Service Size?

[1793]

Would like to know if anyone can shed some light on how to determine the size of a Service. The current panel has no Main and there is no Disconnect outside. I have a customer that would like to Heavy Up to a 150 amps. I can?t tell if the service is already sized for 150 amps. If the Service is already at that size I could just do a panel change and save them some money and time for me.

There are no problems with the existing service, customer just wants it cleaned up. There are no plans to add any other circuits so a jump to 200 amps is a little much. If I can reuse existing materials and equipment, pipe, meter & can would be great.

I?m sure I could figure the service size if I could tell the size of the wire feeding this service. I am unable to read the markings on the insulation and/or no insulation at all. If anyone can offer a good way to determine wire size, # 4 or # 6 to # 1 etc. would be great. I?m sure someone will suggest getting a small piece if each and just do a side-by-side comparison.

Should a meter can and meter for a 100 amp service work for a 150?

Norb

 

[iwire]

Re: Service Size?

Originally posted by 1793:
The current panel has no Main and there is no Disconnect outside.

Are you sure about that?

That is a major issue unless the panel has less than 6 breakers.

Originally posted by 1793:
I am unable to read the markings on the insulation and/or no insulation at all.

If I was inspecting this job and could not find any markings I would probably fail it based on this code section.

310.11 Marking.
(A) Required Information. All conductors and cables shall be marked to indicate the following information, using the applicable method described in 310.11(B):

(1)The maximum rated voltage.

(2)The proper type letter or letters for the type of wire or cable as specified elsewhere in this Code.

(3)The manufacturer?s name, trademark, or other distinctive marking by which the organization responsible for the product can be readily identified.

(4)The AWG size or circular mil area.

(5)Cable assemblies where the neutral conductor is smaller than the ungrounded conductors shall be so marked.

What do you mean by no insulation at all?

Originally posted by 1793:
Should a meter can and meter for a 100 amp service work for a 150?

Norb that is a strange question.

Should a bridge rated 100 tons be subject to 150 tons?

Should a conductor rated 100 amps be loaded to 150 amps?

The answer of course is no, you should not and can not use a single 100 amp meter socket for a 150 amp service.

The meter itself is not your concern, the power company owns it and will change it if need be.

 

[1793]

Re: Service Size?

Bob:

My question about the meter can comes from not seeing a rateing on the can. I must admit I did not pull the cover as doing so would cut the seal. I'm not sure if a meter can, base is an item that can have a range of service amps.

No insulation, bare neutral, GEC also bare. Not sure if #6 or #4. Any way to tell?

thanks,
Norb

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Service Size?

i went to look at a small job about a year ago and there was a 200 amp meter base that was back to backed to a MLO panel,no disconnect except the meter I was awed that this was the original install and there was no means of disconnect at all

 

[pierre]

Re: Service Size?

The original installation may have had less than 6 "throws" of the hand which would have been permitted.