electrical box question

Fortheloveofmoney said:

Thanks for all the answers, the reason for the upgrade is because I have no open slots in my sub box just open slots in the box in the garage the box in the garage is older house built in 1964 and I cannot find breakers for the box around me. I just bought my house last month tryin to take in everyone's replys plus what I've been told by friends.

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What brand is the sub-panel? You may have to put in some leg work (phone around), but chances are good that if breakers for your panel are still available, you'll be able to get them through an electrical wholesaler. It's gonna be way cheaper than replacing your entire panel if all you need to do is gain a new circuit.

If you've got the money, by all means get that sucker replaced with a current model, but please have an electrician do the work. Yes it will cost you more than doing it yourself, but if you don't know what you're doing, electrical is one of the last things you want to mess with.

I would find a breaker that is listed for your main panel to feed another sub panel. Install the sub right next to the main if that is where you want to run new branch circuits from.

I would do it that way because otherwise you would have to call the utility co to come do a disconnect/reconnect while you upgrade the main. And the utility co probably requires a signed off permit to reconnect. It's a big pain to go through unless you are adding enough load to require a service entrance upgrade.

Had a electrician come out this afternoon, he's gonna pull the meter off rip this old box out put a 200amp box in and a 100amp 2pole running to the sub panel then wire my new room 20amp breaker for every 2 lights 1000watt lights, 20 amp for my 2 portable a/c units and a 20 amp for all my inlines and osc. Fans he said all the wiring is correct just old has the correct amount of neutrals and grounds. I'll have in the end 100 amps to the sub box and a 100amps dedicated to my room

Sweet. Go big or go home.

Correct, thanks for everyones inputs and helping get me goin in the right direction

Now I can sleep as I was worried that you might try this youself, and die. You made the right decison for peace of mind, and more importantly, your safety. Good luck my friend. Peace

Correct wire gauge for 200 amp service is 2/0. That is standard in the USA, Canada is 3/0.

I upgradded the breaker pannel on my house from 100 amp to a 200 amp main. That breaker panel provides power for my house (about 3400sq ft) and 2 attatched 2br apts, and one 1br apt. We did not need to upgrade the drop wire. I had an electrician (certified, bonded, insured etc.) friend of mine come over for a bbq so I know shit was done right.