Replace 100 amp panel with 200 amp panel
#1
04-24-14, 04:26 PM
Replace 100 amp panel with 200 amp panel
Purchased mobile home with a 100 amp panel inside. Outdoor panel I plan to use will be 200 amp. I was wanting to replace the 100 amp panel with a 200 amp one at the same time. Mobile home installer says I can't change the interior one to a 200 amp as I would have to change all of the interior wiring. This doesn't sound right, or am I wrong?
#2
04-24-14, 04:58 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums!
To make sure I follow you correctly, which panel do you want to change? The inside or outside one?
A mobile home is a manufactured unit similar to an appliance and is listed as such. Your installer may be correct. What do you want to change the panel?
To make sure I follow you correctly, which panel do you want to change? The inside or outside one?
A mobile home is a manufactured unit similar to an appliance and is listed as such. Your installer may be correct. What do you want to change the panel?
#4
04-24-14, 05:17 PM
Mobile home installer says I can't change the interior one to a 200 amp as I would have to change all of the interior wiring.
If you will not have electric heat, dryer, water heater, and stove you probably don't need 200 amps.
Last edited by ray2047; 04-24-14 at 06:44 PM.
#5
04-24-14, 05:18 PM
Member
Was wanting to change the inside one from 100 to 200 . Main disconnect outside will be 200
#7
04-24-14, 05:59 PM
Group Moderator
The only thing that would need to be changed is the feeder wires going from the outside disconnect to the main panel. That along with the conduit because it will not be large enough for the new wires.
Are you planning to install a plenum heater? Does your power company have an off peak program?
Are you planning to install a plenum heater? Does your power company have an off peak program?
#8
04-24-14, 06:12 PM
Entire furnace is being replaced with an electric unit. My current 100 amp inside panel doesn't have enough spaces in it for furnace, ac, stove, dryer, that's why I thought if I was upgrading to put a 200 amp box inside in conjunction with the 200 amp disconnect that is outside. The installer told me that the interior wiring for the entire mobile would need to be replaced if I did that
#9
04-24-14, 06:29 PM
Group Moderator
A structure can only have one feed. I do not know if a mobile home is considered a structure. I looked quickly through the NEC section for mobile homes (550) and the only thing I found that might apply is 550.17 Testing. which the electrical system is required to be put through a dielectric test at 900 volts for 1 minute. I would almost think that this would apply if you were to change out the panel. Also, I would think any new codes for AFCI breakers would also apply. However, I do not see why all the wiring in the mobile home would need to be replaced. 
Just the feeder from the outside disconnect to the main panel would.
This is really something that should be asked to your local inspector for what they would require.
Just the feeder from the outside disconnect to the main panel would. This is really something that should be asked to your local inspector for what they would require.
#10
04-24-14, 06:29 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
I don't know why they would say the existing branch circuit wiring would need to be replaced. You would need to remove most of the interior finishes to do this. When a service is upgraded in a house mthe branch circuits are not changed.
#13
04-25-14, 06:05 AM
Member
My opinion was that nothing needs to be changed with the interior wiring, panel only as in an upgrade in a home. Will check with locals.
#14
04-25-14, 06:31 AM
Once you get the outside box installed by a licensed electrician the inside box could be a medium difficulty DIY job if home owner permits are allowed by local code.
At least here in the county where there is no inspection it is common to run power for heavy loads straight from the first panel. If your local code allows this you would not even need to change out the MH's subpanel. There is a question as mentioned earlier if this practice would violate multiple power supply code restrictions. That question you need to ask your local code enforcement office (AHJ).
At least here in the county where there is no inspection it is common to run power for heavy loads straight from the first panel. If your local code allows this you would not even need to change out the MH's subpanel. There is a question as mentioned earlier if this practice would violate multiple power supply code restrictions. That question you need to ask your local code enforcement office (AHJ).
