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Bob F Bob F is offline
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Default do I need to upgrade to 200 amp service?


wrote in message
ups.com...
This came out of another post I made, but is something I never really
considered. I currently have 100 amp service, with 7 blanks in my
electrical panel and will be adding 6 new circuits as I finish my
basement. Someone suggested upgrading to 200amp service. I don't
want to overload my existing capacity, but I figured I have a gas
water heater, gas clothes dryer, gas furnace, gas range, etc. The
only major electrical load I have is A/C in the summer (that I can
think of right now at least). Therefore, 200amp service had never
crossed my mind. Any suggestions/opinions? Also, if I did upgrade to
200 amp service, what is the cost and process? I assume that it
doesn't cost more to have 200amp service once you get it hooked up,
it's still the same rate per kWh, just that there's the potential to
use more, right? Thanks yet again!


The utility may charge to install bigger wires to the house, in addition to your
costs for the panel and wiring..

Consider buying "double" breakers for the new circuits in the current panel.
These are double 15 or 20 amp breakers that take the space of single breakers.
This will slow down the filling of the panel.

Bob