downgrading a 100 amp subpanel
#1
06-28-14, 05:37 PM
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downgrading a 100 amp subpanel
I bought a home that came with a spa. We sold the spa and now have the existing wiring that I wanted to use for gazebo lighting instead.
Here is the setup:
What I want to do:
Is it as easy as just switching out the circuit breakers from this small box/subpanel?
Attached is an image of the small box/subpanel
Here is the setup:
- 100 amp (double 50) circuit breaker at the main panel extends with a large cable (? gauge) through the attic to the other side of the house
- On the far side of the house the cable comes down to connect with a small box with another 100amp (double 50) circuit breaker. This acted as the main switch for the spa.
- From there they buried wire in PVC until in reached the spa
What I want to do:
- I need a 15 or 20 amp circuit for the gazebo wiring for lights and an outdoor fan.
- I am thinking of changing out the 100amp circuit breaker at the small box for a 15 or 20 amp breaker
- Then I will run 12-2 UF-B wire to the area of the yard where the gazebo is an place an electrical box and go from there.
Is it as easy as just switching out the circuit breakers from this small box/subpanel?
Attached is an image of the small box/subpanel
#2
06-28-14, 06:50 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums!
First off your breakers are 50 amp, two pole breakers, not 100 amp. You do not add up each pole.
Your plan is sound. You should be able to just change out the breaker that you want to take your new circuit(s) out of. Just make sure to use the same brand breaker that is currently installed.
One note: I hope the picture of the small panel your posted is not outside. That is not an outdoor rated panel. If it is outside, it needs to be changed.
First off your breakers are 50 amp, two pole breakers, not 100 amp. You do not add up each pole.
Your plan is sound. You should be able to just change out the breaker that you want to take your new circuit(s) out of. Just make sure to use the same brand breaker that is currently installed.
One note: I hope the picture of the small panel your posted is not outside. That is not an outdoor rated panel. If it is outside, it needs to be changed.
#4
06-28-14, 10:33 PM
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Yes, that panel is outside. Like I said, this came with the home. I guess the inspection should have made mention of this.
So swap for an outdoor panel, then the breaker. Anything else I should look for in a breaker? Why does it need to be the same brand?
So swap for an outdoor panel, then the breaker. Anything else I should look for in a breaker? Why does it need to be the same brand?
#5
06-28-14, 11:02 PM
So swap for an outdoor panel, then the breaker.
#6
06-29-14, 05:51 AM
Group Moderator
Why does it need to be the same brand?
You could do as Ray suggested. IMO installing a small outdoor panel will give you more flexibility later if you ever want to add more circuits.
