Are Circuit Breakers Over-rated?

Posted by HeyBub on November 2, 2009, 9:50 pm

DerbyDad03 wrote:

> re: "Third, it's NOT dangerous. Or complicated. Union people do it
> every day."
> That oughta endear you to the "union people".

Buncha humorless scolds, you ask me.

Posted by Jon Danniken on November 2, 2009, 12:44 pm

HeyBub wrote:

> An alternative is to install a breaker-box yourself. You can get
> everything you need at the box store and, with an afternoon's* work,
> you should be able to swap out the fuse box for a 200 Amp service.
> Should cost about $300.

Around here, as I suspect is the case in most areas, that would mean having
the utility come out to disconnect main power and then come back out to
reconnect it, and they won't reconnect it without a licensed electrician
signing off on the work.

Those three charges would need to be added to your $300 estimate.

Jon

Posted by Pete C. on November 2, 2009, 3:46 pm

Jon Danniken wrote:

>
> HeyBub wrote:

> > An alternative is to install a breaker-box yourself. You can get
> > everything you need at the box store and, with an afternoon's* work,
> > you should be able to swap out the fuse box for a 200 Amp service.
> > Should cost about $300.

>
> Around here, as I suspect is the case in most areas, that would mean having
> the utility come out to disconnect main power and then come back out to
> reconnect it, and they won't reconnect it without a licensed electrician
> signing off on the work.
>
> Those three charges would need to be added to your $300 estimate.
>
> Jon

The places I'm familiar with, an electrical permit and inspection by the
local building inspector are what is required. Nowhere is there a
requirement for a licensed electrician, and the utility does not charge
for the disconnect or reconnect.

Posted by RicodJour on November 2, 2009, 4:03 pm

> Jon Danniken wrote:

> > HeyBub wrote:

> > > An alternative is to install a breaker-box yourself. You can get
> > > everything you need at the box store and, with an afternoon's* work,
> > > you should be able to swap out the fuse box for a 200 Amp service.
> > > Should cost about $300.

> > Around here, as I suspect is the case in most areas, that would mean ha=

ving

> > the utility come out to disconnect main power and then come back out to
> > reconnect it, and they won't reconnect it without a licensed electricia=

> > signing off on the work.
> > Those three charges would need to be added to your $300 estimate.

> The places I'm familiar with, an electrical permit and inspection by the
> local building inspector are what is required. Nowhere is there a
> requirement for a licensed electrician, and the utility does not charge
> for the disconnect or reconnect.

Well, it's different around here. It's exactly the reverse, except
you could "forget" to pull a building permit and not get popped. The
electric company is quite specific in their requirements.

4.2 CHANGE OF SERVICE PROCEDURES
In recognition of the timing and coordination problems involved in the
disconnect and reconnect of simple single phase residential overhead
services, where modifications or upgrading of existing service
entrances are involved, the procedure known as LIPA CONNECTS is to be
used. The purpose of LIPA CONNECTS is to minimize the licensed
electrical contractor=92s time and effort while affording them a measure
of protection by authorization to handle specific LIPA facilities
without fear of prosecution for tampering or diversion of current. It
will also provide the LIPA with a control mechanism and minimize the
estimating of unmetered consumption (Forms in front of
book).

It is entirely possible that your power company has a requirement that
is not enforced by your local building department, and thus you might
not be aware of it.

R

Posted by HeyBub on November 2, 2009, 5:50 pm

Jon Danniken wrote:

> HeyBub wrote:

>> An alternative is to install a breaker-box yourself. You can get
>> everything you need at the box store and, with an afternoon's* work,
>> you should be able to swap out the fuse box for a 200 Amp service.
>> Should cost about $300.

> Around here, as I suspect is the case in most areas, that would mean
> having the utility come out to disconnect main power and then come
> back out to reconnect it, and they won't reconnect it without a
> licensed electrician signing off on the work.
> Those three charges would need to be added to your $300 estimate.

So true. I keep overlooking some (most?) live in benighted areas.

In my town, the sequence is:

* Call the power company to remove the meter seal. They will respond within
six hours.
* Do your stuff*
* Call the power company to return and restore the seal. They will respond
within twelve hours.

-------
* No permits, inspections, plans, approvals, or licensed anybody are
required.

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Are Circuit Breakers Over-rated? - Page 8