Can you have 2 electrical panels?

If you are in the US, then the answer is yes. The main electrical drop has to be sized for both panels and each panel should have its own utility meter. All NEC codes must be conformed to. You need to consult your local government to see about local codes as well.

How many amps can you pull off a 200 amp service?





In general, a 200-amp panel should handle no more than 160 amps at once. It’s important to note that people can have 300 or even 400 amps worth of breakers in a 200A panel, as they don’t use all circuits at the same time. Calculating how many circuit breakers you need is also dependent on your home electrical loads.

What is a class 320 meter?

The meter base required for a 120/240 volt, 400 amp service is called a class 320 meter base (Figure 22). It is larger than the 200 amp meter base but it is still a self-contained metering system. It can be installed on residences where the continuous current rating is 320 amps or less.

What size wire do I need for a 320 amp service?

the member’s cables connected between the bottom of the meter socket to the main service breaker shall be 3/0 AWG Copper 90°C/194°F rated insulation for 200-Amp breakers and 300 MCM Copper 90°C/194°F rated insulation for 320-Amp breakers. C. Ground wire must be enclosed in ½” rigid conduit (PVC).

How many sub panels can you have on a 200 amp service?

Even though there is no limit on the number of subpanels that you can add to a circuit, it shouldn’t exceed 160 amps when you’re using a 200 amp main panel. Always follow this guide to install subpanels effectively.

Can I run a 200 amp sub panel off 200 amp main?





Is feeding a 200A sub from a 200A main legit? Yes, and you don’t even need another 200A breaker. The 200A breaker alread present in the panel will suffice, and so you can use a subfeed lug kit as DrSparks advises.

Are tandem breakers legal?

Tandem breakers are safe and legal to use only when the panel is designed for them and only in the slots that accept tandem breakers. Look at the manufacturer’s labeling on the inside face of the panel door.

Are codes allowed in tandem breakers?

Despite the misnomer, this is not cheating. It’s perfectly fine to use tandem circuit breakers on any panelboard that’s designed for tandem circuit breakers, provided they’re installed in the proper locations.

How far can a sub panel be from the main panel?

You must provide from 3 to 4 feet of clearance on all sides of the panel depending on the voltage to ground. You may not know this voltage, so it’s best to provide 4 feet. The panel must be easily accessible, so don’t install it too far above the floor; 4.5 to 5 feet is about right.

What size wire is needed for a 300 amp service?



Wire Size and Amp Ratings

Wire Size 75°C (167°F)
AWG (mm²) Copper
4/0 (107.2) 230
250 kcmil (127) 255
300 (152) 285

What size is 200 amp service wire?

The Short Answer: For a 200 amp service, you’ll need a #4/0 aluminum wire.

How many amps is #4 wire good for?

4 gauge wire cross-section is 21.2 mm2. With such a cross-section and 4.89 turns of wire per inch, this kind of wire can handle quite a lot of amps. It has a rated ampacity of 85 amps at 75°C. This means that, for average use, the 4 gauge wire can handle up to 85 amps safely.

Can a subpanel feed another sub panel?



Answer: Yes. The main electrical service panel is where branch circuits originate. A branch circuit consists of the circuit conductors between the final over-current device protecting the circuit and the lights, receptacles and equipment supplied by the branch circuit.

How can you tell if a panel is overloaded?

One of the most common indications of an overloaded electrical panel is breakers that trip frequently. While it is common to trip a beaker occasionally, if one or more breakers trip often, even after moving devices to other circuits, it may be time to add additional circuits or to upgrade your service panel.

Can you add a second 100 amp panel?

It is possible, and not uncommon. You’d have to splice it in one of the boxes before the breaker, after the meter.

Can I feed a 200 amp sub panel with a 100 amp breaker?

Yes. There is no real NEC provision that would prohibit this so it’s allowed. The 200 amp CB is simply being used as a disconnect if the feeder is protected by a 100 amp OCPD at it’s origin.

Can I run a 100 amp sub panel off 200 amp main?



Can you add a 100 amp breaker to your main panel? Yes you have 12 slots the double pole breaker will only take 2 slots.

Does a subpanel need a ground rod?

Yes, any sub panel outside of the main building requires it’s own ground rod and a ground wire back to the main building.

Why do you not bond a sub panel?

So, why do you separate the ground and neutral in a subpanel? Because when we bond them together, it gives your neutral wire (the one carrying electrical currents BACK to the source) multiple pathways. That’s how the chassis of some equipment will become energized.

Does a sub panel need to be bonded?

Rule #3: In a subpanel, the terminal bar for the equipment ground (commonly known as a ground bus) should be bonded (electrically connected) to the enclosure. The reason for this rule is to provide a path to the service panel and the transformer in case of a ground fault to the subpanel enclosure.