How To Upgrade Electrical Service From 100 to 200 amps

"A Comprehensive Guide: Upgrading Your Electrical Service from 100 to 200 Amps"

Introduction:

In today's technologically advanced world, the demand for electricity in homes is higher than ever. If you find yourself frequently tripping breakers or experiencing power shortages, it may be time to consider upgrading your electrical service from 100 to 200 amps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of this essential home improvement, ensuring a smooth transition to a more robust and efficient electrical system.

Why Upgrade?

Before delving into the upgrade process, it's crucial to understand why upgrading from 100 to 200 amps is necessary. A 200-amp service provides increased electrical capacity, allowing you to meet the demands of modern appliances, electronics, and other power-hungry devices. This upgrade enhances safety, reduces the risk of electrical fires, and accommodates future expansions or renovations in your home.

Step 1: Assess Your Electrical Needs

Begin by evaluating your current electrical usage and needs. Consider the appliances and devices in your home, and factor in any planned additions or renovations. A 200-amp service is ideal for larger homes or those with extensive electrical requirements, such as high-capacity air conditioning systems, electric vehicle chargers, or advanced home automation systems.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Permits

Electrical upgrades are not DIY projects; they require professional expertise and compliance with local building codes. Contact your local municipality to obtain the necessary permits for the upgrade. Working without proper permits can result in fines and may jeopardize the safety of your home.

Step 3: Hire a Licensed Electrician

Engage a licensed and experienced electrician to carry out the upgrade. A qualified professional will assess your current electrical system, develop a detailed plan, and ensure the installation adheres to local codes and regulations. Working with a licensed electrician ensures the safety and reliability of your upgraded electrical service.

Step 4: Plan the Service Panel Upgrade

The heart of your electrical system is the service panel. Upgrading from 100 to 200 amps involves installing a larger service panel that can accommodate the increased capacity. Your electrician will carefully plan the panel upgrade, ensuring it meets the specifications of your local electrical code.

Step 5: Upgrade Wiring and Circuits

In addition to the service panel, the wiring and circuits throughout your home may need upgrading to handle the increased electrical load. Your electrician will assess the existing wiring, replacing any outdated or inadequate components to guarantee the safe and efficient distribution of electricity.

Step 6: Install a New Main Breaker

The main breaker is a crucial component that protects your electrical system from overloads. With a 200-amp upgrade, a new main breaker will be installed to accommodate the increased capacity. This step is essential for maintaining the safety and reliability of your electrical system.

Step 7: Grounding and Bonding

Proper grounding and bonding are vital for electrical safety. During the upgrade, your electrician will ensure that your home is appropriately grounded and bonded, minimizing the risk of electrical shock and protecting your appliances and electronics.

Step 8: Inspections and Final Approval

Once the upgrade is complete, your local building department will conduct inspections to ensure that the work complies with safety codes and regulations. This final step is crucial for obtaining the necessary approvals and certificates for your upgraded electrical service.

Conclusion:

Upgrading your electrical service from 100 to 200 amps is a significant investment in the safety, efficiency, and functionality of your home. By following these steps and working with a licensed electrician, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy the benefits of a more robust electrical system. Don't compromise on safety and reliability—make the upgrade today and future-proof your home for the demands of tomorrow's technology.

Protecting Electrical Systems with Reliable Electrical Enclosures

Protecting Electrical Systems with Reliable Electrical Enclosures

In the realm of modern electrical infrastructure, the significance of durable and efficient electrical enclosures cannot be overstated. These enclosures are pivotal in safeguarding vital components from various external elements, ensuring the smooth functioning and longevity of electrical systems. From industrial facilities to commercial establishments, electrical enclosures play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and reliability. Let's delve into the world of electrical enclosures, their importance, types, and the factors to consider while choosing the most suitable one for your application.

The Importance of Electrical Enclosures

Electrical enclosures act as shields, guarding sensitive electrical components from harsh environments, dust, moisture, and other potentially damaging elements. By preventing the entry of foreign particles, they significantly reduce the risk of short circuits, electrical fires, and other hazardous incidents, thereby ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment. Moreover, these enclosures help maintain the integrity of the electrical components, enhancing their durability and longevity, and reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Types of Electrical Enclosures

Electrical enclosures come in various types, each designed to cater to specific environmental conditions and industry requirements. Some common types include:

1. Wall-Mount Enclosures: These are typically used for applications where floor space is limited. They are mounted directly on walls and are available in various sizes to accommodate different equipment.

2. Freestanding Enclosures: Ideal for housing larger equipment, freestanding enclosures offer more internal space and often come with additional features such as cable management and ventilation options.

3. Modular Enclosures: Known for their flexibility, modular enclosures allow for customization and expansion as per specific needs. They are particularly useful in industries with evolving requirements.

4. Stainless Steel Enclosures: These are preferred in environments where corrosion and rust are major concerns. They offer high resistance to harsh chemicals and are suitable for industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and marine applications.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Electrical Enclosures

Selecting the right electrical enclosure is crucial for ensuring the long-term performance and safety of electrical systems. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Environmental Conditions: Evaluate the surrounding environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals to determine the level of protection required.

2. Size and Space Requirements: Consider the dimensions of the electrical components to be housed and the available space for the enclosure to ensure a proper fit.

3. Material and Durability: Choose materials based on the environmental conditions and the level of protection required. Stainless steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate are common materials known for their durability and corrosion resistance.

4. IP (Ingress Protection) Rating: Check the IP rating to ensure the enclosure is suitable for the intended environment. Higher IP ratings indicate better protection against dust, water, and other foreign objects.

5. Compliance with Industry Standards: Ensure that the chosen enclosure complies with industry-specific standards and regulations to guarantee the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Conclusion

Electrical enclosures are an integral component of any electrical system, providing protection and ensuring the smooth functioning of critical equipment. By understanding the importance of these enclosures, the available types, and the key factors to consider when selecting one, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the safety and efficiency of your electrical infrastructure. Invest in high-quality electrical enclosures to safeguard your electrical systems and promote a secure working environment.

Short Circuit Withstand Testing on an Electrical Panel (IEC61439)

In the above video you can see an Electrical panel blast due to short circuits withstanding testing according to IEC 61439 -1.

 

NEMA 7 Panel Enclosures & NEMA 7 Explosion Proof Panel Boards

 NEMA 7 Panel Enclosures & NEMA 7 Explosion Proof Panel Boards

As per NEMA 7 standard, Panelboards are designed to protect from an internal explosion without causing external damage. These enclosures are intended for inner use in dangerous locales classified as Class I, Division I, Groups A, B, C, or D

NEMA 7 Type panelboard operations

A typical illustration of a NEMA 7 panelboard would be a cast iron panelboard used for electrical controls for chemical factories or crude oil & gas product installation where the panelboard ( with electrical parts) is located near a dangerous area of combustive feasts. NEMA 7 enclosures are generally used in chemical factories, oil and gas installations, and other industries located near dangerous areas of combustive areas.

NEMA 7 Closes are generally more expensive than NEMA 4X enclosures.

Class I locales are defined by the National Electrical Code( NEC) as locales in which ignitable or vapors are or may be present in the air in amounts sufficient to produce explosive or flammable fusions.

Groups A, B, C, or D The markers Group A, B, C, and D are given to the following gas or vapor independently acetylene; hydrogen; ethylene, and gasoline. Class I locales are divided into these scribbled groups determined by the specific gas or vapor involved because different accouterments have different ignition and explosion characteristics.

Division I These class and group locales are further classified according to whether dangerous attention of ignitable gas or vapors is likely to do in the course of normal operations – Division I – or only in the case of an accident or working condition error– Division II.

NEMA 7 enclosures are designed to be featherlight and erosion resistant. Closes include integral, cast-on mounting lugs slotted for ease of field installation and invariant wall consistency for ease of installation of control bias, windows and conduit openings.

1. Explosionproof Control Enclosures
2. Explosionproof Drivers
3. Explosionproof MCCB lighting and power distribution panel boards

Pollution Degree of Environment Conditions IEC 60947–1 (Climate Effect of the Electrical Panelboard)

  Pollution Degree of Environment Conditions IEC 60947–1 (Climate Effect of the Electrical Panelboard)

Pollution degree

Pollution degree is a grouping as per how much dry Pollution and buildup are present in the climate. This grouping is significant since it influences creepage and clearance distances expected to guarantee the well-being of an electrical panel. Office and lab regions are viewed as Pollution degree 2 conditions as per wellbeing norms and confirmation bodies.

Pollution degree 1 might be viewed as inside fixed parts and inside air/water-tight nooks. Pollution degree 3 is a more brutal climate run-of-the-mill in numerous modern assembling regions.World standard institute guidelines bodies like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and IEC

 

Pollution degree of environment conditions IEC 60947–1

"Conventional number based on the amount of conductive or hygroscopic dust, ionized gas or salt and on the relative humidity and its frequency of occurrence, resulting in hygroscopic absorption or condensation of moisture leading to a reduction in dielectric strength and/or surface resistivity".

Standard IEC 60947-1 distinguishes four pollution degrees:

Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs.

Degree 2. Normally, only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation may be expected.

Degree 3. Conductive pollution occurs, or dry, non-conductive pollution occurs which becomes conductive due to condensation.

Degree 4. The pollution generates persistent conductivity caused, for instance, by conductive dust or by rain or snow.

Safety guidelines, like UL and IEC, determine proper distances between high voltage and wellbeing low voltage signals. These distances help to guarantee administrator security and are reliant upon ecological circumstances, (for example Pollution degree). Table 2 shows a correlation of the necessary distances among high and low voltage signals in a Pollution degree 1 and Pollution degree 2 climate.

You can download the copy of the Free ebook about pollution degrees & IEC standards from the link below, for more details visit blog electricalenclosure.blogspot.com

https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S05/is.iec.60947.1.2007.pdf

IS/IEC 60947-1 (2007): Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 1: General rules (resource.org)

Download Free Guidebook for Electrical Panel Assembly, Dimensions,

 Download Free Guidebook for Electrical Panel Assembly, Dimensions.

Brochures | Modular enclosures - Elsteel (Copyright -Elsteel.com)

(How to Build Technomodule

Electrical Panel Dimensions

 Electrical Panel Dimensions

Most popular Electrical Panel box dimensions by Elsteel Enclosures

Zinsco Electrical Panelboards

What you should do if you Have an old Zinsco electrical panel board

 Zinsco was a producer of electrical switchboards and circuit breakers. the company was founded by Emile Zinsmeyer in the early 1930s.

At one time Zinsco Electrical panel boards were usually introduced in homes in specific pieces of the country. As time has elapsed, inspectors and home auditors have found that specific Zinsco boards frequently can neglect to work and may pass on homes and property holders in danger to both fire and electrical shock. These boards can turn out great for a really long time, however as homes have expanded energy requests, these boards might overheat and partitions of it soften.

In this present circumstance, in the event that a breaker melts to the power busbar of the board and can never again satisfactorily trip if there should be an occurrence of an overcurrent or shortcircuit conditions, an outrageous measure of force from the external electrical stock floods into a panel board and circuits. When that occurs, it can't be halted or turned down physically. Power will consume until it runs out of fuel or the wires dissolve. The board could overheat and burst into flames, really hurting property and its people.

Zinsco Electrical panel boards might appear to turn out appropriately for quite a long time. Yet, specialists caution that these boards might introduce various issues and even dangers if and when they fizzle. As a matter of fact, one master cautions that as numerous as 20% of all Zinsco circuit breakers could not trip in light of an overcurrent or short circuit causing what is happening. 

Issues with specific Zinsco Electrical panel boards shouldn't be visible to the unaided eye. Indeed, even after the front of Zinsco boards has been eliminated, everything can appear to be in fine working request. After investigating its parts, electrical technicians find that breakers can't be taken out from the power bus bar. They've welded together, which shows that the breakers have dissolved. In that condition, a breaker would not be able to trip and might be permitting a risky measure of power into the home! This could prompt a possible fire.

Kindly, don't endeavor to eliminate breakers from your own board to check whether they've dissolved. Just authorized electrician to do it.

Specialists Have Distinguished Two Significant Reasons

Specialists report that Zinsco electrical switchboards might have two significant issues that could represent a risk:

1.) Zinsco boards may not meet the present standards. (UL/NEC)

2.) Zinsco boards might have design issues.

1. Certain parts of the board contain aluminum.

2. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar is in many cases not strong.

3. The busbar quality issues

4. Circuit breaker faults

   
   
   

The electrical switchboard is one of the main parts of a home's electrical framework. The board safeguards homes from power floods and other potential perils. With customary support by an authorized electrical expert, specialists say that the present electrical boards can work appropriately and safeguard homes for quite some time or more. You can also contact an authorized electrical engineer in your space for an examination.

Electrical Junction Boxes Explained

 Electrical Junction boxes shield the electrical connections from the weather, in addition to protecting humans or animals from accidental electrical shocks. A junction box (also called "jbox") is a smaller steel or polycarbonate enclosure housing that is mainly used for electrical terminal connections. 

A small metal or plastic junction box might type a part of a jbox electrical passage or thermoplastic-sheathed cable (TPS) wiring system during a building. If designed for surface mounting, it's used principally in ceilings, below floors, or hidden behind Associate in Nursing access panels—particularly in domestic or industrial buildings. Associate in Nursing applicable sort is also buried within the plaster of a wall (although full concealment is not any longer allowed by trendy codes and standards) or solid into concrete—with solely the duvet visible.

It generally includes intrinsic terminals for the change of integrity of wires.

A similar, sometimes wall mounted, instrumentality used principally to accommodate switches, sockets, and therefore the associated connecting wiring is named a pattress.

The term junction box can also be used for bigger items.

Junction box types are used for circuit protection systems wherever circuit integrity has got to be provided, such as for emergency lighting or emergency power lines, or the wiring between a setup and an impression area. In such an Associate in electrical installation, the hearth proofing around the incoming or outgoing cables should even be extended to the junction box to forestall short circuits within the box due to accidental fire.

 

Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements

 Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements (NEC) 

For low voltage electrical panel installation or streamlining, it's important to make sure that there's sufficient space or clearance of room around the electrical panel for the electrician to safely work. This is why NEC 110.26 has put a demand that all indoor electrical panels have a minimum clearance of room from the front of the panel to the nearest place (this could be a wall, a machine, or any other fixed object). In addition, they bear that there's at least a 0.9-meter height from the panel to the electrical room ceiling.

free image -pixabay.com

These conditions are in place for several reasons. First, anyone who needs to work in or around the panel needs enough room to maneuver around without accidentally touching cables, combers, or other objects in the panel. In addition, having at least three bases in the room will ensure that nothing is going to get stuck in the area while trying to work. In the event that someone is electrocuted or else injured, the three bases of concurrence will allow croakers or other exigency askers to get in and help the existent.

Pexels.com (Free image)

There are also some simple practical reasons why having three bases of concurrence as a minimum is a good idea. This important room will allow electricians to bring in the tools that they need to work in the area safely. NES wants to make sure that anyone working in the area around an electrical panel is suitable to do so with as little threat as possible. These regulations are also generally going to apply to industrial or commercial electrical panels.

Clearance around an Indoor electrical panel (National Electric Code110.26):

Clearance around an Indoor electrical panel (NEC 110.26):
Description of Clearance	Distance (min)
Left to Right the minimum clearance	0.9 Meter (3 Ft)
Distance between Panel and wall	1.0 Meter
Distance between Panel and Ceiling	0.9 Meter
Clear Height in front of Panel>480V	2.0 Meter
Clear Height in front of Panel <480V	0.9 Meter (3 Ft)
Clearance When Facing Other Electrical Panels < 480V	0.9 Meter (3 Ft)
The width of the working space in front of the Panel	The width of the Panel or 0.762 Meters which is Greater.
Headroom of working spaces for panel boards (Up to 200Amp)	Up to 2 Meter
Headroom of working spaces for panel boards (More than 200Amp &Panel height is maxing 2 Meters)	Up to 2 Meters ( If Panel height is maxed 2 Meters)
Headroom of working spaces for panel boards (More than 200Amp &Panel height is more than 2 Meters)	If the Panel height is more than 2 Meters then clearance should not less than the panel Height
Entrance For Panel (More than 1200 Amp and over 1.8 m Wide)	One entrance is required for working space (Not less than 610 mm wide and 2.0 m high )
Personal Door For Panel (More than 1200 Amp)	Personnel door(s) intended for entrance to and egress from the working space less than 7.6 m from the nearest edge of the working space
Dedicated Electrical Space.	Required Space is the width and depth of the Panel and extending from the floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower
The door(s) shall open in the direction of egress and be equipped with panic bars, pressure plates, or other devices that are normally latched but open under simple pressure
the workspace shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels

(Extracted from NEC 110.26)

Why You Should do Electrical Panel Upgrade if You Have an Old Panel

 When to do your electrical panel upgrade

 Electric power failure?

 Have you ever used a new appliance and had the whole house experience an electric power failure? If you've been living in the same home for a time, electric power failure might be a normal circumstance. For those in a rental contract, electric power failure might also be familiar if you stay in an old house. So, what is the deal with the annoying electric power failure? The electric switchboard may be a problem, and you might need to upgrade the electrical panel. This composition will show why you might need an electric panel upgrade and when you should do it.

Vibrating Lights

Vibrating lights are a reason for the electrical panel upgrade. However, if this is not scary enough for you, we'll tell you why.

Breezy lights are a derivate of defective wiring. Other than problems with the lights, bad wiring will beget a burnt smell and can generate shocks when touching certain appliances, similar to broilers or laptops. You'll see some marks and sparks on current outlets or sockets in your home if you feel warm in the electric panel it's another sign.

Tripping panel board Miniature Circuit Breakers

You've installed a new air conditioner, and your circuit combers trip each time you turn on the air conditioner. So, what is the problem? Circuit combers trip and shut off electrical inflow because a circuit is overfilled.

The reality is that electric panels need to be upgraded every 25- 40years. However, it will not be suitable to handle new appliances, If your home still uses an old electric panel.

This is because an old electric panel cannot handle too necessary electricity.

These days, ultramodern homes run on new and advanced appliances. With an ancient electric panel, your home may witness electric power failure daily. If this happens,  it's time to change your electric panel.

Power Strip operation

Are you using other power strips to charge bias each over your home? Houses have limited wall sockets, and using many power strips means using different electricity than your electric panel can handle.

Twenty times agone, two or three wall sockets were enough for a home. These days, we need different sockets due to the overflowing demand for electricity.

Still, it's undoubtedly time to upgrade your electric panel, If you have a bunch of extension cords and power strips over the home. Click then to learn more about the peril of power strips and some tips to cover your family and home.

Your Home Safety Tips

Besides upgrading your home's electricity capability, you'll be doing your home a favor by icing that it's safe to live in. Your home will be safer from fires and other electrical disasters by being prepared and ensuring your electrical panel upgrade.

Another thing is that if you have upgraded an electric panel, it will increase your home's value. For those planning to move, upgrading your electric forum will be a selling point for implicit buyers because they won't need to upgrade it.

Still, you can hire a professional to check it, If you are doubtful whether your home needs an electric panel upgrade. They can also help you determine what steps to take to ensure your electric panel is in good shape. They might suggest you change the cables or upgrade the entire forum. this is one of the best investments for your old home

Read the extra article about the electrical panel upgrade cost

Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers in Sydney

Local switchboard manufacturers in Sydney NSW Australia

Custom Build Switchboard Fabricators, Switchboard builders  &  Modular Switchboard Distributors NSW

CNW Electrical Wholesale   

Alexandria New South Wale

K E Brown Electrical Switchboards

Warriewood NSW, Australia

OSSI Electrical Pty Ltd 

NSW

Relec Switchboards Pty Ltd.

Asquith NSW, Australia

Chadwick Switchboards

Wetherill Park NSW, Australia

MPE Custom Switchboards

Guildford NSW, Australia

Southern Cross Switchboards

Silverwater NSW, Australia

Reagle Switchboards Pty Ltd.

Silverwater NSW, Australia

Ausboard PTY Ltd.

Marrickville NSW, Australia

Trivantage Manufacturing

Arndell Park NSW, Australia

Blacktown City Switchboards Pty LTD

Kings Park NSW, Australia

+61 2 9831 2530

JBM Power Pty Ltd

Minto NSW, Australia

Hi Switch 

Riverstone NSW, Australia

Aussie Electrical Services

NSW

Norselec

Kurnell NSW, Australia

Southern Cross Switchboards

Silverwater NSW, Australia

Fuji SMBE Macquarie Pty Ltd

KJE Electric

Wetherill Park NSW, Australia

Bovara Switchboards Solutions

Huntingwood NSW, Australia

Tabulec Switchgear Pty Ltd

Smithfield NSW, Australia

+61 2 9757 4191

SMS Electrical Products Pty Ltd

Girraween NSW, Australia

CUBE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES PTY LTD

Penrith NSW, Australia

A-Force switchboards PTY LTD

Caringbah NSW, Australia

 +61 2 9526 8944