TOPIC: Panel Question

I have to disagree with this statement "The correct way to determine the available amperage is to determine the ampacity of the lowest rated of the following components". For Example if you have a 2/0 copper SEC, which is for 200 amp service, and a 100 amp panel, it is still a 200 amp service, not 100 amp. It is also unsafe, and should be reported as such. The SEC, breaker, panel, meter panel should all have matching ampacity.

As an HI, you know that a 2/0 can carry 200 amps, but you have no way to tell how much is actually coming in from the electric company, you have to assume the amps is what the SEC can safely carry. So a 200 amp SEC in a 100 amp panel can cause the panel to overheat.

This information is quite incorrect Michael and is no more unsafe than screwing in a 60amp light bulb in a fixture rated for a maximum 100amp bulb.

To clarify, I am talking about the PANEL rating not the disconnect. If the panel is rated for 100 amps and the SEC is rated for 200 amps and the breaker is 200 amps and the meter is 200 amps, then the panel can overheat.

I have to disagree with this statement "The correct way to determine the available amperage is to determine the ampacity of the lowest rated of the following components". For Example if you have a 2/0 copper SEC, which is for 200 amp service, and a 100 amp panel, it is still a 200 amp service, not 100 amp. It is also unsafe, and should be reported as such. The SEC, breaker, panel, meter panel should all have matching ampacity.

As an HI, you know that a 2/0 can carry 200 amps, but you have no way to tell how much is actually coming in from the electric company, you have to assume the amps is what the SEC can safely carry. So a 200 amp SEC in a 100 amp panel can cause the panel to overheat.

This information is quite incorrect Michael and is no more unsafe than screwing in a 60amp light bulb in a fixture rated for a maximum 100amp bulb.

To clarify, I am talking about the PANEL rating not the disconnect. If the panel is rated for 100 amps and the SEC is rated for 200 amps and the breaker is 200 amps and the meter is 200 amps, then the panel can overheat.

Ahhh yes that would be bad!

I have to disagree with this statement "The correct way to determine the available amperage is to determine the ampacity of the lowest rated of the following components". For Example if you have a 2/0 copper SEC, which is for 200 amp service, and a 100 amp panel, it is still a 200 amp service, not 100 amp. It is also unsafe, and should be reported as such. The SEC, breaker, panel, meter panel should all have matching ampacity.

As an HI, you know that a 2/0 can carry 200 amps, but you have no way to tell how much is actually coming in from the electric company, you have to assume the amps is what the SEC can safely carry. So a 200 amp SEC in a 100 amp panel can cause the panel to overheat.

This information is quite incorrect Michael and is no more unsafe than screwing in a 60amp light bulb in a fixture rated for a maximum 100amp bulb.

To clarify, I am talking about the PANEL rating not the disconnect. If the panel is rated for 100 amps and the SEC is rated for 200 amps and the breaker is 200 amps and the meter is 200 amps, then the panel can overheat.

It the panel is rated for 100 amps and they install a 200 amp breaker, that is the first defect to point out.  Oh wait, that's right.  If I need more power, I just add a bigger breaker, right?

Sort of like my bank account.  I can't be overdrawn, I still have checks. 

LMAO

To clarify, I am talking about the PANEL rating not the disconnect. If the panel is rated for 100 amps and the SEC is rated for 200 amps and the breaker is 200 amps and the meter is 200 amps, then the panel can overheat.

Gotcha ! Because the panel is over-fused by the 200A breaker.

But just to clarify further... a 150A panel with a 100A main breaker on a 200A SEC is not an issue.  Simply means the owner can upgrade the panel and/or main breaker at any time deemed necessary. But the amp rating should be noted in the report as 100A since the 100A main breaker is the smallest rated component in this scenario.

Are we confused yet???