Upgrading 100 Amp Electric Service Panel to 150 Amp
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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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| Home Electrical Wiring Safety | Method to Convert 220 volt to 120 volt |
I’m tripping circuit breakers. Some times and the main 100 amp main is tripping. The small breakers are all 20 amp which is good. I would like to put in a 150 amp main to fix the problems. Can I do that?
Hi Craig,
No, the main breaker should never be replaced with a larger circuit breaker. In fact NONE of the original circuit breakers should ever be replaced with a larger circuit breaker. If a circuit breaker is tripping then a circuit analysis should be performed to find out what is causing the circuit to trip. The purpose of the circuit breaker is to prevent overheating of the circuit wiring and components when there is a problem or fault. Replacing a circuit breaker with a larger one will create a hazardous condition which could lead to a fire.
Do not take chances, find the problem and be safe!
Dave