Do I need to downgrade my main breaker?

[729zoom]

When I moved into my house 42 years ago, there was already a 100 amp panel with a 100 amp main breaker but I recently found out that the service wire to my house and all my neighbors (who also have 100 amp min panels) is a #8 aluminum, which is only rated for 40 amps! I checked my historical usage as far back as I could on the utility site and bought an emporium energy monitor and found I have never pulled more than 30 amps at one time and, most of the time, I am pulling only 10-20 amps total. I think because I have all gas appliances, just two of us and we don't use a lot. So, it seems the #8 is more than enough. ????

 

[Jeff H Young]

well i doubt its a gas airconditioner , thatll draw current . I dont know that over 42 years in use means its good enough or that its safe hope you find some qualified advice maybe its nothing to worry about, but It sounds small to me if it was 2 or 3 sizes too small it might very well be a concern

 

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[Fitter30]

Incoming power isn't protected by the breaker in the panel has to be protected at source. That main panel breaker is protecting what is the panel not individual breakers. What size is the wire from pecker head to panel and material if from a telephone pole or underground? How did.u find the size of the wire?

 

[Reach4]

I would ask the power company if you have 100 amp service. If not, what would it take to make it so?

 

[Jeff H Young]

i dont see how she found out the wire size matters assuming someone told her because if she knew what she was looking at she wouldnt be asking us . sounds small ask power company you cant change it yourself anyway