We purchased a bank owned property. When replacing outlets we discovered that all of the lines in the house are on two circuits and the breaker box is a mess. As we remodel rooms we are redoing the lines and outlets, but we are finding out that we need more space. We are considering placing a breaker box on the second floor to help eliminate the need to run to the basement if something happens.
Is it possible to run the 220 line up to the second story and how difficult is this? You can fish all wiring from the basement through the walls straight up to the attic. My father-in-law worked with electrical lines and telephone lines for years. I am just getting an idea for the magnitude of the project!
2006-10-26 08:12:26 · 8 answers · asked by carrie p 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You will have to install a 220 breaker of the right size ampherage in the existing box that will feed the circuit box on the second floor. The upstairs box is called a sub-panel. this sub-panel will contain the 110 volt breakers which will supply the circuits on the second floor
2006-10-26 08:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you aren't familiar with it, I would suggest getting an electrician. You can have the electrician do the subpanel and you still do the rest of it. But if you do it yourself, there are many rules to follow. A few things: you need to run 3 wire with ground (4 total wires) and the ground and neutral need to be separate in the subpanel! This probably means buying a ground bar to put in the subpanel, and also do NOT put in a bond screw (that connects the neutral to the case). If the panel says suitable for service use only, it cannot be used. A main breaker in the panel is optional (sometimes it can be cheaper with a main because they are more common). If no main, the feeder breaker (in your service panel) cannot exceed the rating of the subpanel. It can be smaller though. For example, a 125A main breaker panel can be fed with a 100A feeder. Actually a main breaker panel can be fed with a feeder of any size, but a 125A main lug panel (with no main breaker) cannot be fed with a feeder over 125A (unless a main is installed). If this is confusing, that is why an electrician is a good idea.
The feeder wires need to be rated for the breaker ahead of them in the service panel. That is a more complicated question depending on the type of wire you are using. The connections of larger wires should be properly torqued also. This work is definitely a step above the typical running of 15 and 20A circuits.
And working on electrical lines and telephone lines I assume means a lineman. That is not an electrician, and unless familiar with the national electrical code I would not consider that any better than another DIYer.
2006-10-27 02:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run properly sizes wire from the "in" side of the existing box to your new box. If you don't have a good place to fish the wire, create a "pipechase" in the corner of a closit. If you know what you are doing, this should only take a few hours to do and material cost will not be excessive if you can use an electrical supply house. If that isn't an option, Home Depot.
2006-10-26 08:21:28 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, installing a branch panel is the correct way to go. I would have one on every floor and just a disconnect in the basement. Why go down two flights to flip a breaker? Fish the cable up while you renovate. 60 amp panels on each floor.
2006-10-29 06:57:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am with clipsegsx, I would replace the panel in the basement with a 200 amp service and 200 amp breaker box. Do not know what size service you now have hopefully it is a 200 amp, that will make things much easier.
2006-10-26 08:29:37 · answer #5 · answered by RoeB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been in your exact situation, friend. 9 years ago my wife and I purchased a foreclosure and came across the same problem. Our ultimate decision was to trace all of the wires and put in a new panel box that was orderly and up to code. It wasn't that difficult especially if your father in law can give you some guidance. Good luck.
2006-10-26 08:57:38 · answer #6 · answered by The Keeper of the Green 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a journeyman electrician. It all depneds on your city building codes. I would have to guess that it is not a good idea unless you have an area the is fire resistant/proof to mount this cabinent as it is a requirement.
I would suggest that you rewire the exsisting cabinent, and replace all main and branch breakers to avoid problems down the road.
House fires caused by faulty elec work are not paid by insuarnce companies, epecially if you had any prior knowledge.
Brian
2006-10-26 08:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by clipsegsxwidsm 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is possible but most places have one central location because in case of emergencies everyone knows where to go and shut power down
2006-10-26 08:17:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋