A 100-A sub-panel would be fed from a 100-A breaker.
AWG # 3/0 copper.
Yes, the wire size has to be increased. The existing 100 amp service will now probably have a #3 conductor with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C which is rated for 100 and 105 amps respectively. Increasing to a 150 amp service will use a #1/0 wire size. If you are thinking of an upgrade, skip the 150 amp service and go to a 200 amp panel. New homes are installing 200 amp 42 circuit panels. The extra cost is only reflected in the materials as the labour costs will be the same regardless whether a 150 amp or a 200 amp panel is installed. The wire size for a 200 amp panel is #3/0. With an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C the rating is 200 or 210 amps respectively.
A #3 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees C is rated at 115 amps. Even though the panel is rated at a higher amperage it is the main breaker that governs the wire size.
A 200 amp service panel with a 60 amp sub-panel.
For a 100 amp panel, a #4 copper or #2 aluminum conductor would typically be used as a neutral conductor. It's important to consult local electrical codes or a licensed electrician to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
A 100-A sub-panel would be fed from a 100-A breaker.
You can install a 100 amp sub panel off a 60 amp main panel fed by 100 amp service. This allows for the sub panel to be adequately powered with headroom for future circuits or expansions. It is important to ensure the wire size from the main panel to the sub panel is sufficient to handle the load.
AWG # 3/0 copper.
In the service distribution panel there are termination points at the top of the panel. Two of the utilities "hot" conductors terminate on the main breaker. The neutral utility termination point is on a terminal block usually off to the side near the main hot terminations. It is in this neutral termination block where the system ground connects from the ground rods to the distribution panel. For a 100 amp panel the wire size will be a #6 bare copper conductor.
Yes, but at every reduction in wire size there has to be a breaker sized to the smaller wire size. The wire size for 100 amp panels is recommended at #3 copper conductor. From the 200 amp feeder panel you will require a 100 amp two pole breaker for each of the two 100 amp services. Keep in mind that if you run the 100 amp services close to maximum this will take away the capacity of the 200 amp service for other branch circuits coming off of it. Also keep in mind that if the panels are located, not in the same building as the 200 amp service that the 100 amp panels will be treated as separate services and will have to be constructed like a 100 amp service. This includes ground rods. Also the bonding screw will have to be removed that connects the neutral buss to the panel enclosure.
For a 100 amp sub panel, you would typically need a 2-2-2-4 aluminum SER cable. This cable consists of three insulated conductors (two hot and one neutral) and one bare ground wire. It is important to always consult your local electrical code and a qualified electrician to ensure you have the correct size and type of cable for your specific installation.
Yes, in a residential 200 amp panel, the neutral wire is typically the same size as the hot wires. This is to ensure that the neutral wire can safely carry the same current as the hot wires and maintain proper balance in the electrical system. Always consult the National Electrical Code or a qualified electrician for specific requirements.
The wire size in a meter stack is governed by the size of the first over current device.
Look to see if the 30 amp panel is fed with a two wire or a three wire. If it is a two wire then you are out of luck. If the panel is fed with a three wire then the panel should have the neutral terminated in the panel. It is this neutral that you need for 120 volt connections. You didn't state how many panel slots there are in the panel. If you are able install a 15 amp breaker into the panel and connect the wires going to the load. The black wire will go to the breaker and the white wire will go to the neutral bar in the panel.
There are two things to think about here. First of all a 200 amp breaker will not physically fit into a 100 amp panel. This is so designed because the panel buss is not designed to conduct 200 amps before the current is cut off. A 100 amp rating on the panel is the maximum amount of current that the manufacturer states, that can be handled safely. Second if the 200 amp breaker is in the main panel then everything downstream from that breaker has to be rated for 200 amp conductivity. The wire size will have to be 3/0 from the breaker to the first over current device in the sub panel which will be the sub panel's main breaker. The sub panel can not be a load center but will have to be a combination panel. I doubt that the 100 amp sub panel's main breaker lugs would be large enough to connect the 3/0 cable.
Yes, the wire size has to be increased. The existing 100 amp service will now probably have a #3 conductor with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C which is rated for 100 and 105 amps respectively. Increasing to a 150 amp service will use a #1/0 wire size. If you are thinking of an upgrade, skip the 150 amp service and go to a 200 amp panel. New homes are installing 200 amp 42 circuit panels. The extra cost is only reflected in the materials as the labour costs will be the same regardless whether a 150 amp or a 200 amp panel is installed. The wire size for a 200 amp panel is #3/0. With an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C the rating is 200 or 210 amps respectively.