Uliw
New User
- Location
- California
- Occupation
- Engineer
Hi,
new to the forum here and have a question on a remodeling project on our home. We plan to remodel kitchen and move the laundry area.
With the kitchen remodel I want to add few circuits to a subpanel that is 60A right now: refrigerator, 2 disposal, dishwasher oven at different location
The current subpanel is too small to accommodate the new circuits. Therefore I am thinking of replacing the existing one with a larger one which is my preference for a clean approach; potentially upgrade it to 100amps.
The challenge is that I have some 12/3 circuits for countertop outlets. I haven't found a compelling way to upgrade these to AFCI/GFCI other than adding an AFCI breaker with GFCI outlets - I prefer dual function breakers and regular outlets. Also there are lighting circuits in a 14/3 configuration. I am not sure if it will be possible to change all existing circuits to make them work with AFCI/GFCI. It is my preference to do it but it is not clear if the circuits will work with that at this point. If possible I will sunset the 12/3 circuit and simply combine both hots on a single phase and add a second separate circuit but need to see if that is doable. I don't want to open all walls to upgrade / renew circuits except some places where walls get damaged anyway.
All circuits look properly done to me with no DIY modifications that do not comply to code.
Based on threads that I have found it looks like some people failed inspection for not adding AFCI when replacing a panel/subpanel.
Would it be better from an inspection perspective to install another subpanel with 60amp next to the one that I have to benefit from the grandfathered installation and only move the circuits that work with GFCI/AFCI? With that I could keep simple breakers on circuits that won't be compatible with AFCI/GFCI in case.
What would be your strategy to avoid inspection problems but maintain a safe installation?
Thanks!
Uli
new to the forum here and have a question on a remodeling project on our home. We plan to remodel kitchen and move the laundry area.
With the kitchen remodel I want to add few circuits to a subpanel that is 60A right now: refrigerator, 2 disposal, dishwasher oven at different location
The current subpanel is too small to accommodate the new circuits. Therefore I am thinking of replacing the existing one with a larger one which is my preference for a clean approach; potentially upgrade it to 100amps.
The challenge is that I have some 12/3 circuits for countertop outlets. I haven't found a compelling way to upgrade these to AFCI/GFCI other than adding an AFCI breaker with GFCI outlets - I prefer dual function breakers and regular outlets. Also there are lighting circuits in a 14/3 configuration. I am not sure if it will be possible to change all existing circuits to make them work with AFCI/GFCI. It is my preference to do it but it is not clear if the circuits will work with that at this point. If possible I will sunset the 12/3 circuit and simply combine both hots on a single phase and add a second separate circuit but need to see if that is doable. I don't want to open all walls to upgrade / renew circuits except some places where walls get damaged anyway.
All circuits look properly done to me with no DIY modifications that do not comply to code.
Based on threads that I have found it looks like some people failed inspection for not adding AFCI when replacing a panel/subpanel.
Would it be better from an inspection perspective to install another subpanel with 60amp next to the one that I have to benefit from the grandfathered installation and only move the circuits that work with GFCI/AFCI? With that I could keep simple breakers on circuits that won't be compatible with AFCI/GFCI in case.
What would be your strategy to avoid inspection problems but maintain a safe installation?
Thanks!
Uli
