Is upgrading to a high amp panel hard.


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Old 02-23-16, 09:31 AM
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Is upgrading to a high amp panel hard.

I have a 100 amp panel and would like to upgrade to a higher amp panel. Maybe a 150 or 200 amp panel. Does the Power company have to do anything (besides pulling and reinstalling the meter) or is it just a matter of replacing the cables from the meter to the new panel?

skeeter
 
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Old 02-23-16, 09:50 AM
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If you have an overhead drop you will usually need to up size the wires that feed the meter socket (the ones that connect to the power company drop), (maybe) the meter socket, and the wires from the meter socket to the panel.
 
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Old 02-23-16, 10:10 AM
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From the meter to the street and down to the end of the street it's all under ground.
 
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Old 02-24-16, 11:39 AM
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So having to upgrade to a higher panel will the power company have to pull new heavier cables underground to accommodate a larger panel? Does anyone know a ballpark figure of what that would cost?
 
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Old 02-24-16, 12:09 PM
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Call the power company to find out how far you can upgrade the panel and keeping their existing service cable.
 
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Old 02-24-16, 04:32 PM
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From the meter to the street and down to the end of the street it's all under ground.
Most power companies will size their service lateral according to calculated load and not the size of the service. Unless you are adding a significant new load (like all electric heat), the chances are very good that the power company will do nothing except disconnect and reconnect after they get the wiring approval from the AHJ.
 
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Old 02-24-16, 04:50 PM
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Before you go wasting money, why do you think you should have a larger service? Are you adding additional large loads or adding an addition?
 
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Old 02-24-16, 05:26 PM
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Around here, and probably in your area, the power company will come out and do a power check up free of charge.
The POCO needs to come out regardless because a work order from them is required to apply for a permit. They will let you know of any fees, maybe there are none.

The permit is usually issued over the counter, around $300 would be a guess.
 
 

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