If the 200 amp meter / main service is to small for an addition to a house, what is the best way to increase the service? I was going to install a 100 amp sub panel but Article 220.83(B) Where Additional HVAC Is to be Installed calculation tells me that the existing 200 amp service is to small. Can I parellel a seperate breaker / enclosure at the meter base to feed a second panel?
Meter / Main to small?
- Thread starter Butler
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- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
If the service feeding the house is too small for the added load then adding a sub panel will only give you more spaces for breakers. THeservice would still be too small. You need to increase your service to a 300 or 400 amp service. If you have never done this then you should get an electrician with experience to do this.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Butler said:
You could do this. It would probably even work. It may or may not be safe. The utility may need to increase the size of its wires coming into the meter, or even supply a larger transformer. This is something best discussed with them. They may well tell you to go ahead and do exactly what you are proposing, but you will have to open the meter box to do this so you will have to deal with them.
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