Originally Posted By: sgilligan
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Sorry for the elementary question, but how do you determine Service Amps?
Sorry for the elementary question, but how do you determine Service Amps?
Originally Posted By: tallen
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lets say
meter rating 200 amps
feeders 1/0 150 amps
panel rated for 125 amps
main breaker 100 amps
so in this case it would be rated at 100 amps
the lowest rating of those four factors is the service rating
or I need some coffee
Don't worry if I am wrong due to not checking the books first, you can be sure someone will let you and me know about it.
--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net
30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
Originally Posted By: sgilligan
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Thanks Todd, but where do you find the amp rating on the meter? Do they all list the amp rating? And what exactly do you mean by feeders 1/0 150 amps?? I know these questions are 101, just felt silly for asking. Thanks again.
Originally Posted By: tallen
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The meter rating is on the front it will say CL 200 or CL 150 almost every meter I have seen is a 200
A copper wire sized at 1/0 is rated for 125 to 170 amps depending on type. I may be mistaken, again did not look it up .If you have the code check books or an NEC it will be listed in there for the NEC if I remember correctly it is in table 310-15 or 16.
However if it is Aluminum wire and a lot of feeders are 1/0 would be rated at 100 to 135 amps depending on type
hope this helps
The only silly question is the one that was not asked 
--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net
30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
Originally Posted By: sgilligan
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…sure does, thanks Todd.
Originally Posted By: roconnor
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| sgilligan wrote: |
| I know these questions are 101, just felt silly for asking. |
It's not silly at all ... it would be very silly not to ask if you are not sure ... 
Also, here is a link to a basic wire ampacity chart, thanks to the great people over at www.CodeCheck.com (I highly recomment the CodeCheck books for HI's) ... CLICK HERE
--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: jbehling
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Ok, came across something unusual for me today. 100 amp service to the meter, the main fuse panel was 200 amp main breaker, and there was a 60 amp sub panel. The home had a large addition on it, which was heated via FAG, the older part of the house was heated via hot water boiler, then the basement had electric heat ( two furnaces + baseboards). So I am going around this house wondering whether the service, 100 amp is really under powered, I am pretty sure it is… am I right here? Is there a quick calculation you guys use.
Originally Posted By: rmoore
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Jason…
how did you determine "100 amp service to the meter"?. What size were the SEC's entering the service panel? (BTW...I know what you mean, but "main fuse panel with a 200 amp breaker" is a little confusing).
--
Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com
Originally Posted By: jbehling
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Meter was rated 100 amp 120/240. “Main Disconnect”
was rated 200 amp.Originally Posted By: Vince Santos
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sgilligan,
I know how you feel. Being new to this business I have posted things that would no doubt be simple to these guys. But really if you did not post that question and just guessed at how to determine service amps, now that would be silly. 
BTW those books are great.
I have the A field guide to building a safe house one and love it.
My only concern is what if I take this with me on an inspection, and I plan on it, and the client sees me looking at it? The fact that it does say code check on it may cause them to think you are doing a code inspection.
--
Desire is half of life, indifference is half of death.
--Kahlil Gibran
Originally Posted By: tallen
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Vince,
I usually just make a note of my concerns on my pda to check it out at home while I am finishing the report.
Another good reason not to do onsite reporting 
--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net
30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
Originally Posted By: rmoore
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
| jbehling wrote: |
| Meter was rated 100 amp 120/240. "Main Disconnect"  was rated 200 amp. |
Jason...in that case I wouldn't worry about load calculations. Rather, I'd be recommending the meter panel and, probably, the SEC's from the service point on, be upgraded to match the service panel and 200 amp breaker. Yes, they could do a quicker "fix" it by installing a 100 amp main breaker, but that would seem like a backwards step.
--
Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com
Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
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Shawn
Call me sometime. I will try to help you. 614-214-1487
PS I thought you where in Powell but the offer is still good.
Mike P.
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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| roconnor wrote: | ||
It's not silly at all ... it would be very silly not to ask if you are not sure ...  Also, here is a link to a basic wire ampacity chart, thanks to the great people over at www.CodeCheck.com (I highly recomment the CodeCheck books for HI's) ... CLICK HERE |
Doesn't do you a lick of good unless you know how to size wires by looking at them. Found that out the hard way. Have to figure out a way to judge them without sticking a guage in a panel! 
--
Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC
Search the directory for a Wisconsin Home Inspector
Originally Posted By: Vince Santos
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I have heard of the idea of taking different size wires with you so you can compare them to what you see. Your wires would be ladled for easy comparison.
–
Desire is half of life, indifference is half of death.
–Kahlil Gibran
Originally Posted By: tallen
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If you are going to use wire samples as a guide be sure to get the different types of insulation.
If you can't see the actual conductor a 14 awg THW looks like a 10 awg THHN or THWN
--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net
30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
Originally Posted By: jbehling
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Richard, thanks for your help. Always good to be reassured some times
Originally Posted By: roconnor
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| jbehling wrote: |
| Ok, came across something unusual for me today. 100 amp service to the meter, the main fuse panel was 200 amp main breaker |
Are the feeders from the meter to the panel sized for 200A (e.g. #2/0 Cu) or for 100A (e.g. #4 Cu)? If wires are rated for 200A are ya sure the meter is ony 100A? If it's 200A feeders, but really only a 100A meter/drop then it might be an indication of an upgrade by an non-professional without a permit. Still a flag, but IMHO not as serious a safety hazard as having a 100A feeder with a 200A main breaker ... ouch. Note that the utility drop/lateral wires will be sized smaller than other wires since they follow different rules (i.e. NESC).
| kmcmahon wrote: |
| Doesn't do you a lick of good unless you know how to size wires by looking at them. |
Very true, and good point. For the less experienced guys here are a few links to check out on determining the wire sizes and service capacity (also do a search for "service capacity") ... 
CLICK HERE
AND CLICK HERE
ALSO CLICK HERE - SAFETY
Hope that helps ...
--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: roconnor
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
| Mike Parks wrote: |
| Call me sometime. I will try to help you. |
Very commendable ... 
I really respect your offer to help a less experienced inspector, and your dedication to helping others keep thier clients safe.
--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: sgilligan
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
No kidding, it’s what makes this site the best. But wait until I get it on speed dial!
