DIYbanter - View Single Post - upgrading electrical service in an old house

zxcvbob

wrote:
On Feb 17, 11:52 am, Bud-- wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
russ-bo wrote:
We have purchased a home built in 1890 that requires an electric
upgrade. It is currently 100A and we would like to upgrade to at
least 200A. The electric runs from a pole behind our backyard, then
underground for about 100 feet, directly into our basement. We live
in the Boston area. About how much should we plan to spend? Any
thoughts on ranges greatly appreciated. Thanks much.
If you do it yourself, you can buy a 200-Amp "kit" at a box store for about
$250. It takes about four hours (exclusive of trips BACK to the box store
for such things as wall anchors, wire nuts, etc.).
Then there is the meter socket, unless existing is rated 200A. And the
service wire has to be upgraded, which requires larger conduit. And the
underground run may or may not have to be replaced depending on the
existing size and whether owned by the customer or utility. If the
utility replaces it, they may charge the customer.

--
bud--

While you're on the subject, here's my story
I am just getting started on a similar project. My old service is 100A
overhead, my load center is a 24 breaker C-H; the main breakers occupy
two of the 24 positions in the panel.

My oil burner died, and we're going with an electric heat pump and air
handler. The old system included central air, and there is a 220/50A
branch circuit off the old load center to an outside disconnect.
However, the old oil burner ran on a 120/20A breaker, and the new air
handlers require 220/75A. My existing load center cannot provide this.

75A for an air handler? Are you sure about that? (Maybe it has heat
strips in it)

Bob