Any electricians out there?

[basstardo]

Looking to upgrade from 125 Amp fuse panel to a breaker box, and maybe upping the amperage. Anybody had this done or have any idea on cost?

[saltandsand]

We had the transformer replaced, upgraded power from 120 to 220 amps. New transformer and meter installed by BG&E at no dollar cost but alot of aggravation. Had to complete specs and show demand, get approved, etc. Then they scheduled wrong, an hour of non-sense on phone and extra cost of electrician. My county will not accept work unless done or approved by a master electrician.

Costs will vary on the project. In our case we installed a sub-panel, connected with 3 phase/4 wire (approximately 80 feet), split the bus to 110 shared panel for adequate breaker space, the safety break off and aluminum supply from meter to first bus panel. Not including other work (circuit breakers and wiring, controls, etc. within the circuits), just the cost to heavy up...I'll guess was approximately $1,500 to $1,800...kinda hard to separate out all the stuff.

I suppose its going to vary based on what the local code will allow. The above was not our only option, and not the least expensive but did give us the most bang for the buck.

[basstardo]

The wiring in the house and service is fine right now, but I will eventually want to upgrade it. We're supposed to close on this house at the end of May, but there are other electrical repairs the seller has to fix first. Nothing wrong with a fuse panel, but I'd still rather upgrade.

[saltandsand]

The wiring in the house and service is fine right now, but I will eventually want to upgrade it. We're supposed to close on this house at the end of May, but there are other electrical repairs the seller has to fix first. Nothing wrong with a fuse panel, but I'd still rather upgrade.

Looks like what I bought. Alot of work. Planning is important. If repairs are being done you may want to seriously consider whether you want them to do it or take a price reduction and do it yourself (or with help.) Here's my reasoning: you may want to put more on a circuit, you may want additional services installed, you may want to reserve capacity for an outer structure or pool or aquarium or work center to build the finest of lures, etc. All these decisions will affect the type and capacity of wiring and other things. Wire is not cheap, copper is expensive, if you pay for it once and then have to rip it out and pay for it again the only value you retain is the salvage value of the copper.

Alot of things should be considered. I don't know these details. But, for instance, we had two HVAC units installed, one in attic and one for downstairs. Price of units and electrical was cheaper than ducting between floors. We then build addition and installed a third HVAC. We could have saved by running a larger wire to the first unit but did not see that far ahead. I was working more on capacity planning than the finer detail. Was not an overly costly mistake, lack of adequate capacity would have cost thousands since essentially one HVAC system would have to be replaced with higher tonage. The three zones are fantastic. Great comfort and very efficient. Wear and tear is minimal and units will last a lifetime. Here's the point...have you thought through all these issues? If not, you may be better to assume the work yourself.

Other issues: cannister lights, strip lights, water hearing services (many types and advantages/disadvantages), HVAC (again alot of options, the Mitsubishi Mr. Slim appears to be becoming affordable...dunno for sure), cooking, outside boxes and patch ins, etc. Plus, when you make access for electrical re-wire you may want to consider putting in a permanent conduit for cable, audio/visual, etc. or wire up to a higher standard.

Alot to consider....have fun...glad I'm almost done....for now...I will be running another sub-panel to re-do the garage for my in-laws in a few years so more fun to come.

Sorry if it appears that I know a lot about this, I've got the slices on my hands from the experience I've gained. Let me know if you need to shoot some ideas around...more than happy to discuss.

[J_Lannon]

I recently upgraded my 125 amp load center to a 200 amp. I was lucky enough to have the main cable from the street capable of handling the the load. That reduced my cost considerably. Thats your biggest concern right now. Have a competent person check it out for you.

[reelfixer]

If you do the work yourself, the cost is less than $500.00 for 200 amp service. You usually need a homeowners permit and have it inspected, but you can do it yourself. Most decent electrical inspectors will even tell you how. I know I always did when I was inspecting.

[AL_N_VB]

PM me if you need an inexpensive master electrician that needs side work. I just did a renovation, and my guy is pretty good.

[Sully]

Changed to 200 amp from 100 amp. cost was $10.00 PER AMP
OR 2,000.00 also added four ground fault circuits, garage kitchen and both bathrooms...

[Cdog]

Terry, I upgraded from a fuse panel and 100amp service to 200 amp, breaker panel ,added a generator panel and a second breaker box in the garage for about 3 grand.

[mountainsalt]

dude it's been awhile since I've done this kinda stuff, but all that has been said so far is pretty much right on the money. I am guessing you are buying an older house 70's vintage or older, since it has a fuse panel.
Just echoing what has already been said check with you power company for that service for load capacity, they may have to upgrade the supply.
The main thing I haven't seen mentioned is have a good electrician check your wiring to make sure you don't have any of that old tar and fiber wrapped stuff that was used in alot of older houses, could be alot of upgrades needed.

Good luck

[CrawFish]

Sorry 4 hijacking Terry. While we're on the subject.

Any idea why why outside jacks don't work? Does it somehow connected to some of the jacks from the inside? Thanks.

[Sully]

Corroaded receptacles, or tripped ground fault, tripped breaker, they should be ground fault. need a good watertight outdoor cover. and yes mostly pick-up power from a receptacle directly accross or close there to.

[Orest]

Check all your GFI inside your home. For my house the outside outlets are tied into the GFI in the upstairs bathroom. Can you guess how long it took me to figure that out?:mad:

Or you might have GFI breaker in your panel box.

[CrawFish]

GFI, how come I never thought of that. My breaker box is fine, I checked that. But I have the old style w/out the light GFI. I'll to check all of them this week. Thanks I'll let y'all know my progress.

[basstardo]

No worries Teo, we've got one out as well, so you answered one of my own questions. ;)

[saltandsand]

Check all your GFI inside your home. For my house the outside outlets are tied into the GFI in the upstairs bathroom. Can you guess how long it took me to figure that out?:mad:

Or you might have GFI breaker in your panel box.

GFI, how come I never thought of that. My breaker box is fine, I checked that. But I have the old style w/out the light GFI. I'll to check all of them this week. Thanks I'll let y'all know my progress.

This situation likely means the service circuit is not properly grounded. A serious matter that should be attended to.