400 AMP SERVICE WITH 2 200 AMP PANELS
You’re thinking about upgrading your electrical system. You should install 400 AMP SERVICE WITH 2 200 AMP PANELS. There are many factors to consider, including cost, benefits, installation, and subtasks. Read on to learn more. After you know which options are best for your home or business, start thinking about the subtasks that you’ll need to complete to ensure that you get the maximum results.
Cost
When it comes to electrical panel upgrades, the process is usually free to the homeowner and is part of their ongoing electrical service bill. To get started, the electrical contractor will consult with a representative of the electrical utility to determine the current wiring size and condition. The utility representative will measure the length and size of the existing wire from the pole. If the existing wires are 400 AWG, the system can handle up to three-hundred and fifty-five copper amps or 270 aluminum amps.
The process will take between eight to ten hours to complete. The cost will depend on the type of panel and the amperage. You should also take into account moving the electrical panel. Often, older houses will have 80 or 60 amp panels. These may not be up to code or meet modern electrical demands.
Benefits
A 400 AMP service is a great choice for those who want more flexibility and power in their home. Using two 200 AMP panels in different areas of your home can mean shorter runs to each device. This will reduce voltage drop and prevent the buildup of heat in motors.
Previously, heavy-duty appliances such as dishwashers and dryers were not common. But over the years, the number of electronic devices and appliances has increased. As a result, many homes began using 200 AMP panels. Today, these panels are the best choice for many small and medium-sized homes. They can power heating systems and conventional electric appliances. In the past, only very large homes would require a 400 AMP service.
If you’re planning to purchase new electrical appliances, you must check whether your current system can support them. If you’re unsure, you should contact an electrician. Check that your circuit breakers aren’t tripping regularly. Also, check your wiring to ensure it can support the new appliances.
Installation
Installing a 400 AMP service with 2 200 AMP panel is a good solution when you need more than one panel can handle. However, in some cases, it may not be possible to install more than one 200 AMP panel. That is where the subpanel comes into play. The subpanel can be a separate unit that has a service line that feeds the main panel.
Typically, a feeder cable will have three insulated conductors and a bare copper grounding wire. Each wire should be sized appropriately for the amperage of the subpanel. Copper wire is better than aluminum because it can be run over longer distances. Copper wire will reduce the voltage drop that occurs because of natural resistance. The longer the wire run, the larger the wire gauge will need to be.
Subtasks
A 200 amp sub-panel can feed up to 3 sub-panels. The 200 amp main panel is usually the load center and the main breaker box. The second 200 amp panel feeds into the house and is connected to the first one. Then, the sub-panels are connected to the main panel.
A two-lug meter base has two hot and two neutral connections. This allows separate service lines to be safely attached and meets local electrical codes. Installing a two-lug meter base in the main panel will help you avoid costly underground wiring and increase the safety of your home. Be sure to consult local government codes, as they may differ from National Electrical Code requirements.
Cost to upgrade electrical panel
You might be wondering how much it would cost to upgrade your electrical panel. The good news is that it’s not as expensive as you might think. There are a number of ways to save money on this renovation, including choosing the right materials, doing some groundwork, and knowing your budget. Getting an estimate will also help you make the right choices.
If you’re planning to install specialty equipment in your home that uses a large amount of electricity, you might need to upgrade your panel to 400 amps. Upgrading your electrical panel to 400 amps can run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the current setup. This is a major upgrade, which will require a lot of extra wiring, underground conduit, and a higher labor price.