Swap electric panel question...

[EddieWalker]

Richard,

I like what Rat has said. He knows his stuff.

One thing he didn't address was your desire to upgrade your panel to a larger amperage. The problem with this is the wire coming into your home is only rated for 200 amps.

Larger wire to handle twice the load it very, very expensive. It is very doubtful that anybody would use it instead of what was needed. My guess is you would have to run a new line to your home if you wanted all that additional power. Big bucks!!

Your electrician should be able to find some space in your panal without too much trouble.

Eddie

 

[SnowRidge]

Richard, who is your electric utility? If it is Loudon Utilities Board (LUB), give them a call and ask to speak to someone in engineering, or drop in if you happen to be in Loudon. They are very helpful and can answer questions such as how much it would cost to go to go to a larger service and whether or not that would increase the rates you pay, etc.

 

[Richard]

We're on... I think it's "Fort Loudon Electric Cooporative"??

You think since I've paid the bill for over 5 years I'd have a clue /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif As I recall though, they're actually located in Madisonville??

Indeed, I just called and it's Ft. Loudon Elect Co-op.

I wasn't looking for a larger panel for sake of larger panel. I feared my panel was full and as per above, I've noticed I might have a couple open slots /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'm still working on finishing the bathroom but the big room is next. It's during THAT room that I'll be closing this wall in and hope to put this extra panel issue to rest once & for all.

I REALLY hope I simply have extra slots as that would keep things a lot more simple.

 

[SnowRidge]

Try and keep it simple if you can. We have two 200 amp services and one sub panel. This place needs 400 amps like most people need the proverbial extra hole in the head. With a little pre planning, the original owners could have avoided the second service and the all extra costs associated with putting it in.

As it is, we will need yet another service to get power to the barn. It's way too far off to run a sub panel. That will mean paying a third monthly meter fee.

Sometimes I wish we had just bought raw land and built ourselves. I think in the long run in would have been cheaper -- and I would be living with my own mistakes instead of someone else's. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Jagmandave]

When I contacted my electric utility about upgrading my service from 100 to 200 amps, they indicated they would up grade the meter and power lines to the meter from the pole for free, I think it's because of the extra load I'd be able to draw and the extra $$$ they'd get from me every month!

It sounds to me in this case that he has more than enough power, he just needs to reorganize his panel........

 

[billbill1]

By adding a separate subpanel, make it large enough for any future additions that may crop up in the future. You have plenty of amps available, you just need to redistribute what you have. A 100 amp 24 circuit subpanel will allow for all of the growth you will ever need.

 

[midlf]

Since you will not be doing the job yourself tell your electrician what you want the end result to be and let them figure out how to get there. By end result I mean what outlets you want where, what you are intending to operate now and in your wildest dreaming future. Tell them you are not interested in cutting corners or cheaping out. Tell them you want a better grade of panel and breakers than they would find on a low bid job. It will be more expensive but you will never end up kicking youself with a "I wish I woulda".

 

[midlf]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The service to the house - Is it a standard? I mean the power that is provided, is it regulated or how does one get more power?
)</font>

By regulated I will assume you mean "is a specific level of service mandated". Yes and No. The smallest service any utility will run to the meter these days is 100A. Most are now standard at 200A. Connecting to a 200A utility service you could have a 100 or 200 amp system installed. If you want a larger service, say 400 A. it is available, but it is not the standard (normal) offering but no big deal to obtain. Your local codes will spell out the minimum size service. This is also based on the calculated loads for your house. If you are building a 12,000 ft cottage you can expect that you will not be allowed to install a 100A service.

 

[SnoFalls]

while you're at it ... get a BIG UPS for the home theatre ... it will help protect the spendy electonics you'll be putting in place ... also get a "rack" to mount stuff in (with rear access and shelves for stuff that isn't rack mount).

A good rack, with a rack mount UPS (perhaps spare rack mount battery box for said UPS), add in a computer "server" as well ...

I could go on and on, but the "rack" is a very nice place to consolidate servers, electronics, and a UPS.

 

[BigDamnFool]

Richard,

From what I can see you have a 30 space 200 Amp panel. It would be a pretty safe bet that a 40 space panel would suit your needs just fine. you will gain 10 spaces and that should be more than enough for a bath, Garage, and Theater. Tube amps will want their own circuits as they are very thirsty for power. The 4 that I built for my theater draw 24 amps each. But then again I went a little over board on my design. You will also want to have isolated grounds on all that equipment as it will lower the amount of noise and help to eliminate 60 cycle hum. As SnoFalls mentioned you will want a power conditioner for all that $$$tuff. I would recomend a surge protector for your whole house installed at your breaker panel. They can be had for just a little more than a Good audio or computer unit and will protect your whole house from spikes and dips. H.D. and Lowes both sell 40 space panels for under $150. None of your wiring would have to be changed to accomodate the panel change so that should keep your costs low. It would probably take 2-3 hours for an electrician to change it so labor should stay low. But most electricians will charge by the job. I would probably charge around $300- $400 with the panel included. plus extra for running any new circuits. I hope this helps you a little bit. Good luck in your endeavor.

Tiny