I get the feeling that I am going to re-open a can of worms here(looking at a previous post), but my situation is slightly different. My plan is to install a 100 amp subpanel in the other half of my basement, about 30 feet from the main panel. This subpanel would supply a 220V/20amp circuit for an air compressor, and 3 or 4 110V outlets, but no light fixtures. I realize that 100 amps is probably overkill, but it leaves me room for expansion (welder, etc.). I figured to use a 2 pole, 100 amp breaker at the main panel as a disconnect, and separate breakers on the subpanel for the outlet circuits. My questions are as folows; Am I on the right track? What qauge wire would I need between the main and subpanels? (gulp!) I have a 200 amp service, but lots of current-hungry stuff (A/C, electric range, dryer). How can I tell if I have enough capacity for a 100 amp subpanel? The only open spots on the main panel are on the bottom (opposite the main lugs at the top). Is this OK, or do I need to locate the breaker closer to the main lugs? This forum is great. It lets code-challenged people like me get accurate information ( and probably start a few arguments, too! :)

In recent weeks I've noticed a strange smell which occurs only in my living room - it's intermittent but seems to happen most often in the evenings. It's not exactly a burning smell - the closest description I could give is that it smells like someone's struck a match: in other words an acrid, sulphurous smell. My first thought was that it's a wiring problem (the house was built in the early 30s and has some aluminum wiring). However, all of the outlets in the room seem to work and none of the faceplates feel hot. All of the light fixtures have the correct amperage bulbs. And, as I mentioned, the smell is not present all the time. I'd considered having an electrician come to check it out but I'm unsure as to what I'd ACTUALLY be asking him to do. Any ideas or advice? Thanks, CM