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> The local hardware guy told me that NEC requires a certain space from the
> service entrance coming into the panel and to the top of the buss bars (main
> disconnect). What is the space required?
>
> I am removing an old 60 amp panel with a new 200 amp panel. The problem is
> that I only have about 8 inches of service entrance wires coming into the
> panel board.
>
> Thanks,
> David

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><snip>
>not worth the risk. Draw a permit and do the job right.

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> David Axt wrote:
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> There is no way that the service entry conductors that served your sixty
> ampere panel are adequate to supply a two hundred ampere panel! You
> need a heavy up of your service entry conductors. If you use your old
> conductors to supply the new panel you will eventually exceed there
> ampacity. When that happens they will fault out and the entire
> available energy of the utility transformer will come to say good
> morning. If those conductors pass through or near any combustible
> finish or framing ignition is inevitable. Have your service entry
> conductors replaced or you may burn down your home. Installing the new
> panel without installing adequate service entry conductors is illegal
> because it violates the electric code that is adopted as law in your
> area. Because it is considered a legal absurdity to insure an unlawful
> act doing so will void your fire insurance. The money you are saving is
> not worth the risk. Draw a permit and do the job right.
> --
> Tom H

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> I don't know the Code for this off hand, but if you only have 8 inches
> of cable for the service panel, you shouldn't go into the panel, Instead
> Install a small Trough & run the 8in. into It, then splice additional
> wire to your panel properly with sufficient length to make all the
> connections fit comfortable.
>
> Roy
>

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> Thanks for the suggestions! The aluminun service entrace cable is the same
> thickness as the wire that runs to the transformer. I will check the size
> and compare it to the Code minimum. I really don't want to run new service
> entrance cable but may have to.
>
> The old panel box was a weird Cutler Hamer thing that did not have a main
> disconnect breaker. It is probably 100 to 200 amp since it was loaded with
> breakers. There was obviously an overfill problem since many of the
> breakers were doubles (I don't mean dual breakers, I mean two breakers on
> one buss slot.)
>
> The City of Seattle has a self issued electrical permit process that I has
> been paid for and filed. I want to wire my house correctly and do not want
> to the inspector to demand that I redo it. Thus the reason for my question.
>
> Thanks again for the tips.
>
> David

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> David Axt wrote:
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> David
> The thickness; or to be more precise the cross sectional area; of the
> wires is only part of the picture. Other factors include the
> temperature rating of the insulation or weather covering on the wires,
> the environment through which they are run, and the material that the
> conductors are made of. Aluminum Clad Steel Reinforced conductors have
> a totally different ampacity than plain aluminum. I would hope it is
> obvious that the ampacity of conductors in free air run as open wiring
> on insulators or triplexed without an overall covering is higher than
> the ampacity of the same conductors in raceway or cable. The
> consequence of a fault in triplexed or open racked conductors is wires
> down. The consequence of a fault in the cable or raceway on your home
> is likely to be a fire.
>
> Many inspectors are happy to answer questions. Call the permit bureau
> and ask to speak to the inspector that will come out to your home. If
> local policy allows they can be a tremendous help.
>
> The rules that govern the wires that run from the eave of your home to
> the transformer are in the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
> Those rules allow a higher ampacity for conductors in free air than the
> National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC rules govern the work you do on
> or in the structure. The demarcation point between the two sets of
> rules is the splices between the service drop and the service entry
> conductors.
> --
> Tom H

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>
> "Roy Q.T." <ROYKEY@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:28737-422C9414-25@storefull-3254.bay.webtv.net...
>
> I don't believe it is Code to splice service entrance cable. I believe
> that
> it has to be one continous wire from the meter to the buss bar.
>
> David
>