Wires too short to reach new load center.

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Mindz i

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Alright, it's no go on the old box being used as a junction box. I decided to email the Chief Electrical Inspector one more time to make sure I properly explained what I was wanting to do. He said he wouldn't approve of a gutted load center as a junction box. But, he keeps stating that I need to upgrade to a 200 amp panel, when I've made it clear both times that I'm doing just that. This statement keeps me thinking he doesn't understand what I'm asking. But, I feel I'm chasing my tail. Our tax dollars at work, I suppose. So, now I got to figure out how to get the wires into the new panel...

Here's what I sent him.

Sorry, if I wasn't clear. I wasn't trying to take up your time trying to get advice on how to do it. Just wanted to make sure that it's ok with the code department if I gutted the old box to use as a junction box and if using butt splice kits are acceptable. I've read in forums where electricians have gutted old panels and used them as a junction boxes. But, because it would no longer be UL listed if modified like this, it might not pass inspection if the inspector didn't approve. The wire wouldn't reach the new box and would have to be replaced or extended using splices. The current box is 13"x8-1/2"x3-1/2". I figure that should be more than enough room for all the splices. Putting in all new wire would add around $400 dollars to the overall cost. I'm trying to avoid this. The current meter is rated for 200 amps and the load center I'm wanting to install, is rated for 200 amps as well.

This is the current set up.
(A picture was here for him to see our current box and meter.)

This is kind of what I want to do, except using the old box as a junction box.
(A picture showing the neighbors set up.)

This was his response.

I would not approve as a junction box. You need to replace the old panel with an updated one sized at 200 amps if that’s what size you need.

It's almost as if he thinks I want to install the guts of a 200 amp panel in the old panel. But, I said I wanted to use the old panel as a junction box not to house the new 200 amp parts.
 
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JWelectric

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as far as being code compliant using the old panel would be fine. Ask him to show you why it wouldn't be.
 

Mindz i

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I would, but he really doesn't seem like he's interested in answering questions. I think he's just skimming through the email, causing him to not comprehend what's being asked. Why else would he constantly say to upgrade the panel to a 200 amp service if I've repeatedly established that that's what I'm doing? Now I see why electricians charge so much. All of this bureaucratic nonsense you guys have to deal with.
 

Mindz i

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Alright, I've gotten tired of this box... so, I lit it on fire. I feel better now. :) Smells a little funny though.
 
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Ballvalve

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Good, now a pro can bill your insurance Co. for the new panel.

No joke, however, we had a wildfire and I lost 4 entire entrance panels and poles here. The Power company lost miles of main line.

PVC loves to burn, and can continue underground for some long distances. The power co. was kind enough to give away some shortened main line poles to use as service drop poles to help in the catastrophe.

I spent some time in the fire keeping it out of a canyon where the dead end PO CO high voltage wires are hanging from huge pine trees - I knew it would take them a year to replace my treees with poles.

Yes, up until about 10 years ago, they hung crossbars on trees in certain places and used oak trees as tie backs!

Of course THEN, they provided free service.

Now, installing that line would mean clearing 500 trees and paying 80,000$ for the new "to code" service. Our government at work.
 
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Midimagic

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Two thoughts here, even though this is 4 years old. It might save others from grief:

1. If you upgrade the breaker box to a higher amperage, the service drop must also be upgraded to a higher amperage. The main breaker also protects the service drop from overcurrent.

2. If this box is outside, a water leak may be the source of the problem.

3. If the wires are too short, you can always put a disconnect box in the line.
 
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