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.
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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