Image gallery http://ift.tt/2ewxJ5A post was previously removed so I have improved the image descriptions with more detail.I had a 100 amp service with an overstuffed panel with no room for expansion. I upgraded it to a new 200 amp panel with some updates to my grounding system to bring it up to current standards. Materials was about $600 which is a substantial savings from the $2500 it would have cost to have a contractor do this. It took me about 12 hours over 2 days.I used 4/0 XCCW-2 wire in a 2 inch conduit. I also updated the ground by driving a single 5/8 grounding rod and connecting it to the meter ground with 6awg wire. I connected the water pipe ground using 4awg wire and will be adding a jumper from the street side of the meter to the house side of the meter.All aluminum connections were coated with Neolox and torqued to the specifications of the connectors (mostly ~21 ft lbs).Before commencing work, I obtained a permit ($80) from the township and discussed the grounding with the inspector to make sure the installation would meet their standards. He said that some states require 2 grounding rods, but my location only requires 1.I also spoke with the power company and they advised that their overhead lines are good for 200 amps at my location and that no work was required on their part. They stated that typically the electrical contractor connects to their lines and that it was my choice to do this or to have them come out. I was aware of the risks of doing so, but I choose to connect to the lines myself which is not something I can recommend. I used insulated gloves while doing this work.I am now happily live on my 200 amp service, but I still have a bit of cleanup work to do to neaten the wiring near the panel up as much as possible, label all of the circuits (they were not previously labelled), and generally close everthing up. I have inspection scheduled for Tuesday.This is only a DIY project if you are willing to put in the research to make sure you are hooking the service up correctly, obtain a permit, review your plan with the electrical inspector, and generally be careful! via /r/DIY http://ift.tt/2gxSxdF
