How can I cut the main power lines that feed my service panel?

Question

I want to replace the circuit breaker panel for my house. I am upgrading from a 100 AMP to a 200 AMP. I would like to place it in the same spot where it is now. How do i go about cutting the power lines without getting electricuted. I'm thinking if I do one at a time I should be fine, what do you think? I need a professional electrician to respond here. And please do not say call the electric company, it is dangerous.

Well, i wasn't planning on just removing the box. Because the new box is a semi-flush design, i will me moving the pipe also. Thats why i need to cut the wires up there.

Answer 1

Your entire service will need to be upgraded. You can't just change the circuit breaker or the panel. The existing wires are to small. The power company will have to come and pull the meter to shut off your power. Then you will most likely have to replace the meter socket, the entrance wires, the entire panel, possibly the grounding wire, and all associated conduit. Most likely you will then need an inspection for the power company to reconnect the service. That will require a permit. Do not do this yourself. Changing out a service is not a DIY project. If you try this yourself without permission, you might be fined heavily, if you survive.

Answer 2

The utility company will come out and pull the meter for you, shutting off the power to the house.

Something to check into... since you are going from a 100 amp to 200 amp service... they may want you to make some other changes while you are at it. (depends on how old your system is). They may want you to change the meter base, and the mast. And, they may want to run new wire to your house, or even change the transformer supplying your power. What of these changes they would want you to pay for, varies from one utility to another. When we did ours, I put in the new panel, meter base, and mast. The utility ran new wires and changed the transformer.

Good Luck

Answer 3

If you had the slightest clue as to how such a service upgrade is to be done, you wouldn't be here asking the question you did. There are certain jobs that a homeowner can look after but this isn't one of them. Do yourself a huge favour. Call a licensed electrician to do this work PROPERLY and SAFELY. In most jurisdictions, a permit must be pulled, the local authority must be involved and an inspection must be carried out. The new service must conform to the current CODE, including grounding methods, wire sizing, choice of materials, meter locations and so forth.

I don't tell you this just to make work for another electrician. I tell you this so that you don't kill yourself or somebody else or burn your house down or get yourself in deep doo-doo with one or more of the local authorities.

Answer 4

If you go from 100a to 200a, you must install a new service entrance. Everything from the top of the mast to the meter base to the panel must be replaced with larger components. Increasing the power thru your existing service entrance will cause overheating and is foolish. You must work with your power company and upgrade the whole thing.

Answer 5

In most jurisdications it is ILLEGAL to do anything to your meter or entrance cable, everything to the meter belongs to the Power Co.The others are also right you will have to upgrade your Service entrance cable for 200 amp.

Answer 6

yeah if you pull your meter then there should be no power to your fuse box, but you'll still want to check this with a voltage meter. also if you pull your own box the power company may fine you and require an inspection to make sure you havent bypassed it. best to call them and have them pull it and relock the meter box.