RNeumann
Elite Member
One more note- a 200a breaker isn’t very common. They will cost as much as the panel. Price the panel and breakers instead of just the panel.
Outdoor Circuit Breaker Question
- Thread starter jrdepew
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Tractor Seabee
Elite Member
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LouNY nailed the solution. That is how I would do it. That is your right hand diagram solution. Less complicated also, no meter to pull to do the work. That way your shop circuits are downstream from the main breaker which has a higher fault current rating. Don't try to figure fault current out; it will drive you crazy unless you are an electrician. It is important though, but less so in residential services.
Ron
Ron
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
i dont understand this statement. are you saying you want to feed two separate panels from one breaker? theres no way to get 2-4/0 cables under one lug. maybe im misunderstanding your statement
RNeumann
Elite Member
I’m not suggesting multiple wires under one lug- I appreciate the follow up to clarify.
So the OP has a 200a service and breaker somewhere in his yard between the house and new shop. I’m suggesting he add a second panel in the yard so he can then “split” the main/service. In the second panel he would have 2 breakers- a 200a going to the house and a 100a going to the shop. Even though the 2 breakers add up to more amps than the main breaker their is no code preventing this- in fact it’s common. I’m sure if you counted up the amps/breakers on your home’s panel this would be the case.
With my recommended solution he doesn’t have to pull the meter or involve the utility.
The comment about 200a breakers was just a word of caution. It’s worth researching because one setup vs another (even the same brand) could cost him hundreds of dollars and a lot of aggravation trying to find a 200a breaker.
One poster suggested a panel that may work- if it had lugs at the bottom of the panel to take the house it could be an economical choice.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
ah..ok i get it now. same thing i was suggesting but with my idea he would replace the 200 amp breaker. your idea adds the new panel in between ...both would work. i personally always remove tho old one because since im pulling a electrical permit anyways, the utility pulls the power off for free, and re-energizes again for free. if theres room next to the existing 200 amp eaton switch, he can add an additional panel
LittleBill21
Elite Member
with this design. doesn't this now make the original main panel a sub panel now? so now all the neutrals and grounds need to be on separate bus bars? and the main ground moved to this pass through panel( just learned about pass through lug panels)
RNeumann
Elite Member
I have one utility that we do everything to avoid and another that is great. Hopefully he (and it sounds like you) has a good one to work with.
And hopefully he has the time to do the meter R&R on the same day- hopefully within a few hours.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
as you already have a main breaker,,, the panel is already considered a subpanel. this changes nothing.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
its very simple to pull off the old switch and replace it. sometimes you have to extend the feeders, but very rarely do i need to do that.
powerscol
Veteran Member
Ditto on this, but first check with you local electrical inspector. I found them to be a great help when I rewired my house from 100 amp service to 200 amp service. I put a 100 amp breaker in the house and ran conduit to the garage and set a sub panel. Plenty of power for my shop needs including a future welder. Where I live the homeowner can do the work with a permit. Don't forget that not getting it inspected may void you homeowners insurance in case of fire.
