200 amp panel with 150 amp service.

[riggs1117]

Im at the planning point of upgrading my house electrical system. Currently I have 150 amp service and a 150 amp panel. My panel is old and has no main on/off switch. I will eventually need to upgrade my service and plan on going to 200 amp. My question is, can I swap my panel for a 200 amp panel now, and just swap the main on/off breaker with a 150 amp one until I change the service. Then put the 200 amp breaker back in.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Basically, yes. Be aware that not all panels have a replaceable "main" breaker.

 

[acer66]

I have a similar issue, 200a panel on 100a service, I just bought another 100a service panel,
which was cheaper with all the extra breakers than just buying a 100a breaker.

Unfortunately like theoldwizard1 said the 100a does not fit in the 200a slot,
so I use the 100a breaker with a retention kit in the new main panel
and leave the 200a breaker in there because I did not find a filler plate for the 200a breaker slot yet.

 

[SARG]

Be sure to check your wire size from the box to the utility connection to be sure it's adequate.

I found out the hard way mine wasn't.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IANAE, so I don't know if this is "technically" legal, but it is safe.

Buy your 200A box. Buy a regular (non-main) breaker. Be certain it is capable of handling you current incoming wire. Feed the box though this 100A breaker. Some how label the 200A main breaker that is not "in use" and reference the other 100A breaker.

 

[riggs1117]

Alright thanks for the replies, going to see if I can find a 150 breaker the same size as the 200 that the panel will come with

 

[riggs1117]

Be sure to check your wire size from the box to the utility connection to be sure it's adequate.

I found out the hard way mine wasn't.

I assume that I need 2/0 copper to feed a 200 amp panel? Would I just need to upgrade the feed from the meter or would I need the feed from the meter to the power lines upgraded as well?

 

[Rock knocker]

or would I need the feed from the meter to the power lines upgraded as well?

We can't answer that question, only your utility can

 

[Rock knocker]

Alright thanks for the replies, going to see if I can find a 150 breaker the same size as the 200 that the panel will come with

Another alternative is a 150A two pole breaker to back feed (side feed) your 200A panel. In either case, 150 amp breakers for either feed or general stab-in may not be available for your panel.

 

[Norcal]

Another alternative is a 150A two pole breaker to back feed (side feed) your 200A panel. In either case, 150 amp breakers for either feed or general stab-in may not be available for your panel.

The bus stabs may not be rated for use of a 150A breaker, & the required wire bending space has to be considered, & a plug-in breaker has to have a hold down kit if backfed. Any one of those 3 things can be a deal breaker.

 

[Rock knocker]

The bus stabs may not be rated for use of a 150A breaker, & the required wire bending space has to be considered, & a plug-in breaker has to have a hold down kit if backfed. Any one of those 3 things can be a deal breaker.

I tried to say that in my post, but was not clear

 

[sberry]

Not only that but if this is an old service the wire and every connection to it is as old as the panel. If its all working don't screw with things unless you want to do an upgrade including the meter base. A service upgrade insures all new is installed not just bootleg a panel on.

 

[hh76]

If your going through all the work to upgrade the panel, just upgrade the service. On typical set ups, it doesn't take much more work.

 

[riggs1117]

I planned on upgrading the entire house, however I dont really have time to do it all at once which is why I wanted to put the panel in first, then change all the wires as time allows, then change the service and meter socket. I would then put the 200 amp main breaker in and install a sub panel in the garage.

 

[Alchymist]

If space allows, install the new service and new panel near the old panel, and then temporarily sub-feed the old panel from the new, and start moving/rewiring at leisure.

 

[Orionrising]

or the other way, feed the new from old, then you don't care, as it would be breakered upstream at 105 till you change the service

 

[paranoid56]

funny, i tried to have this done, but (in my town) was told its against code to "Derate a panel" like that. as they said i could still overload the panel and trip the main.

i still want to do it though lol

 

[riggs1117]

I'll have to do some research and look at doing it this way. I have the room to place it close, just have to open my old panel and see how much wire I have to work with

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

IANAE, so I don't know if this is "technically" legal, but it is safe.

Buy your 200A box. Buy a regular (non-main) breaker. Be certain it is capable of handling you current incoming wire. Feed the box though this 100A breaker. Some how label the 200A main breaker that is not "in use" and reference the other 100A breaker.

Make sure your temp main is mechanically connected/screwed to the panel.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

We can't answer that question, only your utility can

If he has overhead service he CAN answer that. He needs to check the wire in the mast from the meter pan to the service drop connection...