Service Size...

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1793

1793

Senior Member
Location
Louisville, Kentucky
Occupation
Inspector
I have looked at a panel replacement job. The existing panel is a CH split bus and I cannot tell what amperage this service is. The service conductors are cloth covered with no markings.

Can anyone tell me how I might be able to get the service size so I can install the appropriate panel?

Thanks as always.
 
Shouldn't the utility be able to tell you?

If the service conductors installed by the utility, I don't think you can go by that. They can size the wire however they want. Or are you refering to the service entrance conductors?
 
Hope this

Hope this

does not sound to stupid,, but if you give the utility the S/N of the meter can shouldn't they be able to tell you the amperage for the dwelling? Also, I guess there is no main breaker......:confused:
 
steve66 said:
Shouldn't the utility be able to tell you?

If the service conductors installed by the utility, I don't think you can go by that. They can size the wire however they want. Or are you refering to the service entrance conductors?
Click to expand...

I believe that the Service Conductors from the Load side of the Meter will come up short. I will more than likely replace them but I need to know what I'm working with to start.

I could get close with a calculation as mentioned by Jwelectric.
 
I run into this from time to time. Usually what I do is size the panel by whatever size the conduit/meter are; usually it's 1-1/4" RGS and a 100A socket. I replace the wiring from the service point to the panel with new stuff. Of course, this costs more than a regular panel swap, but it's a lot less than a full service upgrade since you don't need to install new pipe or a new socket for the meter.

If the PoCo's overhead wires are the old individual threadbare ones, make sure they get notified so they can run new triplex.
 
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