Service amperage

[David C. Macy]

Round meter base.
100 amp main breaker.
Appears to be #2 or #4 SEC Aluminum.

How would you report the service amps for this home? 60 or 100A.

I say the meter base is 60A
The SEC is 70A

I would report this as a 60 amp service.

[cbuell]

First of all the SEC's are copper and most likely #4. I tend to call these: "upgraded 60 amp services ." Most likely, because it is #4 copper, the 100amp panel will be ok, but I advise my buyer they should anticipate upgrading the service.

[David C. Macy]

Originally Posted by cbuell

First of all the SEC's are copper and most likely #4. I tend to call these: "upgraded 60 amp services ." Most likely, because it is #4 copper, the 100amp panel will be ok, but I advise my buyer they should anticipate upgrading the service.

Are the SEC tin coated copper?

[cbuell]

Given the age of the wire they would would have to be (my mind keeps wanting to find an exception )

[Speedy Petey]

If...

Originally Posted by dmacy

Appears to be #2 or #4 SEC Aluminum.

Then why......

Originally Posted by dmacy

The SEC is 70A

I would report this as a 60 amp service.

If you are not sure of the size how can you call it anything????



If it is #2AL or #4CU then it is indeed a 100A service.

Originally Posted by cbuell

Most likely, because it is #4 copper, the 100amp panel will be ok, but I advise my buyer they should anticipate upgrading the service.

THIS is a perfect way to report it.

[relliott]

Would just like to add that Paul Abernathy has told us in the past that the meter base is just a guide rather than a limitation.
And the Gauge is a limitation as is the Main Breaker,taking smaller of the two as the limitation.
If the gauge is not rated for 100 amps or better I would call that a defect.
Speedy is right about needing accuracy.

[Greg Fretwell]

Without knowing more about this house I would never say 100a was too small. "Fossil" appliances could make 100a overkill.

[relliott]

Hi Greg..I should have clarified better as I was refering to the specific situation above ,as the Breaker is rated at 100 amps.
Though fossil appliances use more juice than newer more energy efficient models.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by relliott

Hi Greg..I should have clarified better as I was refering to the specific situation above ,as the Breaker is rated at 100 amps.
Though fossil appliances use more juice than newer more energy efficient models.

I think Greg meant fossil fuel burning major appliances, rather than those that run on electricity.