Upgrading 100 Amp Electric Service Panel to 150 Amp

April 16, 2019 by: Dave Rongey Upgrading a Bulldog Pushmatic Electrical Service Panel: The exact Size and Type of conductors may be identified to see if they are rated for a higher amperage, however when upgrading to a higher amperage panel it is typical to install new service conductors.

Upgrading a Home Electrical Service Panel
Electrical Question #1: My home has 100amp service with a “Pushmatic” panel. The incoming cooper line (underground) is rated as a # 4 line. The home has central AC air conditioner which is on a separate box off the original 100 amp service.

• My question is this, can I upgrade my electric service to 150 amp while using the current line by upgrading my panel box to a more effective and efficient one?

Thanks, Bob

This electrical wiring question came from Bob, a Homeowner from Southold, New York.

Additional Comments: This website is a life saver!

Electrical Question #2

• I have a old Bulldog Pushmatic 100 amp panel. I want to upgrade it to a 200amp I already called the power company they said I can do it. How do I know if I have to install a GFCI breaker or do I have to put a GFCI outlet as my first point of contact on the circuit to be up to code? is the only way is tracing out all the wire and seeing where my first point of contact is? also what if some of my wires don’t have grounds? thanks

This electrical wiring question came from Ben, a Electrician in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring questions.

Upgrading a Home Electrical Service Panel

An electric service upgrade where the amperage of the main electrical service will be increased will require new service feeder wire to be installed. The exact Size and Type of conductors may be identified to see if they are rated for a higher amperage, however when upgrading to a higher amperage panel it is typical to install new service conductors.

GFCI Outlet at the Electrical Service Panel

An electric service panel installation requires a GFCI protected outlet to be located at the location of the panel.

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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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