Convert 150 amp to 90 amps

[tstealth32]

I received a 150 amp main panel for free. I need to convert it down to 90 amps for my sub-panel. How do I go about doing this?

 

[Jim greengo]

The existing 150 breaker in the panel will just be a disconect, the breaker in main panel that is feeding it will be your over current protection .

 

[tyme2par4]

The breaker in the main panel that feeds the sub panel determines the amperage of the sub panel. The main breaker in the sub can be any rating.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

no need to change the 150. just put a 90a breaker in the main panel to protect the feeder

 

[nadogail]

no need to change the 150. just put a 90a breaker in the main panel to protect the feeder

It couldn't get much simpler than that.

 

[tstealth32]

Thank you...guess I can't use the bolt in breaker and need to get a 90 amp push in style.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Thank you...guess I can't use the bolt in breaker and need to get a 90 amp push in style.

If you use a plug in breaker as a main you have to use a tie down kit with it.

 

[The Cobbler]

I will add that sometimes free is not economical. if the breakers are going to cost a ton of money your free panel could get more expensive than a bought common panel

 

[alfredeneuman]

if the breakers are going to cost a ton of money

The panel is Siemens.
The breakers are available anywhere and inexpensive

 

[Jim greengo]

Thank you...guess I can't use the bolt in breaker and need to get a 90 amp push in style.

What size of wire are you feeding it with? Will the lugs on the 150 tighten down on it?

 

[tstealth32]

I'm using 1/0 aluminum. Both my 90 amp and 150 amp breakers say it'll fit.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Thank you...guess I can't use the bolt in breaker and need to get a 90 amp push in style.

Not sure you got the point. Leave the 150 in that sub and feed it normally, but feed it from a 90A breaker in whatever panel the power is coming from. That way you have a 90A panel. Use the 150 to disconnect the new subpanel when you need to.

 

[tstealth32]

Got it. I'll reinstall the 150 amp breaker in the sub-panel. I meant that I'll need a new 90 amp breaker since I have a bolt-in style and it needs to be a push in style for the main panel.

 

[JordanOH]

Pics of both panels might help.