100 Amp vs 200 Amp

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish

Is this required by codes or insurance companies?

I did a very small house (550-600 sq ft over a crawl space, no laundry) inspection for a retiring single lady a few years back which had a 10-15 years old 240v, 60 amp entrance. Did the standard calcs by the local codes and it was OK at 60 amps but I warned the lady that the insurance company would want to see a 100 amp service. 3-4 months later, got a call from her saying she finally bought the house but it had been upgraded to 100 amps by the vendor even though the local electrical inspector said it was still alright. The insurance companies have too much power!!!

Exactly did a prestine 750 sq.ft. home Gas stove gas fire place gas dryer Gas water heater.60 amp sq D home was perfect. But The insurance siad it must be a 100 amp service .

. Cookie

[Peter C. Russell]

I would like some help on this one.

100 Amp service in a 1880 / 2300 square foot home with an original carriage shed/barn. Barn had about 5 lights and some outlets.

The house had a 220 line in the basement for a dryer, electric hot water, electric range, new kitchen with trash compactor, disposal, exhaust vents ETC. what made me suspicious was the entry cable for the 100 amp was 4 gauge and there was a 2 gauge cable running up the chimney case to the third floor. Up there was the sub panel you see in the picture which had another 220 line for a second dryer, ( the one in the basement is not being used ), electric heat for the third floor and all the outlets and lights.

Your thought are appreciated, Thanks.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by prussell

I would like some help on this one.

100 Amp service in a 1880 / 2300 square foot home with an original carriage shed/barn. Barn had about 5 lights and some outlets.

The house had a 220 line in the basement for a dryer, electric hot water, electric range, new kitchen with trash compactor, disposal, exhaust vents ETC. what made me suspicious was the entry cable for the 100 amp was 4 gauge and there was a 2 gauge cable running up the chimney case to the third floor. Up there was the sub panel you see in the picture which had another 220 line for a second dryer, ( the one in the basement is not being used ), electric heat for the third floor and all the outlets and lights.

Your thought are appreciated, Thanks.

Might not be much help as I'm going by our Canadian code: The #4 must have been from an older 70 amp entrance and the panel was upgraded/replaced.

Depending on the amount of electric heat, 100 amps might be alright but it appears you don't have that due to the entry cable size.

[Peter C. Russell]

Brian, that was my thought as I suspect the original service was 60 amp fuses.
There is a fuse box, 15 amp that still controls the emergency shut off for the boiler.

The seller also claimed that one of the largest electrical contractors in the city owned the house before him and did all of the electrical upgrades, so in his mind everything is OK.

I then said if that is true why aren't there any GFCIs next to the bathroom sinks....... Room went silent!!!!

[pdickerson]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

Air conditioner at 7200

Ahh. That's why it is 82 amps. I figured low 50's without the AC.

[brian winkle]

Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish

Might not be much help as I'm going by our Canadian code: The #4 must have been from an older 70 amp entrance and the panel was upgraded/replaced.

Depending on the amount of electric heat, 100 amps might be alright but it appears you don't have that due to the entry cable size.

If it is #4 copper it it properly sized for a 100 amp service per NEC 310.15(B)(6)

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by brian winkle

If it is #4 copper it it properly sized for a 100 amp service per NEC 310.15(B)(6)

Interesting!! Our codes list various types of #4: TW- 70 amps; RW75, TW75- 85 amps; R90, RW90, T90nylon-85 amps. We don't even get close to 100 amps.