Add main breaker to older Cutler Hammer 'CH' loadcenter?

[tortuga]

Does anyone know if Cutler Hammer residential 'CH' panels from the 80's -90's era can generally be converted from main lug to main breaker like other brands?
I am able to find any info on this, I have 200A main lug one that needs a 200A breaker.
Its not a 70's era 'split buss'.
Thanks in advance.

 

[curt swartz]

What does it show on the panel label? Does the front have a KO for a main breaker?

 

[tortuga]

What does it show on the panel label?

Thanks no unfortunately there is not a sticker the door there was one inside my coworker got a shot of but its not promising.

Does the front have a KO for a main breaker?

It appears not, these were really popular around here in the 80's - early 2000's and I could likely get another cover.

 

[LarryFine]

Your best bet might be to use the guts and front cover of a new main-breaker panel.

 

[suemarkp]

I think many of those can have a backfed 125A in two corners where there is a hole for a hold down clamp. If you need 200A I don't think that is possible. The stab limit in those is usually 140A and I think that includes the adjacent stab.

CH didn't seem to make those quad breakers to put 150 or 200 amps across 4 stabs like some other vendors.

 

[curt swartz]

Your best bet might be to use the guts and front cover of a new main-breaker panel.

The box doesn't look tall enough for a main breaker. I bet if you compare the height of this loadcenter and a new loadcenter the new one will be at least 6" taller.

 

[tortuga]

Yeah thanks everyone for the ideas. I am looking into Larrys idea and if there is not room I'll replace the panel.

 

[LarryFine]

My opinion is that there is plenty of room.