Sub-panel

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rod

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Good day everyone. Here's an approach I'm considering in wiring my best buddy's new addition. He just added about 1,000 sf to an existing 1,200 sf. and wants the future capacity for central A/C. Currently only the water heater is electric, all other appliances are gas (propane). Right now he has a 100A service, I'm considering installing a 200A service and turning the existing 100A main panel into a 60A sub-panel. Of course this will entail OCPD on both ends of the tap feeding the sub-panel. I'm just looking for any thoughts and/or code sections I should be referencing, tap rules, etc. By all means, send all thoughts. Thanks.
Rod
 
Re: Sub-panel

I see no code-related problem with the basic concept you are describing. I think you need to start with 220, and calculate the service load of the new building configuration. A 200 amp service is almost certainly enough, and may even be more than you need. But you will need to know that for certain, before committing yourself to that plan.

But I do not understand why you would want a sub-panel. I presume that the new 200 amp service panel would be installed in the same area as the existing 100 amp service panel. You may even be planning to remove the old panel, move it to some other location, and install the new panel. It just seems that a 200 amp service panel would have all the room you would need for that size of a house.
 
Re: Sub-panel

Thanks for your comments Charlie and I mostly agree. Here's the thing, my buddy doesn't want to go through the extra disruption in the existing portion of the house to remove the panel which is currently located in the master bedroom right smack in the middle of the wall. The new 200A panel will be mounted just a few feet away in a wall on a stair landing. Total cable length to feed the sub-panel from the new main will be about 14 feet (or less). I'd rather install a J box in the attic, have him patch the wall and bring all conductors into the new main panel. By the way, the current master BR will become one of the kid's rooms. Thanks again, keep 'em coming.
 
Re: Sub-panel

I don't like the idea of the existing panel in a Kid's room. No violation though.
And why make it 60amp? If it is a 100amp panel, why not leave it as such? The cost difference on 14 feet of wire is minimal.
 
Re: Sub-panel

Why not a 200 amp meter main and lugged panel for the addition any where you want it? If the panel in the kids room is a problem but you dont want re-route all the house wiring, you can use it as a j-box or install a good one that the kids wont open and feed the circuits to the new panel.
 
Re: Sub-panel

When you use the phrase "tap rules", one usually thinks of a smaller conductor tapped off a larger conductor and protected at a rating suitable for the larger conductor.

It sounds like you are going to feed the existing panel from a 60A breaker with wire sized for that breaker. You don't need to use the tap rules for that.

Steve
 
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