Upgrading your service will not keep individual circuits from tripping.
An overloaded circuit on a 400-amp service will still trip.
Large individual loads require their own circuit.
Large circuits with multiple outlets and numerous simultaneous loads should be broken up into multiple circuits as suit the loads.
The only time it is necessary to increase a service from 100 amps to 200 amps is when the combined loads dictate the necessity.
A 100-amp service is usually adequate for a three or four bedroom home with electric hot water, electric stove and electric dryer.
A 200-amp service would be necessary if total electric heat is contemplated. <><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power
at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND
always use an electrician's test meter having metal-tipped probes
(not a simple proximity voltage indicator)
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWiki User
∙ 11y agoLook at the value of the breaker or fuses that control your main electric panel.
look at the wire size coming in to the main lugs on service panel, I am assuming you don't have a main breaker or you would look at the breaker rating to determine service size. 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum service size 200 amps, #4 copper or # 2 aluminum 100 amp.
No, each size service needs its own meter base.
Yes, but at every reduction in wire size there has to be a breaker sized to the smaller wire size. The wire size for 100 amp panels is recommended at #3 copper conductor. From the 200 amp feeder panel you will require a 100 amp two pole breaker for each of the two 100 amp services. Keep in mind that if you run the 100 amp services close to maximum this will take away the capacity of the 200 amp service for other branch circuits coming off of it. Also keep in mind that if the panels are located, not in the same building as the 200 amp service that the 100 amp panels will be treated as separate services and will have to be constructed like a 100 amp service. This includes ground rods. Also the bonding screw will have to be removed that connects the neutral buss to the panel enclosure.
NOBODY!
The current output cannot exceed what is available. 1,000 amp service to a house is rather unreasonable and most likely would not be provided by the utility anyway. 100 amp or 200 amp service would be more likely.
#2 Copper with TW insulation is required for 100 amp loads #3 Copper with R90 insulation is rated at 105 amps.
No
No, each size service needs its own meter base.
Yes, but at every reduction in wire size there has to be a breaker sized to the smaller wire size. The wire size for 100 amp panels is recommended at #3 copper conductor. From the 200 amp feeder panel you will require a 100 amp two pole breaker for each of the two 100 amp services. Keep in mind that if you run the 100 amp services close to maximum this will take away the capacity of the 200 amp service for other branch circuits coming off of it. Also keep in mind that if the panels are located, not in the same building as the 200 amp service that the 100 amp panels will be treated as separate services and will have to be constructed like a 100 amp service. This includes ground rods. Also the bonding screw will have to be removed that connects the neutral buss to the panel enclosure.
Yes, the wire size has to be increased. The existing 100 amp service will now probably have a #3 conductor with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C which is rated for 100 and 105 amps respectively. Increasing to a 150 amp service will use a #1/0 wire size. If you are thinking of an upgrade, skip the 150 amp service and go to a 200 amp panel. New homes are installing 200 amp 42 circuit panels. The extra cost is only reflected in the materials as the labour costs will be the same regardless whether a 150 amp or a 200 amp panel is installed. The wire size for a 200 amp panel is #3/0. With an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C the rating is 200 or 210 amps respectively.
Depends on the size of the service. 100 amp service will require 3 gauge, 150 amp service will require 1/0 gauge, and 200 amp service will require 3/0 gauge.
The current output cannot exceed what is available. 1,000 amp service to a house is rather unreasonable and most likely would not be provided by the utility anyway. 100 amp or 200 amp service would be more likely.
Yes you can as long as the sensing coils of the transfer switch are the same as the 100 amp service. The transfer switch has to be able to tell when the voltage is back from the utility side of the switch when the power is restored.
NOBODY!
2 AWG Aluminum for 100 Amp Service.
A 200 amp service panel with a 60 amp sub-panel.
#2 Copper with TW insulation is required for 100 amp loads #3 Copper with R90 insulation is rated at 105 amps.
50 mm or 2 inch will handle the 3/0 wires for a 200 amp service.