240 volt 200 amp disconnect switch question

[EddieWalker]

Can you remove the panel for use later in your future shop, put a splice block in a small enclosure in its place, and cover it over as you want? That wire TO that panel already has a breaker feeding it somewhere, so that's where you'd kill power to the splice block for now, and the future shop later.

That's what I'm hoping to do. I'll google spice block. That's a new term for me.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

That's what I'm hoping to do. I'll google spice block. That's a new term for me.

Also "Terminal Block" There are several kinds. But just make sure not to use the split bolt with the nut.

 

[EddieWalker]

Am I safe if I use this inside a metal junction box?

1343572 - Panel Mount Barrier Terminal Block, 200 A, 600 V, 3 Pole, 1, Screw, 000 AWG: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

1343572 - Panel Mount Barrier Terminal Block, 200 A, 600 V, 3 Pole, 1, Screw, 000 AWG: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/WIEGMANN-SC-Gray-Metal-Weatherproof-New-Work-Standard-Enclosure-Wall-Electrical-Box/50311355

I'm surprised at the price jump for things rated for 200 amps.

 

[MossRoad]

In our current (no pun intended) house, we had an old 100 amp box. I wanted the meter moved to the other corner of the house and the box replaced. So the electrician installed a new meter base and head, and I had him put a disconnect under the meter. That kills everything and that is considered the MAIN panel. Then he fed a new wire from that to a new 100 amp box, which is a sub-panel. I moved all of the appliance circuits to new 20amp breakers from the old box to the new box. Then moved the old meter feed from the old box to a new 50 amp breaker in the new box. That was all goofed up lighting and outlet circuits and outbuildings. Then I could take my time updating the old wiring and eventually remove the old box.

I also installed another 50 amp breaker in the new box to feed a disconnect in the garage that feeds a sub-panel there.

I fed one circuit from the garage sub-panel to a shed.

So I can kill all of the outbuildings and swimming pool from on breaker in the house if needed.

So what you're wanting to do is very similar to what I did, just higher amperage.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's the schematic from my house. It's kinda blurry, but you get the idea.

 

[EddieWalker]

That is kind of what I want to do. I just need to find a safe way to connect the existing 200 amp line to the future 200 amp line for a Shop that I hope to build one of these days.

The challenge seems to be in doing it on an interior wall.

I might have to rethink how ugly it will be on an exterior wall. But I know it's going to look hideous right next to my new front door.

 

[EddieWalker]

This might work.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-200-Amp-Enclosed-2-Pole-Outdoor-Circuit-Breaker-ECCVH200R/205936221

 

[MossRoad]

Yeah, outside is one thing, but next to the front door.... not so attractive. Maybe around a corner?

 

[EddieWalker]

The wire is buried underground and goes up through the exterior wall to the breaker panel. It's about 4 feet up, and that's all the wire I have to work with inside the wall.

 

[ponytug]

The wire is buried underground and goes up through the exterior wall to the breaker panel. It's about 4 feet up, and that's all the wire I have to work with inside the wall.

Perhaps I am missing something, and I know that you said that you didn't want to touch the underground, but I can I suggest considering rerouting the shop line away from ever touching or landing at the house? E.g. using an underground splice or vault, and then extending the wire to somewhere beyond where you need it for the garage to have enough wire for eventually putting the wire and box where you want it in the new shop/garage?

Having to place art on a wall or trying to camouflage some box next to your wonderful new front door just doesn't sound like it is worth the visual/aesthetic damage , and I have the concern that some solutions might fail inspection, depending on your AHJ.

All the best,

Peter