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Service Upgrade Page

This page is designed to let you know what benefits
a "service up-grade will do for you and to help you decide if you need an up-grade.

Pictures coming soon!!

A "service up-grade" is a term used to describe either

changing from a fuse panel to a breaker panel

or

increasing the amperage you have available, ie going from a 100 amp main to a 200 amp main.

or

a combination of both of the above.

Changing from a fuse panel to a breaker panel will provide you with a safer electrical box.
There are several factors to contribute this to.

  • When changing a fuse, there is a chance for you to come in contact with an energized part. A breaker panel eliminates this danger.

  • Resetting a breaker keeps you from coming in contact with "live" electrical parts.
  • When replacing a fuse, it is possible to install a larger amperage fuse. This is very dangerous.
  • Most home owners will (thankfully) not try to install a larger amperage breaker.
  • With some financial lending institutions, it is a requirement to "up-grade" to a breaker panel.

Increasing the amperage you have available is another way to "up-grade" your service. This gives you more power (amperage) to utilize.
Several reasons to up-grade for this reason are:

  • If you are having problems tripping your main or are coming close to tripping your main because of to much load.

  • Adding a large load that may overload your main, ie a new air conditioner, stove, etc.
  • You have reached the limit on the number of breakers code will allow you to install in your panel. explanation

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Explanation:

The code states that we must abide by all of the manufactures instructions. The manufactures tell us we can only have a certain number of breakers installed in the panel box.
110-3(b) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
All boxes at one time or another have a diagram affixed to the inside of them. This diagram details how many circuits can be added to the panel. Most of the time, a 100 amp panel will hold 20 breakers, and a 200 amp panel will hold 40 breakers.

The code also states in 384-15 that "Not more than 42 overcurrent devices (other than those provided for in the mains) of a lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboard shall be installed in any one cabinet or cutout box."

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