Danl Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 My son is looking at purchasing a home which only has 100 amp main service. The electrical service is under ground. What does it take to convert to 200 amp service? Is this an easier or harder effort because the line to the house is underground? Looking forward to reading your replies. thanks Danl Ps. If he purchases this house, there will most likely many more questions which will need to be answered. The house is a fixer upper. Cal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuckSoup Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 (edited) What is the reason for the upgrade? If the underground is fed through pipe from the utility to the meter and the original installer oversized the pipe for 200amp wire then he won't have to dig a trench & install new pipe. If not, you will need a trench, new pipe and wire from the utility to a new 200 amp meter base & new wire from the meter to a new 200 amp panel. You will need new wire, meter base & new panel regardless. Check with the local building inspection office they should be able to tell you exactly what is required for the upgrade. Edited November 8, 2020 by DuckSoup Cal, HARO50 and Gunny 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred W. Hargis Jr Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 I agree with Bob, the only way to know is to ask the electrical supplier or inspection agency (if any). The electrical company will own everything up to the meter, which is likely on the side of the house. If he's lucky, it might be a 200 amp meter wired to a 100 amp panel ( I ran into this at my last house, the numbnutz previous owner was too cheap to install a a larger panel). If that's the case it's a matter of changing the feed and the panel. If the meter is out away from the house, then it could get a little more involved. But the best way to determine what's needed is to ask the ones in control of the change. Cal, DuckSoup, HARO50 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Buskirk Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 When I upgraded ours from a 60 Amp fused main box to a 200 Amp circuit breaker main box all the electric company did was upgrade the gauge of the drop line. I had installed a new meter box, and mast. They used the same meter. When I asked why they didn't put in a new meter they replied it wasn't necessary due to the meters being sized to handle 200 Amps when they replaced them for the automatic reading equipment. I had installed one gauge larger than recommended feed lines. The only question they asked when they came to do the switch over was if any of the old wiring was tied into the new. I informed them that nothing was, and when they were done I would have to rewire the well etc. over to the new wiring. DuckSoup, Cal, HARO50 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Artie Posted November 9, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 What is the reason for upgrading to 200 amps ? At My Mom’s house, they had a 100 amp service. There was 2 ac compressors (separate central ac for upstairs and downstairs) Electric range, electric clothes dryer, never tripped the main breaker. Most people vastly overestimate what they need for their home electrical service. This is not to say that some people don’t need a 200 amp service. Electric heat, or a SERIOUS work shop. While a one man shop may have a large selection of machinery, if it’s a dust collector and just one machine at a time that’s running, it’s not a large draw. Cal, Larry Buskirk, DuckSoup and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewB Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 Rather than doing the 200 amp upgrade you may as well just invest in going with the full 240. I knew I should have run 240 wire when I ran electrical through my shed but I didn't think about it at the time. How ever by running 240 V wire that will solve many of the issues with higher amperage plugs and allow you to run most welding equipment at the same time. As well as the higher amperage wood working tools that would require a 240 volt plug. 200 Amps is usually what runs though the home the highest amperage youll find is for the Dryer Oven and the Heater or Furnace what would be in the house. I'm no electrician but that's what I generally know about it. HARO50 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred W. Hargis Jr Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 (edited) Andrew, I'm a little confused (not unusual)....are you mixing up the amps versus volts? Edited November 10, 2020 by Fred W. Hargis Jr DuckSoup, JimM, Gunny and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HandyDan Posted November 10, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 I have a 100 amp service and run a welder and an industrial air compressor in the metal shop with it. Never blew the main breaker. If it is an all electric home then maybe you would need 200 amp. Cal, Larry Buskirk, Fred W. Hargis Jr and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewB Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 I may very well be LOL not something new there.. I'm definitely no electrician.... Cal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunny Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 30 minutes ago, HandyDan said: I have a 100 amp service and run a welder and an industrial air compressor in the metal shop with it. Never blew the main breaker. If it is an all electric home then maybe you would need 200 amp. My place is all electric, entire neighborhood is same way. All 200 amp service boxes. Cal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuckSoup Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 14 hours ago, Artie said: Most people vastly overestimate what they need for their home electrical service. Exactly! In March I installed a 60amp panel in my shop & up until that point all I had was (2) 20 amp circuits. I upgraded to 60 because I installed a small dust collector and I need it to run on a separate circuit with the tools. I was also afforded the upgrade from a pancake compressor to a 30 gallon on a 20 amp circuit. Two circuits for tools & two for outlets & lights. I don't see a time when I would run my table saw and drill press or my router and sander at the same time. With the way things are manufactured for homes now they are more energy efficient. I don't know of anyone now that has to let their tv or radio warm up, for those that remember this. There is no reason to run the furnace while the ac is running, it just doesn't happen. 15 hours ago, Artie said: There was 2 ac compressors (separate central ac for upstairs and downstairs) This is more efficient than one unit. Heat rises and second floors tend to be warmer. Cal, Artie, Gunny and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunny Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 42 minutes ago, DuckSoup said: Exactly! In March I installed a 60amp panel in my shop & up until that point all I had was (2) 20 amp circuits. I upgraded to 60 because I installed a small dust collector and I need it to run on a separate circuit with the tools. I was also afforded the upgrade from a pancake compressor to a 30 gallon on a 20 amp circuit. Two circuits for tools & two for outlets & lights. I don't see a time when I would run my table saw and drill press or my router and sander at the same time. With the way things are manufactured for homes now they are more energy efficient. I don't know of anyone now that has to let their tv or radio warm up, for those that remember this. There is no reason to run the furnace while the ac is running, it just doesn't happen. This is more efficient than one unit. Heat rises and second floors tend to be warmer. I also have 60 amp service in shop. Outlets and lights are on two breakers to main box. Heater, DC, larger tools and Compressor go to 60 amp box. Never overloaded it after 20 years. Cal, HARO50 and DuckSoup 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danl Posted November 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 19 hours ago, Artie said: What is the reason for upgrading to 200 amps ? At My Mom’s house, they had a 100 amp service. There was 2 ac compressors (separate central ac for upstairs and downstairs) Electric range, electric clothes dryer, never tripped the main breaker. Most people vastly overestimate what they need for their home electrical service. This is not to say that some people don’t need a 200 amp service. Electric heat, or a SERIOUS work shop. While a one man shop may have a large selection of machinery, if it’s a dust collector and just one machine at a time that’s running, it’s not a large draw. The house is a small house with gas furnace, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and cook stove. The electrical panel was installed in 2013. The house was built in 1977. My son was considering changing the cook stove and clothes dryer to electric. The only current 220/240V is the A/C. He is not thinking of having a serious work shop. He does not own a hammer or saw of any kind. It was his dad (me) that thought he may need 200 amp. He is a more serious gamer. Thank you all for the replies and advise. Danl Gunny, Cal, DuckSoup and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewB Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 If he's a serious Gamer..... Yes the 200 amp will be fine. How ever the 100 may work. The serious PC power actually comes from the PC itself. I would know I have a serious gaming rig myself but I think my house is up to the current code. How ever I would suggest that be the best bet depending on how heavy duty of a machine he has it can in some cases but not always take quite a bit of power but the majority of the power comes from the power supply which does a lot of the converting with the PC itself. But it wouldn't hurt to have an upgrade in anycase it would probably worth while. I've built a few computers my latest one with a 750 watt power supply I have hooked into a surge protector in a 110 volt plug. It seems to hold out just fine. But as I said it may be worth it in the long run to upgrage the electrical anyway. As a BETTER SAFE than SORRY sort of thing better to spend the money on the needed upgrades in case the fact arises that tools do come into play as well. I was a very very serious gamer for quite some time. Id say definitely talk to your local electrician and I would upgrage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewB Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 On a small side note to that gaming will usually lead to other computer stuff... I E 3d printers and what not. So I would keep that in mind as well. Having the current regulation code for power is the better option in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Buskirk Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 54 minutes ago, Danl said: The house is a small house with gas furnace, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and cook stove. The electrical panel was installed in 2013. The house was built in 1977. My son was considering changing the cook stove and clothes dryer to electric. The only current 220/240V is the A/C. He is not thinking of having a serious work shop. He does not own a hammer or saw of any kind. It was his dad (me) that thought he may need 200 amp. He is a more serious gamer. Thank you all for the replies and advise. Danl Even with changing out the cook stove, and cloths dryer you'll more than likely never trip the 100 Amp main breaker. Our electric ovens are on a 40 Amp breaker, the washer/dryer a 20 Amp. Both are 220 Volt. The limiting factor would be if the current box has room to add the additional circuit breakers. Could be worked around if need be by adding a sub-panel. Most PC power supplies are rated well below 15 Amp input current draw. DuckSoup, HARO50, Gunny and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Artie Posted November 10, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 Okay, as far as code is concerned 100 amp is minimum for a single family residence. (Under all but very unusual circumstances) Computers/gaming not gonna be a reason to upgrade to 200 amps, unless you have gone seriously beyond hobbyist/enthusiast stage. The two practical reasons to upgrading to a 200 amp service......1 -too much draw, your house draws more than 120 amps. If you have a large home, many occupants (KIDS!). ELECTRIC HEAT, all appliances are electric, no gas. This can be tested for. Put an amprobe on each hot leg with a typical load running, and see what it’s drawing. 2- a need for more circuits. I think most of us may fall into this category. It’s been some 15 years since I have been a residential electrician, work wise. The largest 100 amp panel I have seen (and have in our townhouse) is a 30 circuit one. I believe you can get a 40 circuit panel in a 200 amp. I know you can for commercial AKA 3 phase. I believe the single phase residential panels are also available with 40 circuits. I have a 30 circuit, and with the setting up of my meager little work shop, I added a 20 circuit sub panel. All running on 100 amps. In layman’s terms, I have MANY circuits, 3-220 volt, 20 amp ones in the shop, 9-120 volt, 20 amp circuits in the shop, 3 at each bench/table. 1 for the air filter/cleaner mounted to the ceiling. This is 16 circuits just for my shop. I am a very inexperienced woodworker, but I am good at electrical LOL. I never have more than the Shopsmith, air cleaner/filtration, and dust collector running at the same time. I just don’t want to have to keep running extension cords. many of todays new homes are in the same category, too many appliances requiring separate circuits. There is not more than 100 amps being utilized, or even close to it, but there are many circuits required,code wise. So to get to the point as relating to the point of the post, have an electrician bring an amprobe and measure the draw of the house being considered for purchase. Turn on the range, oven dryer, and a bunch of lights. Roof gutter cables if any. See what the draw is. In my experience he heaviest draw in homes is Thanksgiving. Oven on, range on, dishwasher on, disposal running, house full of people watching television, using home circuits. Usually there isn’t’ the laundry being done at the same time, but if you have a lot of kids, this may not be a choice. other heavy draw is heat wave-ac units or central air, pool running, people staying inside and using home circuits.Now at mom’s house there were two central ac systems, electric dryer, electric range/oven, tv’s, and the usual. But this can all be measured. Also if the home is desirable,and this is the only drawback, one can buy the house and upgrade later. One could also list it as having an undersized service and see if seller will adjust price accordingly. (not likely in my parts. Huge sellers market right now). Gunny, DuckSoup, JimM and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JimM Posted November 10, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 39 minutes ago, Artie said: I just don’t want to have to keep running extension cords. "I wish I hadn't put in so many outlets", said no one on his death bed. HARO50, Fred W. Hargis Jr, p_toad and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post p_toad Posted November 11, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 11, 2020 I quit using surge protectors as my main "fix" on the home computers years ago. Yes, i still have them - they are connected to my UPSes. Too many quirky power glitches over the years and i got tired of the blips taking everything down. I wouldn't have a new computer without a new UPS...just me. DuckSoup, Larry Buskirk, Fred W. Hargis Jr and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuckSoup Posted November 11, 2020 Report Share Posted November 11, 2020 18 hours ago, Danl said: My son was considering changing the cook stove and clothes dryer to electric. +1 to what others have said. If there are open spaces in the panel then it's just a matter of running new wire to these appliances. p_toad, Larry Buskirk, Cal and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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