Need to expand a 200 amp entrance

[Sunday Rock Maple]

I've heard that a 400 amp is the next step. Is this simply adding another 200 amp or is it a complete replacement? We now have a meter on a pole then go overhead to a mast and then down into the 200 amp main. Any thoughts from those who have done this?


Thanks,

[sugarsand]

Sunday Rock, what equipment do you have in your sugarhouse?

sugarsand

[unc23win]

Yea you should just be able to add one. Not sure about your electric co but if you own the pole you probably can add another service on there if it fits. If not another pole next to it might be needed. A new larger transformer might be required as well.

I just got a new 200amp myself and my electric co made it so I can add more if needed by installing a new transformer now. They said they like to be prepared as they have had transformers blown in the past when guys get new ROs and no one wants to loose power during the season.

[BreezyHill]

Several variables not listed such as; what gauge is the overhead wire and that going down from the mast/weather head, What is the gauge to the meter?

We had an issue that the transformer was undersized and was the original unit from 1936. Grid didn't want to change the trans due to the condition of the old pole. One night a storm blew in and one of the hot legs hit the ground...not a pleasant way to awake at 1 am. They came and put in a new line end pole and gave us the old pole to keep the meter on. The had to redo everything to the meter as it was theirs originally and a quart of syrup per worker enticed them to put in the biggest wire they had on the truck. This cured our low voltage issues when we ever welding and running the plasma cutter.

As asked before...what do you have that a 200 amp is not big enough?

[Sunday Rock Maple]

As asked before...what do you have that a 200 amp is not big enough?[/QUOTE]

New RO will be 94 amps, beyond that, 5hp vacuum, deep well water pump, two 701 Carlins, water jacketed canner, electric heat in RO room, range, remote pumping station, several 1hp pumps to move sap, lights, outlets, heat tape, Etc. It's possible that we would be OK, but I don't want to find out with the woods full of sap.....

[lew]

Sunday rock,

We just upgraded from 200 to 400 amp service last year. We had to get a 400 amp meter box from NYSEG (at their expense) then I put 2 separate 200 amp boxes in the sugarhouse. Code dictated a disconnect for any main box over 10 feet away from meter box (or a distance close to 10 feet, I'm not exactly sure of the number right now). I separated my main panel boxes, 1 in the front of the sugarhouse and one in the middle. Because I ran my wire for the second box in the middle of the sugarhouse underneath my new concrete, I didn't need the disconnect because they considered that to be a wire outside that got cooled enough that the disconnect wasn't needed. Unfortuneately I didn't find that out until after my inspection and after I had installed the $350 disconnect. Arrgh! Any ways, you can use your existing panel and add another new 200 amp panel, you just need to install a new 400 amp meter and run 2 separate feed wires from the meter to each panel.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

last time i did a service in NY the electrical panel had to be with in 5' of the service entrance entering the house, here in VT its 10' or you need a disconnect outside then run 4 wire SER any where you want.

any wire under more than 2" of concrete is considered outside.