How can I change a house service panel from 50 amps to 100? It has push to reset breakers.?

Answer 1

This is definately not a DIY project if you have to ask that question. There are way too many aspects of it that you need skills in. Skills that cannot be taught here. It is not simply a matter of replacing the box, you must replace everything, perhaps even from the street.

Around here, the electric company replaces the wires from the street to the meter. There is no cost for this. They may already be adequate because it is easier for the electric company to put a large capacity circuit to every house instead of using a lower powered one for those who don't need a lot of power. You are responsible for installing the meter box, but they suppy it at no cost.

You are responsible for everything from there on down and you have to supply it and pay for it. The electric company may very well require an inspection before they will connect to your new meter box. They might even require a lisenced electrician to do the work.

The most dangerous part of this is you are working with a lot of wires. Obviously, they must be off when working on them, but how do you power your lights and tools? A pro knows how to do this safely.

The most difficult part is the physical running of the wires. They are often too short to effectively work with. Sometimes the insulation is so brittle that it breaks off in your hands. The mechanics are the key to doing this.

BTW, you have described Bull Dog brand, Pushmatic breakers. They were extremely common in the 1950s. They were actually a very good product and they lasted quite well.

Answer 2

This isnt as easy as it sounds or cheap either. The biggest thing here is youre going to have to upgrade your service wires, from your electrical meter to the utility pole, either overhead or underground, to handle the extra power youre requesting to upgrade your current panel to a higher rated one with regular circuit breakers. You may be able to change out the panel (strongly advise against it, and hire an electrician) but you wont be able to change the service entrance wires yourself without the help of your electrical company and they dont work for free. So check to see how much and then decide if its worth it. You may be able to get a electrician to do it as a side job thus saving you some money, but the electrical company doesnt do side jobs.

Answer 3

Since you are on here asking, I'm gonna say hire an electrician to have it done.
I don't want to see you on Yahoo News where you've fried yourself trying to follow someone's advice on changing out your home's electrical service.