I have a house near Baltimore built in 1965. It has a small breaker box and 100Amps of service. I would like to upgrade. I want to have most of the money before I get contractors to give me an estimate. How much should I expect to spend?
Should I upgrade to 200Amps, or go for the gusto and get 300Amps?
2006-11-04 10:23:03 · 5 answers · asked by TJBalistic 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There are too many variables to tell you a price.
Is the wiring already installed two or three wire romex type?
That means, two main insulated wires and a separate ground within a plastic or woven sheath.
Or is it knob & tube?
That means individual wrapped wires that attach to ceramic insulators, they wires are usually spaced several inches apart.
Are the plugs 2 or three prong?
Do you need all the wiring replaced, new circuits run, new switches/plugs?
Or are you just wanting to upgrade the breaker box to a higher capacity?
2006-11-04 10:47:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he has 100amp now, its already been upgraded once...and an upgrade has NOTHING to do with the internal wiring inside the home except the panel and tieing in the breakers..A service change depends on whether you must change the meter socket and box, and service cables from the street...as well...but usually anaverage upgrade to200amp is aprox $1000 more or less..with no add ons..BUT why do you need 200 amps? Personally I have 100amps and have electric:stove, hot water, dryer,and even one floor of baseboard heat.....along with upstairs elec heat..and Ive NEVER had a problem in 20 yrs withmy 100 amp service...(am a 30 yr master electrician)
2006-11-04 14:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have no clue on price, that all depends on where you live. Where I am from in Canada it would probably be between 1500 and 2000 to upgrade to a 200A service
How many amps you need all depends on what you have in your house. If your house is run on a natural gas furnace you probably can get away with a 100A service.
If you use electric heat you will need a 200A service. You would be best to call someone to get an estimate and they can you tell you what they need.
2006-11-04 11:15:13 · answer #3 · answered by Darren 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the amount of amp increase depends on what you intend to plug in, i.e. the total normal electrical load. Best would be to go ahead and get an estimate (s) and review with the contractor at that time what you intend to do. No point in waiting.
2006-11-04 10:38:24 · answer #4 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all u should need is a 200 amp service...will service a standard 3000 sq ft house.....if all ur going to do is change out the meter pan and the fuse panel ur looking at about $800.00....note: u will loose ur power for about 3 hrs so plan ahead.....
lic. gen. contractor
2006-11-04 12:05:11 · answer #5 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋