Panel Upgrade Question

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marcinrudnik30

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I have a custumer that wants to upgrade a panel to 100A
She currently has #6 wires coming in to the panel to a 50A main breaker. That 50A main is for the whole house.
Do I need to upgrade the service, and change the meter as well? Looks like I have #6s going into the meter Pan as well. I need #2s for 100A right?
How do I pick the permit first and then call pse&g? They have to change the meter and disconnect from the street side.

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I agree that #6 is not good enough. But you may be able to use #4. Check out 310.15(B)(7). You will have to talk with the utility for your other questions. The existing meter may, or may not, be rated to handle a 100 amp load.

Welcome to the forum.
 
You may need to change the meter, there are some older ones that are rated at 60 amps. The ones I have seen have a cover with a glass window that you look through to see the meter. If it is, then you will need to change the meter, riser, everything.
 
You'll need to upgrade everything from the drop on down. Have you ever done a service upgrade before?
 
You need to first secure the proper electrical permit from the town or city, then contact PSE&G.
 
All good info so far. Here's my take :
  1. Make up a proposal/contract for the work you plan to do and get it signed
  2. Get a deposit (I usually break mine down to 3 payments deposit, completion and post inspection)
  3. Get the permit
  4. Some POCO's require that you file with them for the upgrade so check that also
  5. Upgrade ALL the service equipment on the outside of the house (i.e SE cable, weather head, meter pan, grounding bridge). If she has an old "tombstone" type meter enclosure you'll need an adapter. You can get that from the POCO.
  6. Upgrade ALL the grounding inside and out (rods and water main). If you're in NJ install a #8 jumper wire on the water heater
  7. Upgrade the breaker panel (make sure you identify as many breakers as you can)
  8. Call for inspection
  9. Get paid
 
Since he said PSE&G I would assume that he's in NJ where the permit is required before the work begins unless it's an emergency situation.
 
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