HELLO ELECTRICIANS
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: HOUSTON, TX
HELLO ELECTRICIANS
hey guys, I am looking at needing an electrical panel installed in my mother-in-laws house. hers is to old and the bus bar is just breaking apart.
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 8
From: Southern Oregon Coast
What is the current panel rated for?
If you have some idea of how much total load they're putting on that panel and, if it's under 200 amps, then I'd say the panel you're looking at is fine.
If you have some idea of how much total load they're putting on that panel and, if it's under 200 amps, then I'd say the panel you're looking at is fine.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: HOUSTON, TX
thanks for letting me know that one may work tho, and you think it being aluminum is ok too
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
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From: Southern Oregon Coast
They've been using aluminum bus bars for many years. As long as you are not exceeding the rating of either the panel or the breakers, you should be fine.
I replaced a panel a few years back that was so old, it didn't have breakers - it had pull-out fuse blocks. The homeowners added more circuits to the panel than what it was designed for - literally - there were blocks with multiple circuits tied into them... Some of the wiring had overheated and cooked off the insulation near the block terminals, but the bus bars were still fine...
Good luck with that project and, be safe
I replaced a panel a few years back that was so old, it didn't have breakers - it had pull-out fuse blocks. The homeowners added more circuits to the panel than what it was designed for - literally - there were blocks with multiple circuits tied into them... Some of the wiring had overheated and cooked off the insulation near the block terminals, but the bus bars were still fine...
Good luck with that project and, be safe
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: PA
The breakers attach to the bar and the wires attach to the breaker and there is no need to worry about any of that stuff. Just make sure that the gauge of wire can handle the amperage rating of the breaker and that the fixtures on that circuit are not too much wattage for that breaker. A house won't have a disconnect, that is why you pull the meter. Best,CB
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 21
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hey guys, I am looking at needing an electrical panel installed in my mother-in-laws house. hers is to old and the bus bar is just breaking apart.
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
Last edited by GreginKy; Dec 22, 2011 at 04:26 PM. Reason: duplicate post
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New User
Joined: Dec 2011
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hey guys, I am looking at needing an electrical panel installed in my mother-in-laws house. hers is to old and the bus bar is just breaking apart.
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
It's an old federal, She is staying with her husband in Rehab from knee surgery on both knees until about 3 more weeks, so All my advice needs to come fast if possible.
I found this one (I want to go to 200 amp box so we can get the service changed later) But as it sits right now, there is no disconnect to the house... Yes that's right NO DISCONNECT So I'll be working with the meter pulled out (I'm sure I'll have to call the Elec. Co. to have them pull it so she doesn't have a fine.
the only thing that worries me about this box is the aluminum bus bar. She has copper wiring, but I think they pushed each breaker its currently on to the limit. Will aluminum just melt it say something get over loaded and arcs on it, or should I just go with the one that has copper.
Plus I'm sure I'll have more questions later. my dad who is an electrical engineer is flaky as hell and was supposed to call me last weekend to help me out, but he is to unreliable for me to wait on him.
thanks guys any help is MUCH APPRECIATED!!
200 Amp 40-Space 40-Circuit Type BR Main Breaker Load Center Value Pack-BR4040B200V at The Home Depot
Here in my state we have to give a reason for wanting our meter pulled. If the electric co-op knows you are putting a 200 amp panel on the old 100 amp service, they will reserve the right to shut off your service until you get it installed per the NEC...
Anytime a panelbox is upsized the service has to be upsized to match it. To put a 200 amp load center on the existing 100 amp service conductors is against the code and I know you say it is temporary. I have seen electrical temporary projects end up years in progress. ...
You will be putting your MIL homeowners insurance in jeopardy also by changing a panel box out without inspections or servcie upgrades. God forbid, but if a cat turns a candle over and sets the curtains on fire, the fire marshall will look for electrical problems as soon as he shows up.
Sorry for the downer post, be safe...
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Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON, TX
Here in my state we have to give a reason for wanting our meter pulled. If the electric co-op knows you are putting a 200 amp panel on the old 100 amp service, they will reserve the right to shut off your service until you get it installed per the NEC...
Anytime a panelbox is upsized the service has to be upsized to match it. To put a 200 amp load center on the existing 100 amp service conductors is against the code and I know you say it is temporary. I have seen electrical temporary projects end up years in progress. ...
You will be putting your MIL homeowners insurance in jeopardy also by changing a panel box out without inspections or servcie upgrades. God forbid, but if a cat turns a candle over and sets the curtains on fire, the fire marshall will look for electrical problems as soon as he shows up.
Sorry for the downer post, be safe...
Anytime a panelbox is upsized the service has to be upsized to match it. To put a 200 amp load center on the existing 100 amp service conductors is against the code and I know you say it is temporary. I have seen electrical temporary projects end up years in progress. ...
You will be putting your MIL homeowners insurance in jeopardy also by changing a panel box out without inspections or servcie upgrades. God forbid, but if a cat turns a candle over and sets the curtains on fire, the fire marshall will look for electrical problems as soon as he shows up.
Sorry for the downer post, be safe...
thanks for the replies also guys
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: HOUSTON, TX
It may be a good idea to see what exactly the load is before I make any decisions, Its only a 1700 sqft house, you would think 100 amp would be enough,((just curious, is a 100 amp service actually rated at 125 amp??)) but on the other hand I have a feeling she's just added to much to it. (forgot to mention the above groud pool with pump too LOL) I'll check it out tomorrow and get back. If it is way over 100, I'll have to change the service (I do know a little about drawing resistance and the fact that it could over heat and catch fire LOL)
And If I have to change the service, I may get someone for that part.(may my butt, I will! )
And If I have to change the service, I may get someone for that part.(may my butt, I will! )
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Isn't the power coming into the house the constant ,& how you distribute it the variable? It would seem to me upgrading to a 200 amp service will leave plenty left over ...Depending how the circuits were added to .. If they are already overloaded , more circuits need to be added ..
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