Meter combo

[Sumboodie]

The goof that built my place used a junkyard meter panel that only has 1 space for a breaker.
It was missing the cover so they built one from blue roof flashing.

No idea what he planned on doing, as there's 2 gauge alumimimim wire run to the shop and future house to the panel.

I can buy an 8 space 100 amp box for about $100.

200 Amps are harder to find.

I have 125 amp service.. it even worth spending the $$ for 200 amp?

Mostly just use power for lights. Biggest draw would be shop stuff. Welder, plasma cutter, compressor etc and that's well under 100 amps.

 

[Bert_]

Sounds like 125A is enough. Just put a tap box under the meter

 

[Sumboodie]

Sounds like 125A is enough. Just put a tap box under the meter

The meter combo needs to be replaced, so 100amp one has 8 spaces vs 1.
I'll probably put a 240 and 120v outlet there, it's around 100ft from the garage

 

[Bert_]

If you're replacing there is no reason not to go 200A. The 100A meter main costs the same as a 200A. The only thing more expensive is the wire and conduit

 

[Sumboodie]

If you're replacing there is no reason not to go 200A. The 100A meter main costs the same as a 200A. The only thing more expensive is the wire and conduit

Where?

The few I'm finding are $300-400. The wire already exists.

 

[Skiff Builder]

Siemens MC0408B1200T Meter Combination Load Center, 200 A, 4 -Space, 4 -Jaw, 8 -Circuit, NEMA 3R Enclosure | Paradise Lumber & Hardware

Siemens MC0408B1200T Meter Combination Load Center, 200 A, 4 -Space, 4 -Jaw, 8 -Circuit, NEMA 3R Enclosure

paradiselumber.net

 

[Bert_]

I looked at pricing and, for milbank, a 200A is actually $75 CHEAPER than a 100A meter main. Nobody is installing 100A meter mains so there just isn't the volume.

 

[Bert_]

Maybe if we had a better idea of what you actually have for a service we could give some better advice

 

[Sumboodie]

Maybe if we had a better idea of what you actually have for a service we could give some better advice

125 amp.

 

[Bert_]

Maybe if we had a better idea of what you actually have for a service we could give some better advice

I'll repeat

 

[Sumboodie]

I'll repeat

It's 125 amp service.

I have no idea what you're asking otherwise.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-125-Amp-8-Spaces-8-Circuit-Main-Breaker-Meter-Combo-Load-Center/3127543

 

[Bert_]

You said "the wire already exists." What wire? To the transformer? Is it overhead? Underground? Where is the meter box? On a pole? On a building? Is that where you want to keep it? What are your future plans? Sound like the shop is already there? You are building a house? What electrical loads will be in it? Be specific.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You said "the wire already exists." What wire? To the transformer? Is it overhead? Underground? Where is the meter box? On a pole? On a building? Is that where you want to keep it? What are your future plans? Sound like the shop is already there? You are building a house? What electrical loads will be in it? Be specific.

yeah too many variables and the OP has given little detail