 200 amp panels on the load side of the 320/400 meter.

 

[480sparky]

What size main breaker does it have?

 

[augie47]

225 main breaker single phase load centers are very common in this area (SE TN). mostly used in all electric houses with two heating systems. some regional inspectors allow them on 200 amp sockets

 

[iwire]

some regional inspectors allow them on 200 amp sockets

Sure.....that makes sense.:roll:

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

225 main breaker single phase load centers are very common in this area (SE TN). mostly used in all electric houses with two heating systems. some regional inspectors allow them on 200 amp sockets

Why would they permit that type of installation?