Replies

1. 
   zak | Aug 21, 2007 08:15am | #1

   There are a couple good articles in the online archive about wiring a new service entrance, and wiring subpanels. It's not in a stucco house, but you should be able to figure that out. Both of the articles are by Cliff Popejoy- I think he has a book or two published by Taunton- he's a good writer on the subject.

   zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

1. 
   EdwardAmmon | Aug 22, 2007 04:50am | #2

   Zak:

   Thank you for your help. The Popejoy articles were those I wanted confirmation on. Searching on him didn't show any single articles that could be purchased but I did find a few posts he made in other forums. So, the subscription option comes up again.  As an accident of my surfing, I did run across a commendation of a book the local library had "Old Electrical Wiring" by Shapiro which may help with other aspects of my project. I appreciate the hand.

   Regards,

   Ed

2. 
   grpphoto | Aug 22, 2007 05:37am | #3

   I have a book on home electrical wiring by Black&Decker that does a pretty good job of covering this. It's available at either HD or Lowes.

   George Patterson
1. 
   EdwardAmmon | Aug 22, 2007 08:39am | #5

   George:

   I'm grateful for the reference. I be by one of the big boxes soon with my 10% discount coupon and will look for the volume.

   Regards,

   Ed

3. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Aug 22, 2007 06:26am | #4

   Subscribe and read the article - you will download alot more than that - trust me.

   I recently replaced my 100 amp panel with a 200 amp panel.  Unlike the article, I was doing it with a live connection the whole time!  Here's how I did it safely:

   1.  Place your panel where you want, run the service entrance lines, install the new ground wire.  If you are planning on running lots of new wire, or re-using all your old wires, you can do this with a junction box - basicly a big grey box with lots of knockouts.  I did this and it made things very easy as all my wires were run through the attic.

   2.  Find the biggest amp circuit on the old panel.  Install that circuit into your new panel, and use the old breaker/fuse to energize the panel - run the lines to where they would corespond at the service entrance lugs, there should be a black, red, and neutral lug.  Connect the old ground to new ground terminal strip.

   At this point you have two live panels, but the new panel goes dark whenever you switch the breaker/fuse in the old panel.  NOTE:  If you only have two circuits for the whole house, you might want to add a temporary breaker on the new panel that has exactly the same rating as your breaker you are feeding from.  Instead of feeding the main lugs, you feed the breaker that backfeeds the main lug strips.  Tripping this breaker will still cut all power to the box.  This way you can darken the new box without taking out 50% of your houses existing circuits!

   3.  Cut over each line one at a time.  Take youe time to make sure each one works perfectly - if adding AFI or GFI breakers, test each and every outlet it powers before moving on.

   4.  When you are done, you will have an old breaker/fuse box with only one live circuit - the one feeding your new panel.  Call the electric company to cut over your power line to the new panel.  Make sure YOU shut off that last circuit when they get there!

   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Oh, good Lord, no. But I can give him two dollars and an assault rifle.

4. 
   DanH | Aug 22, 2007 02:15pm | #6

   Frankly, I wouldn't attempt this. You'll need a whole new drop, and lots of local code issues to deal with. Get an electrician to do the install of the panel. You can cut out the stucco as needed and physically mount/flash the panel he specs -- likely the sparky would rather not do that part himself anyway.

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Aug 22, 2007 07:01pm | #7

   The issues you may face is at the border of the local codes and the electric company.  Here, their jurisdiction covered the service entrance, the wire to the lugs, the height and placement of the electrical panel. 

   The electric company has a planning department just for clearing those details.  After talking to them, I got a .PDF file detailing what I needed to know.

   The wiring of the breakers and ground conductor was covered by the city.  This had to be approved before the electric company moved the power lines.

   An oddity about my city - they are anal about actually having the post-it like note on the wall next to your electrical panel from the electric company saying that spot was OK by them for installation.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Oh, good Lord, no. But I can give him two dollars and an assault rifle.

2. 
   EdwardAmmon | Aug 22, 2007 07:46pm | #8

   Dan:

   As indicated, I've done it before. But, as confessed, I'm mature enough not to recall everything I've done before. I did see a supplier the other day who put me on to some retired electrical man who might be hired to come by and give me tips and shortcuts on exactly what to physically do, serving much like the guide I had before. That seems the kind of happy compromise I was actually looking for, if it works out.

   We have common instincts on this and I think we would agree that with a little experienced oversight it's not brain science. Thank you for your help and time.

   Ed