Relocating an electrical panel question.

[Capt Chrysler]

Hello Folks.

Here is the deal. The service into the electrical panel is on the west end of the building. We need to relocate that panel about 200' for a remodel.

It is impossible to run a new service in at the other end of the building. So we have to work with it's current location.

One contractor wanted to remove that electrical panel. Put in a 200 amp disconnect. Then run new cable from that to the new location for the new electrical panel and then wire everything from that.

Contractor two. Wanted to replace the electrical panel at its current location. Then run everything out of that panel 200 feet to the new lights, outlets ect.

Option one seems easier to me. Just not sure if one is more or less correct.

Thanks,

Capt. Chrysler

 

[sberry]

I probably like 1 if it saves on branch wire. 200 ft is long, everything would need to be upsized 1. You don't always need to make the sub 200 either, I have 5 subs in mine. Do you need full service at the far end? If I have to put a disconnect on some buildings for about the same cost as a simple disconnect can get a 200 8 space with feed thru lugs.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hello Folks.

Here is the deal. The service into the electrical panel is on the west end of the building. We need to relocate that panel about 200' for a remodel.

It is impossible to run a new service in at the other end of the building. So we have to work with it's current location.

One contractor wanted to remove that electrical panel. Put in a 200 amp disconnect. Then run new cable from that to the new location for the new electrical panel and then wire everything from that.

Contractor two. Wanted to replace the electrical panel at its current location. Then run everything out of that panel 200 feet to the new lights, outlets ect.

Option one seems easier to me. Just not sure if one is more or less correct.

Thanks,

Capt. Chrysler

IMPO 200' is way too long for branch circuits. Thats gonna be an awful lot of wire that will most likely need to be upsized.

What kind of loads are we talking here?

I would definitely do option one. Will save a lot on branch circuit wire.

 

[pbon]

My house has four breaker boxes, the primary and 3 sub panels. Rather than relocate the main one, can you add a sub panel?

 

[ard]

My house has four breaker boxes, the primary and 3 sub panels. Rather than relocate the main one, can you add a sub panel?

Winner

 

[tfi racing]

What could be so important that the panel needs to be moved 200 feet? Just sounds nothing but silly, better hire a better designer.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

What could be so important that the panel needs to be moved 200 feet? Just sounds nothing but silly, better hire a better designer.

Moving the office area for better shop flow. Plus, the electrical panel is probably 40 + years old. So, just figured it was a good time to upgrade some stuff.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

My house has four breaker boxes, the primary and 3 sub panels. Rather than relocate the main one, can you add a sub panel?

Winner

How is this a winner?

The OP needs to move the main.

How does the solution of adding a subpanel fix the issue of needing to move the main service panel?

 

[sberry]

Depending on design maybe the main doesn't need to move, could add a sub down that end too?

 

[ard]

How is this a winner?

The OP needs to move the main.

How does the solution of adding a subpanel fix the issue of needing to move the main service panel?

Its a matter of semantics. What is 'the main'? Once you leave the main disconnect in place, the remainder of what you move is just a subpanel, right?

So if we go with "he has to move the main, and that means BOTH the main disconnect AND the breakers" ...well, that is NOT what the OP said.

OP said he need to move the *panel*

And of course, we really dont know what NEEDS to be done, only what op thinks it needs. I though it was a 'winner' since it probably did what actually needs.

I also assume that he has some circuits already wired to the current 200A panel. If he relocates that panel 200feet away, they how will those circuits currently being fed, get connected to the new main 200feet away?

Finally, I suppose it really did need more detail before anyone declares a a winner...

 

[ishiboo]

“Disconnect” is probably not the best term because you will need a circuit breaker there to protect the feed to the new panel. No inspector is going to let you run that kind of distance inside without protection, especially when you had a panel there before. (I forget how the code reads but I believe it basically doesn’t have a footage limit but says it must be as minimal as practical?)

So put a new main panel there, and run the new panel at a better spot off 4/0 SER or whatever is appropriate.

 

[alfredeneuman]

“Disconnect” is probably not the best term because you will need a circuit breaker there to protect the feed to the new panel

What if it is a fusible disconnect?

 

[rjcnaples]

My question is:
At the location were the existing panel is located now you probably have some branch circuits that are energized and you need, right?

If so then if you set a “ fused or breaker” disconnect and relocate the panel will you still need to re- feed the old existing circuits.

If you do not need any of the existing circuits. Then set the disconnect, relocate the panel and feed from the new location..

If you need the circuits then possibly do this...

If you were to add up the new loads that you will be using. And the total is under 100 amps. You could keep the panel in it location. Run a branch circuit sized to carry the new loads plus 25%. And set a sub-panel in the new location. That way you will have minimal cost in labor to rework existing circuits. And all new circuits runs will be shortened.

Just a suggestion. Good luck

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Its a matter of semantics. What is 'the main'? Once you leave the main disconnect in place, the remainder of what you move is just a subpanel, right?

So if we go with "he has to move the main, and that means BOTH the main disconnect AND the breakers" ...well, that is NOT what the OP said.

OP said he need to move the *panel*

And of course, we really dont know what NEEDS to be done, only what op thinks it needs. I though it was a 'winner' since it probably did what actually needs.

I also assume that he has some circuits already wired to the current 200A panel. If he relocates that panel 200feet away, they how will those circuits currently being fed, get connected to the new main 200feet away?

Finally, I suppose it really did need more detail before anyone declares a a winner...

well the op could be more specific.

However, the way i read it is as follows:

The service goes to the main service panel where he needs to remodel.

So he needs to move the main service panel(combination of main disconnect and branch breakers).

One cannot remove the main disconnect from the rest of the main service panel, leave it and move the branch circuit portion of the panel. A main service panel is not modular.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Hello Folks,

Let me reword this.

Replace the 40+ year old main breaker panel with a 200 amp fused disconnect.

Then run the wire from this fused disconnect to the new 200 amp panel for the office, break room ect.


Capt. Chrysler

 

[bczygan]

Hello Folks,

Let me reword this.

Replace the 40+ year old main breaker panel with a 200 amp fused disconnect.

Then run the wire from this fused disconnect to the new 200 amp panel for the office, break room ect.


Capt. Chrysler

Still not clear. What circuits are in the existing main panel?

How will they be served?

Bill

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Still not clear. What circuits are in the existing main panel?

How will they be served?

Bill

The current office and break room will be gutted. A few lights that are staying can be feed from the new panel location.

Capt. Chrysler