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Electrical Inspections Contains discussions about electrical systems. This includes receptacles, panels, wiring, etc.

 
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  #1  
Old 9/28/10, 5:43 PM
Sidney Alstad Sidney Alstad is offline
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Default Service size is?

4/0 copper feed from meter to panel, 8 total breakers in this panel including a 150 amp disconnect for the panel directly to the right, (not pictured), fed with 2/0 copper, the neutral is visible as it is double tapped at the neutral lug for pictured panel. Is there any way to know what size the service amperage is?
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service-size-hpim1832.jpg   service-size-hpim1830.jpg   service-size-hpim1831.jpg  
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  #2  
Old 9/28/10, 6:42 PM
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Jeffrey R. Pope Jeffrey R. Pope is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

Where is the service disconnect? This appears to be wired as service equipment, so a disconnect would be required. That would likely give you a better indication of the capacity.



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  #3  
Old 9/28/10, 6:57 PM
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Bob Elliott Bob Elliott is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

So he is telling you to look at the main breaker on the meter panel and see how many amps it is rated for .(simple explanation)
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Old 9/28/10, 7:10 PM
Sidney Alstad Sidney Alstad is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

There is no main disconnect. No disconnect at the exterior meter panel (picture 1). Only disconnect is a 150 amp breaker with 2/0 copper (bottom of picture 2) that feeds distribution panel to the right of this panel (picture 3).

That is why I am having difficulty finding the service amperage. Note that the two 2/0 neutrals are double tapped at the main panel in the OP. This is the first time I've ever seen 4/0 copper in a panel. It was not marked 4/0 copper, but was noticeably larger than the 2/0 copper.
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service-size-hpim1833.jpg   service-size-hpim1831.jpg   service-size-hpim1824.jpg  
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  #5  
Old 9/28/10, 7:34 PM
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Bob Elliott Bob Elliott is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

Great ,they can just switch out breakers live or pull the meter head.
"Electrician time".
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  #6  
Old 9/28/10, 9:33 PM
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Jeffrey R. Pope Jeffrey R. Pope is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

4/0 CU is rated for 225 amps, but it's unlikely that panel is rated that high. The panel rating would be the limiting factor, but absent a service-disconnect, the point is moot. The installation needs to be corrected.



IF YOUR INSPECTOR IS NOT USING THERMAL IMAGING, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THE WHOLE PICTURE ®
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
Santa Clarita CA
(661) 212-0738
Santa Clarita Home Inspection
http://www.MyInspector.net


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  #7  
Old 9/28/10, 10:11 PM
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Brian E. Kelly Brian E. Kelly is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

sure that is not a sub panel, and the panel to the right is the main?

Something odd looking about the way the main conductors are routed.

Last edited by bkelly2; 9/28/10 at 11:38 PM.. Reason: syntax
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  #8  
Old 9/28/10, 10:14 PM
Sidney Alstad Sidney Alstad is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpope View Post
4/0 CU is rated for 225 amps, but it's unlikely that panel is rated that high. The panel rating would be the limiting factor, but absent a service-disconnect, the point is moot. The installation needs to be corrected.
Yes, that was one of my concerns. Both panels were rated for 200 amps.
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  #9  
Old 9/29/10, 9:56 AM
wsiegel wsiegel is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

My guess would be it is a 200 amp, if that is what both the boxes are set up for. Looks like the service panel has a 150 amp breaker for the interior distribution panel.
Those other breaker probably feed the AC, Pool, or other outside items.
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  #10  
Old 9/29/10, 11:31 PM
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Kenneth Dolin Kenneth Dolin is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

was that meter box square? what is the meter rated at?



Ken Dolin
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  #11  
Old 10/3/10, 1:46 PM
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dhuxted dhuxted is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

It would be rated the same as the breaker in the main panel serving the sub, may be using over sized wire which is fine( service to the sub looks to me like it originates from the breaker in the main) Therefore the sub can not be more than the breaker that serves it.
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  #12  
Old 10/3/10, 2:22 PM
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Kenneth Dolin Kenneth Dolin is offline
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Default Re: Service size is?

Yes Yes, but dont forget the main rule is that the service size is equal to the weakest link up to and including the panel



Ken Dolin
Kenco Home Inspections
WWW.Kenco.org
State of Florida Licensed Home Inspector HI 59
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