The electric service entrance to my old house is only 30Amp - wires #10?
Question:from a small meter to main 30 Amp. service fuse box. Can I connect the #10 wires from the meter with larger wires # 2 or # 4 for the time being so I can upgrade the service later? I am replacing the 30 Amp service fuse box with a 100Amp service breaker box.
So the flow of electricity looks like this -- the electricity provived by #10 wires connected by new # 4 wires, straight to new main 100 Amp service breaker box that provide service to the entire house. I wonder the small existing 30Amp. current go through larger #4 Amp wires could cause any possible problems? Am I pushing small 'water pressure' through larger pipes?
I am not touching/upgrading my small meter at this time .
Answers:
Just replacing the #10 wires with larger wires is certainly safe. What might be a problem however is if you connect these larger wires to a main breaker that is rated for a higher current without changing the meter or the cable feeding the meter.
the larger wires should not cause any problems, since its only 30amps, if it was the other way around you would have issues.
do not see why you can:i do that. you are not going to overload anything with that setup.
due to the terminals and conduit size, you have to replace the meter now. suggest install conduit pot head, 1/1/4 conduit, #2 wire to meter, then to 100 A fuse disconnect inside the house. from fuse disconnect to 100 A breaker panel can be later on.
The NEC does not allow this as it can cause a fire. you need a new service and meter. Contact your elect provider for an upgrade of the drop.
Don't do it. The 30 amp, #10 wires from the meter and service entrance will be overloaded and could set the side of your house on fire. In addition, you would be responsible for destroying the meter.
The whole system, from the powerpole to your breaker box must be rated for 100 amps.
If you are going to update, I suggest a 200 amp service.
If you dont know the answer, dont touch anything electric!
Nevertheless, you can pass 30amp of electricity throu any size of wire gratter than #10, no problem, it's even better. But you cant hook up these wires to the new 100amp braker box, because you could, and probably will, burn down your house!
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