Panel upgrade?

[dwellselectric]

I have this job coming up and I haven't seen it yet but from what I am understanding these people had two of those in wall a/c units installed. Well they have a problem they dont have enough space in there panel and already have from what I am told 9 split mini breakers. So the service is just a 100 amp 20 circuit panel. I am debating on what I should do a small sub off the 100 if you can indeed do that? or just install a 100 amp 32 circuit panel. What would you guys say would be the best cost efective way

 

[peter d]

So the service is just a 100 amp 20 circuit panel. I am debating on what I should do a small sub off the 100 if you can indeed do that? or just install a 100 amp 32 circuit panel. What would you guys say would be the best cost efective way

You can certainly add a subpanel off of a 100 amp panel. There is nothing in the NEC that disallows it, as long as you're within your calculated load.

I would probably change the panel to a 32 circuit as you suggested, although a 100 amp 32 space panel will not be as cost effective as adding a sub. But the larger panel will clean things up nicely.

 

[ultramegabob]

I would change the panel, I think it would make a nicer looking install.

 

[dwellselectric]

Thank you guys for your advice I am leaning towards the upgrade

 

[stickboy1375]

I would probably change the panel to a 32 circuit as you suggested, although a 100 amp 32 space panel will not be as cost effective as adding a sub. But the larger panel will clean things up nicely.

I dont know Pete, by the time your done with the labor of installing and wiring the sub, I thing the 32 ckt is the most cost effective way to go... how much more is a 32 ckt. 100 MB panel?

[edit] never mind, i'm an idiot...

 

[peter d]

I dont know Pete, by the time your done with the labor of installing and wiring the sub, I thing the 32 ckt is the most cost effective way to go... how much more is a 32 ckt. 100 MB panel?

[edit] never mind, i'm an idiot...

Not an idiot, just misguided.

 

[360Youth]

I would go the route of a panel upgrade unless the demensions are different and it becomes a framing nightmare.

 

[westelectric]

Find out if there are any kitchen reno's or additions in the future. Maybe a 200amp service can be suggested.

 

[infinity]

Before I would rip out an entire 100 amp panel and replace it with another 100 amp panel I would install a sub panel next to it. If removing the entire panel is the only option then I would upgrade the entire service to 200 amps as West suggested.

 

[Buck Parrish]

I do lots of upgrades. I almost always go to 200 amps.
Put a meter base combo outside refeed the 100 from outside. Isolate the neutral.
Put the AC's on the 200 amp meter base combo.

 

[ultramegabob]

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[LarryFine]

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Well said, Bob.

 

[Rampage_Rick]

.....................................

Wait! I know morse code...

HE HISSES
.... . .... .. ... ... . ...

 

[LarryFine]

Wait! I know morse code...

HE HISSES
.... . .... .. ... ... . ...

-... --- -... / .. ... / .- / ... -. .- -.- . ?

-- .- -.-- -... . / .... . / ... .--. .-. ..- -. --. / .- / .-.. . .- -.- :wink:

 

[Rampage_Rick]

Won't find any plumbers here...

 

[LLSolutions]

Step One; Load Calculation
If all clear then proceed

I always try to go for the 200 amp but if there's not much load IE they have gas stove, dryer, or they dont want to redo the outside of the service, 100 amps will suffice for years to come

 

[rbwsparky]

take amp reading and do the load calculation. most 100 amp services are "upgraded" for no good reason except "my dad is stronger than your dad".