125 amp main panel... Now what?

[Craftsman_88]

So I just bought my house at the end of last year and am in need of more storage. So I am wanting to build a 18'x24' shed/workshop in my backyard. My plan is to run a subpanel out to the shed. However my main panel is a 125amp panel. Can I run a sub panel off the main panel? It appears as though I have 3 main breakers. A 60amp, 40amp, and 30amp. Is this possible? Btw I have the good ol Federal Pacific panel. Yes I know you all will tell me to replace it. But I would like to avoid that at this point at least. I have had 2 electricains come out and just told me to replace the panel, nothing else. My buddy who is a electricain is coming by this weekend, but I would like to hear from ya'll what you think as well. Thanks for anyhelp!
Ken

Btw I can get a pic of my panel if it helps to determine if what I am saying is true about the main breakers.

 

[Falcon67]

Once you price the FP breakers, you may find the cost to replace worth it. Last panel I used was a GE, breakers were $5 each. Last time I bought an FP 20A breaker, it was $25. You should be able to hang a panel off the existing as long as there is space and you don't change the main.

 

[mrb]

did FPE make split buss panels? sounds like thats what it might be....30 and 40 for dryer and A/C or whatever and the 60 supplies the lighting and appliance section......

post a picture of the panel. me thinks it should be replaced.

 

[Craftsman_88]

Here is a pic of the panel. I guess the reason I dont want to replace the panel is in order to comply with the new code I need to upgrade the mast/masthead and that can get expensive from talking to my neighbors who have done this. Opinions?

 

[Addrock]

I talked to the local electric utility and had a new 200 amp service (separate from the house), other than the pedestal $125, and service panel $100, and grounding rod/wire $35 expenses, I got a totally separate service that doesn't dim my lights, or starves for amps, or worst create a problem in the house. Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[Falcon67]

Nice panel. I think I get the panel layout idea, but I'd check with an expert first. If there is no upstream breaker on the service, then I'd get someone to look at it. Me thinks MRB nailed it LOL. Don't think you can "oversubscribe" that panel. Replacing the mast head and meter box is not that big a deal, did that a couple of years ago. I don't have the receipts handy but I had a spare meter box and spent less than $100 on the whole operation. Utility pulled the power and I did the work.

 

[Craftsman_88]

Well I was looking at the meter and the mast head. It really looks straightforward. It has to be inspected though correct? I'm start to think I could do it after really looking at my setup. I know I can replace the panel, just not sure if it would all pass code. Thats what worries me.