Hello All,
First off, I hope it is ok for me to post on this site in attempting to get some valuable information. I’m a DIY homeowner who’s done construction/electrical most my life (Dad was a contractor/engineer) which includes some full residential restorations for myself with permits.
I live in south Alabama and would appreciate responses by those who are familiar with the NEC and/or local codes, thanks.
Anyhow, I want to install a whole house surge protector but have a few challenges. Most notebly we have a lug only load center that is full (6 throw limit).
I am contiplating installing a 100amp subpanel to the load center via a short piece of metal conduit. I will then remove two 30amp circuits from the existing load center and place those into the new subpanel. That will allow me to hook up a SPD to a new 20amp dp breaker in the load center.
MY QUESTIONS ARE:
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Can I run the existing 30amp “circuit” wires(white/black/ground) through the metal conduit and into the new subpanel even though the plastic romex sheathing has been removed? Otherwise, must I splice the wires within the load center with some 10/2/g that still has sheathing and run that into the new subpanel?
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I have some some #2 awg wire but with a bare #8 ground(see pic). Will the ground wire suffice to feed the new subpanel? Just FYI, the electric meter box is earth grounded. It is attached with a short piece of metal conduit to the load center. Everything is properly bonded(metal cans, busses, ground bar) and the subpanel will be also due to metal conduit.
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I’m waiting to contact the License Dept. until I have finalized my plan. What are the odds they will make me cut the power for such a subpanel install? I have electrical gloves and rubber mats, etc. and my Dad will be on stand by. I ask because, if that is the case I may opt to just replace the panel.
Thanks, Ralph