how would you do it? which panel is easier

[njccmd2002]

this is the main panel in my house. I always tought i had 1 main panel and a sub, next to it.

house is from 2005. looks like its 2 main panels...

im hooking power to a detacched garage, and that has been covered in another thread.

im evaluating how to tie the wires into the house panel

the larger panel is furthest away

small panel is closest to wall

i know i have to use conduit in the wall..

this is outside, my new conduit is the one with a cap

i wish the electrical company box could be used, as it would make it simple. But i know its off limits

would you use the big one or small one? its going to be a pain to drill brick..

if im wrong and the small one is a sub panel let me know....

 

[EOC_Jason]

When linking to IMGUR, you need to remove the S from https in the URL, otherwise it won't load on the page correctly (unless it happens to be in a person's browser cache, which is usually only the OP's). I quoted your post and fixed the URLs so we can see the images.

this is the main panel in my house. I always tought i had 1 main panel and a sub, next to it.

house is from 2005. looks like its 2 main panels...

im hooking power to a detacched garage, and that has been covered in another thread.

im evaluating how to tie the wires into the house panel

the larger panel is furthest away

small panel is closest to wall

i know i have to use conduit in the wall..

this is outside, my new conduit is the one with a cap

i wish the electrical company box could be used, as it would make it simple. But i know its off limits

would you use the big one or small one? its going to be a pain to drill brick..

if im wrong and the small one is a sub panel let me know....

 

[EOC_Jason]

What does the meter can area look like? Probably just double-lugs from it and ran to your two panels.

As for which one to use... I would take a look at the actual circuits in use on each panel. Whichever one is lower is the one I would choose. Probably figure out what all the double-pole breakers are as those will be your highest loads, not the basic lighting & plug circuits.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

you dont want to use the meter can because there is no overcurrent protection in there and its not a good idea to run lots of unfused wire on the property...

 

[njccmd2002]

Meter can is locked. My guess I would drill from inside out and use the smaller panel

 

[Zeke]

Let me ask the experts — do you see a bit of an unbalance in the larger panel? Maybe he should target that one and add to the left side. Thoughts?

 

[mm08822]

Let me ask the experts — do you see a bit of an unbalance in the larger panel? Maybe he should target that one and add to the left side. Thoughts?

No imbalance. Stabs alternate a-b-a-b-a-b...... vertically on both left and right sides. The 3 2P cb's load equally.

 

[njccmd2002]

ok today i removed the drywall, and inspecting the entryway to the service box, i only have 1 option.

all other entries are blocked, the small service box cannot be used, the conduit for the big service box runs above it.

without drilling the box, this is the only way to do it....

so option 1 wont work....

option 2 wont work either

and option 3 not sure it would pass code...

i hate that i have to pass the cable trough conduit, but codes are codes.

any ideas, maybe install another box underneath like a junction box? if so what kind, i think if i install a box, it has to be able to be serviced from outside right?

 

[ishiboo]

SER does not need to be in conduit in your drywalled wall. Use a SER connector on the panel and just route it like you would a receptacle wire. Once you get outside you can use a plastic junction box to transition to MHF or however you are feeding the garage.

 

[njccmd2002]

Forgot to mention it’s not ser wire.

I’m using xhhw-2 wire from detached garage to my main service... I’ve been told it has to be conduit

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Forgot to mention it’s not ser wire.

I’m using xhhw-2 wire from detached garage to my main service... I’ve been told it has to be conduit

What he's saying is to use SER in the wall then transition to the xhhw on the outside in a junction box.

This way you dont need to use conduit in the wall.

 

[brewchief]

If the LB conduit fitting will work except for the opening being in the wrong spot look for a LR or LL fitting(I think an LR is what you would need), You would need to provide access to the cover by either simply drywalling around it or having a removable cover.

 

[njccmd2002]

If the LB conduit fitting will work except for the opening being in the wrong spot look for a LR or LL fitting(I think an LR is what you would need), You would need to provide access to the cover by either simply drywalling around it or having a removable cover.

Sounds like a plan