The main thing I need to know is...how can I determine if the service coming to the meter box and then into the house is suitable for a 100 amp breaker box? The wires coming from the pole to the house and from the meter box and outside disconnect into the fuse box appear to be as old as the house. The house was built in 1950.
2007-12-01 13:38:13 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
...with SCIENCE!
2007-12-01 15:13:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The outside wiring is something that you could not change if you wanted to, that would be left up to the service provider. When you install a breaker box you can always use less space that what it is rated for, but you can't get a small one and overload it. The conversion is easy to complete, but if you have never worked in electrical before you really need to seek professional help. If it is not installed by a licensed electrician then your insurance won't cover any damage that may take place. But all you need to do to change it is
1-get the power company to turn off the power
2-take the wires inside the fuse box loose
3-take the box out of the wall
4- install the new box
be sure not to mount the box where the old wires won't reach the breakers and check your local inspection code for the possibility of a disconnect to be required
5-knock out only the amount of holes that you need at the top and bottom, then insert "Romance Connectors"
6-feed the wires through the connectors and down to the breakers
7-then place your main power (black) wire onto the breaker
8-place the neutral (white) wire on to the neutral bar
9-place ground (bare copper) wire on to the ground bar
that is pretty much it but there are several tricks that you need to know or it can be difficult
anyways best of luck
2007-12-01 13:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by scarver1206 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The most complete answer will depend on where you are. But I think the wires from the pole to the house will be smaller with 100-am service. I think postwar housing used 30-amp, not 60 amp, service, so your house may be a pretty nice place. You ask hot to determine if the service coming to the meterbox is suitable for a 100-amp breaker box. In general, you're responsible for the distribution panel and the utility company is responsible for the lines *to* the panel and for activating the panel. Depending on where you are, the utility company may not make the connection until your building inspection is complete.
Not trying to sound smarmy, I think the wires from the pole to your house aren't your worry anyway- they are the realm of the power company.
I'm guessing you want to lose the fuses and convert to a breaker box. You're going to become acquainted with your electrical permit inspector. But if you change panels, why not go to a 200-amp box? Even if you don't need it today, it'll add value to your house and might come in handy for future needs.
2007-12-01 13:55:50 · answer #3 · answered by going_for_baroque 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Unless there is a Main Disconnect Switch of 100A.
or greater rating ahead of the 60A. box, you can't.
The Service capacity is determined by the wire
size of the incoming conductors.
A 60 A. Service will have #6 AWG. copper wire.
The meter may well be marked 100A. but the wire
still determines the maximum safe load on the service.
A new service must be approved by both the Utilty
and your local electrical inspector.
Sorry, this is not a DIY project.
A Service Interruption, a new 'drop`, (Wiring from
the Utility), possibly a new meter, as well as a
new panel, are required.
2007-12-02 05:52:18 · answer #4 · answered by Irv S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should let a pro do all of the engineering for you, he will know how to hook you up so you are not "over protected"
Meaning don't go up in amperes unless the load is actually higher...
Liscensed electricians can do all of the calculations for you that is what they are tested for by the state...
Most of those guys can just look at the old box, the equipment in the house and determine what you need...
Where I live an upgrade consists of a new box, and a new weatherhead that goes through the eaves and the roof, your Electrician should know if this is proper for you local laws...
Most of the time this costs about $ 1200 to $1500 with the new breakers and all...
2007-12-01 13:54:31 · answer #5 · answered by coyote59dude 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A house built in the 50,s had 60 amp service. You probably need a 200amp service . the power company will change the wire to the house after you put in a new breaker box. You will need a new meter also
2007-12-01 13:54:24 · answer #6 · answered by captnron1950 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Safest thing get a good electrician and in my opinion when you replace your service put in a 200 amp box cost about the same as a 100 amp also according to code you will probable have to replace from the weather head down.
2007-12-01 13:48:54 · answer #7 · answered by cp 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can simply remove the old box and install a new one. You'll need to pull the meter in order to do it, and that will require that you notify your electricity provider. They might require that you have the work done by a licensed electrician. While you're at it, this would be a good time to run a new wire from the meter socket to your new panel.
2016-04-07 02:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call an electrician. A service change is not a DIY project. Get a price for a 100 and a 200 and compare. 100 is plenty for most older homes.
2007-12-03 13:38:19 · answer #9 · answered by John himself 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is a big job for just a homeowner to do. i would hire a licensed electrician.the wire coming from the pole to the splice is the electric co.property.they use a different code book.also get a permit from the building dept.
2007-12-01 19:25:33 · answer #10 · answered by jim l 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need a new service drop. Call an electrician. It'll cost about a grand. No other way to do it. The electric company will lock off your power if you tamper with it.
2007-12-01 14:02:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋