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.

Electrical Panel Dimensions

 Electrical Panel Dimensions

Most popular Electrical Panel box dimensions by Elsteel Enclosures

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.

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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.

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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

PLC & DCS differences

PLC or programmable logic controlleris a robust computer used to automate processes.A DCS or distributed control system is similar to a PLC that it has robust computer controllers

However, DCS contains multiple autonomous controllers
distributed throughout the system,
It is also used to automate processes.
You may have read it and said, "So what's the difference?"
To answer this question,
we have to go back more than 40 years.
After several years in a corner design office,
this guy Dick Morley quit his job
after asking his employer to allow him to work on Saturdays instead of Fridays,
who refused.
You see, Mr. Morley loved skiing, but he found that the weekends were too crowded for his tastes.
Due to financial obligations and the like,
Mr. Morley and a friend formed Bedford Associates
where they wrote sentences,
for local tool companies, which wanted to evolve into the new stage of solid state production.
These proposals used small computers,
seemed to be repetitive in nature,
and from one project to another,
there were many similarities.
Eventually Mr. Morley got bored of writing proposals,
due to its repetitive nature,
and began to wonder if he could create an auditor who could handle these day-to-day tasks.
In fact, during his dismissal, Mr. Morley created a blueprint
for a proposed programmable controller and got it on his team.
They started designing the programmable controller.
After finding financial support,
the company, Modicon was created.
Without Modicon knowledge and during the design phase of the programmable controller,
a man from GM had presented a newspaper,
a request, for a solid state controller that will make the plants more reliable and durable,
which would also replace wired relay systems
spread to the manufacturing industry.
As the story goes, some time later,
GM is hearing about the work being done at Modicon
and final contracts with them for the purchase of over $ 1,000,000 in PLC
(then, auditors were called programmable auditors
and the "Logic" section of the current name
was not added until the dawn of personal computers or computers).
Modicon was later baptized and quickly became a business.
The name has persisted in a few acquisitions,
the latest and current is Schneider Electric.
In the beginning, the PLC was mainly used for discrete controls.
Ultimately, the big market from GM for the replacement of wired relay systems.
The programming of the PLCs was mainly in the logic of the ladder,
which is a form that looks a lot like a schematic.
The PLC received device information from the field,
solved the logic and then activated the outputs to produce the desired result.
In essence, the PLC was invented to perform repetitive tasks in a reliable and robust manner.
As for DCS, around 1975 some companies released a version of a DCS.
Basically, the creation of a DCS system was due to the increasing use of microcomputers.
There were other computer-based systems in the industry
from the late 1950s, but had limited capabilities
for scalability, durability and safety.
There were many benefits to a DCS, but one of the main draws
was that an entire factory could be connected through proprietary communications
and is controlled by a distributed system.
For example, suppose you had a plant that made an ice cream sandwich.
The factory will have a production line for ice cream
and one of the standalone inspectors would process the batch of ice cream.
After the ice cream batch is complete,
Another standalone controller can process the freezing of this ice cream.
Another controller can process the cookie batch,
while another may oversee the baking process.
With several autonomous auditors,
if one auditor failed, it would affect only this process and not all the others,
leading to a powerful system that virtually eliminated all plant failure.
DCS was really good at autonomous control of single or multiple processes.
Another important benefit of DCS was integrated monitoring
and a control system similar to current SCADA systems.
The reason it's a big benefit is that the whole label base is there,
has already been set up to control the process,
available for use on monitoring and control screens.
DCS also had operating block programming.
Program block operation, if you are not familiar with,
is a section or multiple lines of code behind a single interface.
This interface can do something like operate the manual
and automatic valve operation.
Operation block programming saves a lot of time and unnecessary programming.
In fact, the difference 40 years ago was significant
and if you had a large factory with continuous processes,
you would probably have chosen a DCS.
In today's industries, DCS and PLC are quite similar,
storage for integrated monitoring and control.
With open source communications, fiber optics,
Ethernet and the like, many PLCs can now communicate with each other
and be autonomous PLCs communicating over the network to other autonomous controllers.
This wide communication would allow the control of individual or multiple processes
from one PLC to communicate with another PLC.
See the example of an ice cream sandwich.
PLC-A could process ice cream.
When the batch is completed,
The PLC-A would communicate with the PLC-B that the process was complete
and PLC-B could then start the freezing process.
You can see it with today's technologies,
a wide and robust PLC system could do almost the same thing that DCS can do.
One advantage of DCS is the installation cost.
This advantage arises due to the position of the autonomous controller
in the process may be close to pulling large sections of I / O cables in an installation.
Another advantage is the integrated monitoring and control system.
One of the disadvantages of DCS is the lack of developers
who have some experience with a DCS.
Most flooring technicians are familiar with ladder programming
However, DCS developers and technicians
usually need more specialized experience in database operations
as well as computer-related networking knowledge.
Due to specialized training,
DCS developers are a little harder to find.
Speaking of advantages, today's PLC systems can have almost the same as DCS,
excluding supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA).
With PLC system (multiple PLCs in factory structure),
you need to set up the monitoring and control system.
The entire DCS database would be available to set up the monitoring and system,
PLC systems individual PLC databases must be created in SCADA system software.
There are more developers available for rent in the PLC arena
and with new programming languages ​​such as blockchain,
sequential operation, etc., the advantage of operating block programming is no longer exclusive to DCS.
This saves development time when planning a PLC.
As you can tell, there are potential advantages and disadvantages to both systems.
The subtraction is that with today's technologies,
Each system can control an entire factory.
Which system will be chosen will probably have the advantages
and disadvantages, as well as the cost of the system.
In summary, DCS has standalone controllers scattered throughout the installation.
If one controller fails, the whole factory is not necessarily affected.
It also has on-board control and control
which saves development time.
A single PLC is a single point of failure.
You certainly would not want to control an entire factory with a single PLC
however; a connected PLC system can have almost the same safety and durability as a DCS.

Low voltage circuit breakers Working with trip characteristic curves

 

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IEC Contactor Application Ratings (Cuttler Hammer Technical Data )

 IEC Contactor Application Ratings (Cuttler Hammer Technical Data )

DOWNLOAD :

http://support.automationdirect.com/docs/iec_contactors.pdf

 

Electrical installation guide 2010 According to IEC international standards

 

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http://www.east-med.schneider-electric.com/documents/electrical-distribution/en/shared/eig_guide2010/Doc-pour-visualisation_basse_def.pdf

 

MOTOR CONTROLS / Electrical Symbols and Line Diagrams

 

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MOTOR CONTROLS

 

http://css.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Motor-Controllers1.pdf

 

Electrical Symbols and Line Diagrams

 

http://abe.ufl.edu/tburks/Presentations/ABE5152/Electrical%20Symbols%20and%20Line%20Diagrams.pdf

 

Eaton Basic wiring for motor control

 

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http://www.eriebearings.com/motor-control/files/eaton-motor-control-basic-wiring.pdf