Replies

1. 
   FrankB89 | Mar 16, 2003 05:52am | #1

   It's pretty common these days to install a split 400A service in rural areas.  No special code requirements other than wire size and grounding...One 200A service is for the dwelling...the other for periferals like well pump, shop, barn, etc.

    

   
   

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   Edited 3/16/2003 12:06:56 AM ET by Notchman

2. 
   CloudHidden | Mar 16, 2003 05:59am | #2

   I have 200 upstairs and 200 down. No big deal as I recall.

3. 
   IronHelix | Mar 16, 2003 06:13am | #3

   You have two sources of info.....utility company's requirements and local/national codes. 

   Your specific set-up details will determine what should be done as per the above. And if you happen to be in an area where things are "loose" and the utility supplier  is indiffrent and there are no inspectors then your good name is on the line.

   If it is your name...follow NEC, that way when it burns down the fire marshall will not  find it was an electrical wiring problem.

   ...........................Iron Helix

4. 
   4Lorn1 | Mar 16, 2003 06:56am | #4

   400A with two 200A panels is pretty common for McMansions. We install a 400A meter base and two fused disconnects at the meter. The panels go in the house. By having two panels at opposite ends to make the runs shorter. With SOG houses PVC conduit is run under the slab to the panels.

   I have also done it, on smaller houses, with one inside and one in either the garage or a barn.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 16, 2003 08:39pm | #5

   I put a 300 amp meter base in my inlaws house. Used 350kcmil cable from the weather head to a wiring trough, where I parralled to a 200 amp distribution panel and a 100 amp panel for the geothermal unit.

   It passed inspection of a real picky old geezer. His suggested design by the way.

   Sound about right to you?

   Dave

1. 
   r_ignacki | Mar 16, 2003 10:18pm | #6

   remember a remodel that had an 800 A service installed, had some type of CT Cabinet ?

5. 
   jerrach1 | Mar 17, 2003 03:49am | #7

   Thanks for all the posts, the house in question has just had a surprise, 2-70 amp boilers added for a steam room.

1. 
   wallyo | Mar 20, 2003 08:42pm | #8

   Just was at home depot today looking at pannels they are now carring a 400 amp panel here pretty spendy $500.00 plus it has a 400amp meter base with a 200amp exterior pannel then you still must buy another 200 amp pannel.  May be cheaper to go with 2 -200 amp meter bases and 200 amp pannel and have two services with two meters if allowed by code and utility company.

1. 
   migraine | Mar 20, 2003 11:42pm | #9

   The electric company will usually charge you for the addtn'l hook up might be cheaper in the long run.  remember all that extra wire, also

2. 
   JohnSprung | Mar 21, 2003 02:06am | #10

   I'm going to 400 for my place.  Here in LA, the DWP allows only one model of Milbank box for that, it comes with two 200 A breakers.  From there you are required to feed two sub panels, which is what I wanted to do anyhow.

   -- J.S.

3. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 21, 2003 08:29am | #11

   Who is the mfg. of the 400 amp panel?

1. 
   wallyo | Mar 21, 2003 08:19pm | #12

   I am pretty sure it was Square D.  I will be going there this afternoon anyway and will double check, and get back to you.  It is a big sucker though the box takes up half the bay it is sitting on.

2. 
   4Lorn1 | Mar 21, 2003 11:37pm | #13

   You might, depending on details, select to avoid a single 400A box. Having two smaller panels located at opposite ends of a large house can make electrical runs shorter and make the electricians job, and the cost, easier.

   It also can make good sense to keep the panels located relatively close to the loads controlled. This can limit the number of disconnects needing wiring and means the HO doesn't need to walk as far to correct a tripped breaker. Some of my favorite location are in the garage/shop, this makes shop related tripping and possibly both an air handler and water heater disconnects much easier, and in a laundry room at the other end of the house. The latter can also help with disconnects and circuit lengths for major loads such as the drier, the second air handler and a second water heater.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 22, 2003 12:20am | #14

   I was just interested in the mfg. of a 400 amp panel. Normally at work when we install over a 200 amp panel we have to build the whole panel box. Mostly, we use GE, but we do have our Data Center on Square D panels. Virtualy all of them are the screw down type breakers types used in commercial wiring.

   My new house will be a 200 amp service, but it is nice to know that the industry has finally recognized the need for higher aperage distribution panels for todays larger and more energy hungry homes.

   Dave

2. 
   JohnSprung | Mar 22, 2003 12:33am | #15

   Yes, also good is in multi-story houses to have a panel per floor.  That way you don't have to climb stairs in the dark.

   -- J.S.

3. 
   wallyo | Mar 22, 2003 01:16am | #16

   I was wrong it is a Siemans which is weird because every other one on the shelf is a square D.  It is only as big as one third of a shelf.

   There is one 320-400 amp meter base, intergrated is one 40 slot or so pannel with a 200 amp breaker.  It is set for a bottom feed,  Then you buy another pannel to go upstairs or another out building.  Can be yours for $529.00 (here).

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 23, 2003 12:09pm | #17

   Thanks wally. Good information to have. I put a 300 amp service in my inlaws home when I built it, but had tp use a 200 amp distribution panel with a wiring trough below it, where I parralelled off of the entry cable to another 100 amp disconect panel. I used a Siemens panel in that house, and as late as two years ago I ask my supply house if Siemens was making a 300 amp panel yet. The answer was no, but you can still build them. Cost dosen't seem to far out of line from my experience in purchaseing the cabinet, busses and terminal strips for large amp GE panels we have built, but those were mostly three phase.

   Dave

2. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 23, 2003 03:54pm | #18

   Yes, but you are still limited to 42 poles in a single pannel.

   Start with the 2 kitchen appliance circuits, separate circuits for each built in appliance. A separate 20 amp for each bathroom, etc. Then through in a workshop and you are over 42.