sub panel or not

[ghorwood]

See Article 220.

 

[iwire]

This is just for my education only. When MNSparky say do a service calculation, does that mean using a clamp meter on the two hot legs to see how much amps is being used? If it is , how do you do this? Do you turn on some equipment in the house like stove, dryer, microwave?

Section 220.87 and it's exceptions explain the code requirements for determining the exsiting loads.

Most people ignore it entirely when adding small loads.

 

[equatorman]

I was doing some research on load calculations and I believe I have some idea how it is done but I am confused about some things. Should I post my own thread or ask them on this one?

 

[ActionDave]

I was doing some research on load calculations and I believe I have some idea how it is done but I am confused about some things. Should I post my own thread or ask them on this one?

It would be better to start your own thread.

 

[kwired]

He wants to have two bedrooms, living room, dining room, den with tv and stereo, full bathroom, full kitchen with electric stove/oven and microwave. I don't believe a 100 amp sub-panel will work.

Oh, he wants a washer and dryer in the basement too.

Sounds like a 100 amp subpanel would work in most cases - maybe even could get by on a 60 amp panel.

Your load on the bedrooms/living room, den is sort of minimal - unless the area is extremely huge.

The major load is your kitchen/dining with 1500 VA per SABC, 1500 VA for an additional laundry circuit, the range and a dryer.

The demand on the main panel gets to take demand factors for multiple ranges/ovens, multiple dryers and the added general lighting adds to the overall general lighting as well, which can also take demand factors at certain levels.

If you find 200 amps at the main isn't enough - I'd likely leave the existing mostly as is and add a second 200 amp panel right next to the existing, of course your metering and supply side of the metering likely needs an upgrade as well.