Looking for a Cutler Hammer Eaton CH Type Breaker - 200A - Best source?

[thedeatons]

I'm upgrading from a 100A to a 200A in my panel (main breaker), installing new main wire and all... Looking for the best place to buy one of these 200A CH breakers, and the best price I can find...


I'm not opposed to a used one, so if someone has one they are not using, please let me know.

Thanks!
James

 

[Norcal]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-20...-Pack-Includes-6-Breakers-CH42B200V/100155072

 

[laser3kw]

My recent investigation of this situation leads me to believe that in most cases, the main breaker is "premently" fix to the chassis (buss / breaker rails). The chassis is "sized" to the breaker therefore if you could put a higher amp breaker in it, it could tax or overload the chassis. As long as you are swapping out incoming service wires to the correct size for 200 amp, your best option is just to swap out the whole panel. You can get a panel with breakers in the $150 range +/- (opps I just saw the link above).

 

[hh76]

I'm upgrading from a 100A to a 200A in my panel (main breaker), installing new main wire and all... Looking for the best place to buy one of these 200A CH breakers, and the best price I can find...


I'm not opposed to a used one, so if someone has one they are not using, please let me know.

Thanks!
James

What is the panel model number? Most likely only a 100a panel, meaning that if you upgrade the main to 200a, the buss bars will be subjected to too much current, causing a meltdown.

Unless you can provide a model number for the panel that would tell me it could handle the current, I'm saying this could be the worst (and possibly the last) mistake you'll ever make.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What is the panel model number? Most likely only a 100a panel, meaning that if you upgrade the main to 200a, the buss bars will be subjected to too much current, causing a meltdown.

Unless you can provide a model number for the panel that would tell me it could handle the current, I'm saying this could be the worst (and possibly the last) mistake you'll ever make.

Exactly! Theres actually a math equation used to figure out the proper bus bar size! I dont ever use it, so i forget what it is but I'm sure its floating aroud the web somewhere.

Also, the OP would have to put in larger ground rods and GEC sized for 200a service!

 

[claymont]

Buy the whole load center, more spaces and correct sized buss.

 

[Speedy Petey]

My recent investigation of this situation leads me to believe that in most cases, the main breaker is "premently" fix to the chassis (buss / breaker rails).

Not true. All main breakers are replaceable.....with the exact same breaker.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I'm upgrading from a 100A to a 200A in my panel (main breaker),

You CANNOT do this. As has been stated, you must replace the whole panel.

 

[nehog]

You CANNOT do this. As has been stated, you must replace the whole panel.

And if you could, it probably would be cheaper to replace it all anyway!

 

[thedeatons]

Talked to consolidated electrical in nampa, they sell eaton/cutler hammer. They said my panel is rated for a 125A main. If i want a 200A main breaker i will need to upgrade to a 32 space panel ($150, plus a 200A meter $75). They did say i may be able to put a 125A main in my current panel, then run a small sub panel off of it to power the extra stuff, assuming my panel can hold the current.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Talked to consolidated electrical in nampa, they sell eaton/cutler hammer. They said my panel is rated for a 125A main. If i want a 200A main breaker i will need to upgrade to a 32 space panel ($150, plus a 200A meter $75). They did say i may be able to put a 125A main in my current panel, then run a small sub panel off of it to power the extra stuff, assuming my panel can hold the current.

First off, you wouldnt be buying the meter and changing it out. Thats the PoCos responsibility. Second why go to all the trouble of swapping in a 125a main just get 25a more capacity?

Third, what loads do u have that requires u to upgrade your service? Electric heat, water heater, A/C, dryer, etc? Have u done load calcs? What size is your house? Most people way over estimate their power needs!!

 

[rockwithjason]

he is probably referring to the meter can which in many places is the the home owner's responsibility and he may or may not have to pay a meter upgrade fee. it all depends on the local utility

 

[CNGsaves]

By researching his reply of "nearby Nampa" it appears OP is in Idaho.

PoCo's are much different state-to-state as OK will let you do virtually anything, while KS is super strict.

Recommend to OP to get quotes from couple electricians on what you want to accomplish. It would be much safer for you and your family. Do not take any shortcuts to save a few bucks.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Talked to consolidated electrical in nampa, they sell eaton/cutler hammer. They said my panel is rated for a 125A main. If i want a 200A main breaker i will need to upgrade to a 32 space panel ($150, plus a 200A meter $75). They did say i may be able to put a 125A main in my current panel, then run a small sub panel off of it to power the extra stuff, assuming my panel can hold the current.

IMO you are WAY over-thinking this.
Just have a service upgrade done to 200A. You will be MUCH happier in the end.

Besides, an upgrade to 200A is far more than just a panel and meter pan.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

IMO you are WAY over-thinking this.
Just have a service upgrade done to 200A. You will be MUCH happier in the end.

Besides, an upgrade to 200A is far more than just a panel and meter pan.

Exactly! He will also need to put in larger riser pipe and service entrance wires if theyre sized for 100a service and the PoCos service drop would also need to be changed if only sized for 100a!

 

[Norcal]

Exactly! He will also need to put in larger riser pipe and service entrance wires if theyre sized for 100a service and the PoCos service drop would also need to be changed if only sized for 100a!

If the load has not changed or is not changing much, doubt they will swap it out.

 

[Speedy Petey]

...... and the PoCos service drop would also need to be changed if only sized for 100a!

Yup, what Norcal said. Around here they almost never change it.

 

[thedeatons]

Idaho power has 200A service to the house.

The meter can is my responsibility in this area.

My electrician friend wants me to do a load calc before moving forward, amd an inductive test while running all possible loads. I will try to get this done this week and update you guys.

Thanks for all the safety concerns for my family and home. I can always depend on this forum to do things right

James

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Idaho power has 200A service to the house.

The meter can is my responsibility in this area.

My electrician friend wants me to do a load calc before moving forward, amd an inductive test while running all possible loads. I will try to get this done this week and update you guys.

Thanks for all the safety concerns for my family and home. I can always depend on this forum to do things right

James

U said meter earlier in the thread, so thats why i said what i said!