Electrical Panel – How to Use a 200A Main Circuit Breaker Panel as a 100A Subpanel

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Short version:
Can I use a 200A MCB panel as a 100A subpanel? Can I leave the 200A large-format breaker in the subpanel, or would I have to remove the 200A breaker and convert it to a MLO (obviously, there would be a 100A breaker in the main panel).

Longer version:
I currently have 200A service running into my single, 200A, 30-breaker, main circuit breaker panel. I'm running out of breaker slots, and need to add on a sub panel. I've run the calcs for my power loads (the energy.gov calculator that crunches the NEC formulae), and I'm at about 175A. I don't think there's a reason to upgrade my residential service to 400A just yet, but who knows what new power-hungry toys humanity is going to need 20 years from now. If I had 2 200A MCBs, if/when I upgrade, I'd be most of the way there with the two panels ready for new feeders.

I'd of course float my neutrals, and install a separate grounding bar in the subpanel.

A 125A MLO panel and cover is roughly $150. A 200A MCB is roughly $250. If it meets Code, $100 for me is worth it for a bit of future-proofing.

Best Answer

Yeah, that's fine. Nobody cares if a subpanel (in the same building) has a completely superfluous main breaker. And for a 100A feeder, it's always better to use a 200A subpanel with plenty of spaces than a 100A subpanel with barely enough spaces.

who knows what new power-hungry toys humanity is going to need 20 years from now.

Well right now, the wind is actually blowing in the opposite direction, as appliances only get more efficient, and energy management is starting to exist.

Technology Connections has a 2-part series on this.