ronenbu
New member
- Location
- Redmond, WA
Hi folks, We have an old split bus main panel in our garage in our house that has its service entrance from the back (directly from the meter base which is on the other side of the wall outside) as you can see in the attached picture. I wanted to add an outside generator inlet box to backfeed into it, however because of the split bus and the fact that the main feeds a subpanel where most of our critical circuits are, I can't use an interlock kit, nor can easily put a transfer switch side by side, unless putting the transfer switch upstream between the main and the meter... which might suggest we do a panel replacement instead..
Few questions about this I would really appreciate some advice:
1. The existing panel is rated for 200A, the meter outside is rated for 200A, but nowhere it says (not even on our utility bill) what is the actual service size we're getting - 100A or 200A? sizing from the service wires into the existing panel I would think 200A, but not sure - can you identify? if its 200A, than assume its just a panel replacement and not a service upgrade which will assist significantly with the permit and inspection.
2. As seen in the picture, the service wires enter from the back top left corner (there are some other ones entering too - outside shed, hot tub) if we go with a new Square D homeline or QO 200A panel, could I enter the panel the same way? I don't want to relocate the meter base outside of course, nor change any of the service wires if I can help it.. by reading the NEC I recall a minimum depth of a box for a safe turn of 2/0 for maybe 4"? I don't think these panel are that deep.
3. for the new AFCI requirements, would replacing a panel fall under the exemption of not extending current circuits by more than 6' [210.12 (D)], hence removing the requirement to replace all new breakers with AFCI ones? (significant cost savings there obviously)..
4. Any other insights you might have about the current situation with this would be greatly appreciated! remember this entire ordeal is that we could add an emergency generator option to feed the house, so if you have other ideas on how to best do that.
Thanks in advance!
Few questions about this I would really appreciate some advice:
1. The existing panel is rated for 200A, the meter outside is rated for 200A, but nowhere it says (not even on our utility bill) what is the actual service size we're getting - 100A or 200A? sizing from the service wires into the existing panel I would think 200A, but not sure - can you identify? if its 200A, than assume its just a panel replacement and not a service upgrade which will assist significantly with the permit and inspection.
2. As seen in the picture, the service wires enter from the back top left corner (there are some other ones entering too - outside shed, hot tub) if we go with a new Square D homeline or QO 200A panel, could I enter the panel the same way? I don't want to relocate the meter base outside of course, nor change any of the service wires if I can help it.. by reading the NEC I recall a minimum depth of a box for a safe turn of 2/0 for maybe 4"? I don't think these panel are that deep.
3. for the new AFCI requirements, would replacing a panel fall under the exemption of not extending current circuits by more than 6' [210.12 (D)], hence removing the requirement to replace all new breakers with AFCI ones? (significant cost savings there obviously)..
4. Any other insights you might have about the current situation with this would be greatly appreciated! remember this entire ordeal is that we could add an emergency generator option to feed the house, so if you have other ideas on how to best do that.
Thanks in advance!
