So I am in the first steps of planning a new area and am thinking about 9k for bloom and 2k for veg. Now the breaker box at the place only has a 100 amp breaker box, so 11 lights x 4.5 amps @220=49.5 amps. Now I am going to need AC (mini split) in the summer, a dehumidifier (probably sante fe) and fans, pumps etc. Do you think a 100 amp box is sufficient for this set up or do I need to consider upgrading the box to a 200 amp? I will also be living there too, but use little electricity besides computer, tv, stove, and a possible seperate window ac in the summer for the living area. The furnace and water heater are gas. If I need to upgrade to a 200 amp (I have never done this before) I would need top call the electric company to turn off the power right? Is that something that they have to physically come to the house to do or can they just flip a switch? Are there any other ways to do this?
Options and limits for 100 amp breaker box?
- Thread starter louie
- Start date
OsWiZzLe
Active member
most def need to run more then 100 amps...an AC to cool all of that is gonna be like another 20-30 amps at 220v and u shold try for 80% max on a 100 amp breaker.... do you have a light controller for all those lights? Adding more AMPS is some major upgrading....ALL electrician/electric company.....and if they come to add another leg/pole you'll for sure have to turn the main off.
I keep reading posts about this and so many people have it in their heads that it is a major problem/issue to add or change out a breaker box.
It isn't difficult at all... Just do it.
Start with this:#1. Remove any trace of your grow operation.
#2. Go buy your new breaker box and an RV power box.
#3. Call the power company and tell them that you need a power disconnect for the day so you can install the RV power box. They will stop and throw the main breaker at the transformer "or" simply remove your meter until you call them for a reconnect later the same day.
Once the power is off simply install the $35 RV hookup outside for them to inspect and hook up the power to your new box at the same time.
They will look at the obvious RV hook up and reconnect your power.
BUT make sure that you pay attention to the details on your work or you will be calling them back or the fire dept.
An idea to consider:
Most utility companies will give you a line drop for free with 24 hrs notice for tree/shrub removal and/or something really simple like re-sealing the roof jack where the main power drops to the original distribution/circuit panel.
Just be sure that you don't have ANY obvious work outside where they can see it if you decide to not install an RV outlet.
It isn't difficult at all... Just do it.
Start with this:#1. Remove any trace of your grow operation.
#2. Go buy your new breaker box and an RV power box.
#3. Call the power company and tell them that you need a power disconnect for the day so you can install the RV power box. They will stop and throw the main breaker at the transformer "or" simply remove your meter until you call them for a reconnect later the same day.
Once the power is off simply install the $35 RV hookup outside for them to inspect and hook up the power to your new box at the same time.
They will look at the obvious RV hook up and reconnect your power.
BUT make sure that you pay attention to the details on your work or you will be calling them back or the fire dept.
An idea to consider:
Most utility companies will give you a line drop for free with 24 hrs notice for tree/shrub removal and/or something really simple like re-sealing the roof jack where the main power drops to the original distribution/circuit panel.
Just be sure that you don't have ANY obvious work outside where they can see it if you decide to not install an RV outlet.
worst advice ever. most people on here are no where near qualified to be changing out a panel. I had a well qualified friend, do mine, and i helped throughout the entire process, but my first time, hell no, im not going to risk burning my house down to save a few g's.
GET IT DONE RIGHT
OsWiZzLe
Active member
Exactly..Great Advice
yea talking about G's that jobs gonna cost a pretty penny. i had no idea electricians were so expensive lol....really something i wish i could DIY but not gonna risk it.
Dang, I figured I was going to have to upgrade. Wow, it is going to cost g's to get an electrician to the job. It seems like a relatively easy job once you have done it before, maybe two hours tops? I think I am going to do a whole lot of reading up as to how to diy it and then make a decision based on that info if I think I can safely handle the job. I have basic electricity experience, wiring new outlets and minor stuff. Anyone know of any threads that have detailed info about upgrading your breaker box?
Sounds like an older property, just to be sure you may want to eyeball the lead in from the pole some older places have something like #8 put 100A continuous through that and it will light up like a toaster bad karma indeed
before you go upgrading you breaker box....THINK ABOUT THE WIRE THAT FEEDS THE BREAKER BOX.....
if the breaker box is a 100amp, then it is most likely being fed by a wire ment for 100amps no more, in fact it might be rated at 80 amps(80% of max load), so changing the breaker box and not the wire feeding it from the telephone poll is a HUGE FIRE RISK.....
in order to change the wire from the pole to your house and the breaker box, you have to call the electric company and ask them for an upgrade, and they wiil ask what for...ect....
the point is that it is illegal to upgrade the feed wire and breaker box without the knowledge of the electric company, you could get an electrician to do it but it is going to be pricey, because to him that job means loosing his license just like if he was doing a bypass....(at least in my area it is)
btw- it also makes a diff if the feed wire is copper or aluminum, if its an older house chances are its aluminum
if the breaker box is a 100amp, then it is most likely being fed by a wire ment for 100amps no more, in fact it might be rated at 80 amps(80% of max load), so changing the breaker box and not the wire feeding it from the telephone poll is a HUGE FIRE RISK.....
in order to change the wire from the pole to your house and the breaker box, you have to call the electric company and ask them for an upgrade, and they wiil ask what for...ect....
the point is that it is illegal to upgrade the feed wire and breaker box without the knowledge of the electric company, you could get an electrician to do it but it is going to be pricey, because to him that job means loosing his license just like if he was doing a bypass....(at least in my area it is)
btw- it also makes a diff if the feed wire is copper or aluminum, if its an older house chances are its aluminum
A good excuse for a service upgrade is that you want to install (in the future of course) a tank-less electric water heater as a large one draws some serous amps
the limt is.....100 amps
fishheadbob
Member
It's a job for an electrician. In some states you even need an inspection before the power company turns you back on. My inspectors showed up exactly on time; when they saw it was a pro job they didn't even look hard, but if it was a D.I.Y. job they would have been all over it. I think they knew the electrician, the $25 or $50 for the inspection was good peace of mind for me to know it was done right.
It doesn't hurt to have a good cover story, but I've been upgraded twice, from 60 to 100 and from 100 to 200, they never asked why. Generally you're responsible for everything past the meter in your place. When I went from 100 to 200 the power company replaced the overhead wire with a heavier one on their dime since it's in their interest for me to use more juice.
The 2g or so you're going to spend is the cost of doing business.
It doesn't hurt to have a good cover story, but I've been upgraded twice, from 60 to 100 and from 100 to 200, they never asked why. Generally you're responsible for everything past the meter in your place. When I went from 100 to 200 the power company replaced the overhead wire with a heavier one on their dime since it's in their interest for me to use more juice.
The 2g or so you're going to spend is the cost of doing business.
Dr. Buddington
Member
The thing is that if you do enough research yourself you should be able to get most of the work done yourself; as in assemble the panel, drill any holes necessary, run any wire needed. Then you find an electrician guy to come out and hook up all of the stuff together. Most of the time they wont mind having their name on the job, so then you call an inspector to check it out. And since the electrician had to be there for a much shorter period of time - you save a good amount money.
IMO you shouldn't gamble with your life, home and investment. Do it once and do it right.
IMO you shouldn't gamble with your life, home and investment. Do it once and do it right.
fishheadbob
Member
Yes they replaced the overhead wire. The original wire had probably been there since this place got electricity in the 1930s. Who knows how heavy a wire you might have ? Might be enough, might not. The power company can tell, give them a call, and when their guy shows up get him talking. Most of those guys know a lot and are happy to give you a lot of good info.
Very good idea.
As already stated, your panel is not the weak link. The wire feeding the house is the weak link. I could easily do a panel swap, but would never attempt to change the wire from the pole to the house.
If you dont know much bout electricity, I would have an electrician do the main change and panel swap. Then you could run the circuits to your rooms yourself. Or have him do that too. Post an ad on Craigslist in the labor gigs section. bet you get better rates than people from the phonebook.
But here is an EASY solution...
ready?
FLIP FLOP rooms
2 flower rooms 4-5KW each, running on alternate cycles.
Wont save you any on the electric bill but will lower your total amperage usage at one time, and will avoid those nasty 12/12 spikes
