200A Service Upgrade | Garwood, NJ

[@richb4099]

You do great work Ron and have all the skills and tools to be efficient and you're old school......take pride in your work. Working for yourself I'm sure is a challenge but you easily cover that challenge.....I'm 75..worked as an electrician for a short couple years early in my life....1960's.....always wished I'd stayed in the trade.....My best friend was a Union Electrician Job Site foreman for a big company.....he also had great skills even though he hadn't worked with a tool bag for years.......This country needs more men like you. Your videos are excellent.....

[@steveloux4709]

The reason there was no backfeed from the solar inverters is that they are UL1741 compliant, meaning they disconnect when the utility is lost. It protects the utility workers, or in this case, you.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I did not know that. Thank you!

[@fortvalor]

Solar shuts down the second it notices the mains off. This prevents backflow into the grid and protects workers if a line is down getting repaired.

[@Pembroke1]

Ron, I hope they appreciate your hard work as much as we do, take care

[@rrussell39]

Nice work. I am an electrical contractor in Texas, and we are on the 2020 NEC. Sure makes a simple service upgrade like the one you did a lot more work with the new section 230.85 Emergency Disconnect requirement for one and two-family dwellings. We usually install an outdoor MB Panel and turn the old (usually in the garage) panel into a junction box and extend the circuits outside. Or, sometimes it's easier to install a NEMA 3R Enclosure W/Main Breaker outside and an MLO panel wherever it winds up...depends on the job. Also, we don't see SE Cable around here, and most jurisdictions won't allow it, but it sure looks like a great way to make an upgrade a lot quicker. You see either EMT or Sch. 80 PVC risers and an eye-bolt, or Rigid conduit if used as a mast. I don't see a problem with SE cable personally...so not sure why it has never been a popular method here. Thanks for taking the time to make the video, I like to watch the way other area's of the country do things. Stay safe out there.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Don’t you guys also panels outside the home? Or does that start in Arizona and California?

[@davekimball3610]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey Lots of outdoor panels here in New Mexico, seems a real weird thing in my opinion.

[@linehandibew6205]

@@davekimball3610eww outside

[@erp7625]

I LOVE the idea of writing the outside temp and the weather of the day on the inside of the meter can door. I might start doing that. Who doesnt love to find little fun notes like that in the field?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

That's how I started doing it lol. Hope you enjoy the videos.

[@paulehlers2225]

After watching several of your videos I've come to the conclusion that I sure wish you were in Colorado. I need to do an extensive service upgrade on my place and you sir are the type of tradesman I wish I could find to help me out here!! Watching you confirms that the American work ethic is alive & well!!!!!!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I’m very flattered. Thank you.

[@paulehlers2225]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey You're welcome, you've earned it!!

[@MrKen59]

Beautiful job - the install was so well choreographed. One comment in regards to your opening statement on disconnecting the service. You said “if” you aren’t comfortable - don’t do it. I can see some dyi guy looking at that thinking - that looks easy. To be honest, I’d love to see a close up of that process and how you handled the cables. I would not attempt this, however I’m curious because you held the cables with your hands and made it look way to easy. Have to commend you on not cutting sections. Thank you so much.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I like having this kind of feedback so thanks for that. I have a running list of upcoming videos I'd like to do for the channel. This goes on the list now, too. The trouble with doing a video on this, however, is where to place the camera.

[@MrKen59]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey maybe a GoPro on your hat or clip a phone holder on a gutter?

[@Nahum17good]

I enjoy watching your videos. You always ask for feedback, so here it is…I like how you go the extra mile and use antioxidant on aluminum wire when it’s not required as do I. I learned from an old timer electrician to always put antioxidant on any screws or splices installed outside. I’ve been using this technique for nearly 40 years. I’ve had to change disconnects and the like because the lug screws became one with the lug. I’ve been back on my own work years after I installed it and the screws came right out. Keep up the great work and videos.

[@marksommer3073]

Had the same problem with an electrical engineer where I worked. I ask what else am I going to do? No answer. You do nice professional work

[@allanpaduchowski1774]

Great job Ron!!! I’ve done so many of these alone and it’s a very long day… I started hiring a friend electrician for the day just to shorten it. Like you showed there’s a lot to do on inside. Myself: I would disconnect the service and then have the other guy disassemble mast etc and install new equipment, plus had them clean up or even carry old equipment out of basement, reduced my walking time.. Keep it up man!!

[@allanpaduchowski1774]

I live on the NH/MA border and some towns do not allow you to disconnect and reconnect. It can add hours to your day.

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks Ron. I liked the video. I wish I could have been your “gopher” that day.

[@mcarroll598]

Keep it up man, I enjoy your content. I’ve done a lot of these over the years, I know how much work it is. It’s a very long and tiring day!!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Cheers brother!

[@anthonyreznik8883]

Just to comment on using wire nuts inside the panel. It is absolutely the best way to do this if wires are too short. To keep things tidy looking I use small zip ties on each extension to keep the wire nut close to the original wire. Use white on white (zip ties and wire nuts) and black on black and it will look professional and manage the bulkiness.

[@donjohnson7604]

AWESOME WORKMANSHIP !!!! 👌 KEEP DOING IT THE WAY YOU DO IT ... THANKS A BUNCH

[@aaron74]

Very professional retrofit. Looks great, and it also lolked like it was very challenging to manipulate those cables above the panel. I'm warming up to that SE cable you guys use in NJ, that is a huge time saver and seems perfectly weather resistant.

[@markmartin6301]

Great job Ron! Enjoy watching you! I like the way you explain every detail in steps one thing or item at a time! Overall you a great job as I said before! Keep the videos coming our way. You had great amount of work to do. A lot of foot work I may add. The additional time it takes from the van back to job site inside and outside the home! Sincerely, Mark Martin

[@user-ye8lm1ch1j]

Fantastic work you got yourself a new subscriber!!Also l’ll be starting as an electrician for multi-family next month and hopefully work my way up to the commercial side one day to learn all the knowledge to be able to do what you do one day. Keep up the man like work ethic!

[@flexquick]

keep the videos coming big man, english guy going to be rewiring a house in the states soon. your videos are so much help. thank you

[@twowheelzen9419]

You do incredibly good work Brother... Inspiring to say the least

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thanks man I appreciate your kind words.

[@tonybarkdull1199]

I have and upgrade soon to 200A due to some storm damage. Nice to watch a professional. I am not doing the work. Leaving that to a professional here in Indiana.

[@angelpacheco5185]

Beautiful work due to all the obstacles you had to go through you came out on top I’ve been in the trade for over 30 years myself and it’s pretty cool to see how you work by yourself. I’m licensed in the state of Arizona just got it a few months ago, I keep telling myself if I only had one or two more guys to work with me, but you’re giving me the confidence that I might not need anybody else because I like to work just like you the harder the better good job

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thank you!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Also, being mentally prepared for doing something like this by yourself is also a BIG part of it.

[@angelpacheco5185]

Yes sir I agree with that 100% also by the way on the wire nuts that is true it is not a code violation. I think it’s more of a preference I have to do the same thing with short wires the other way is more money.

[@linehandibew6205]

I worked for a company that they wanted us to mount splice boxes above for the short home runs or a trough and then send in extensions to the panel and splice in the trough. Makes for a beater job in the pa el but yes extra work

[@deedee2940]

Отличная работа:)

[@johnpinkston6505]

Great looking job. When are coming out to SoCal? Need to upgrade my 1984 100amp main panel to a 200 amp. Got to work around Solar and Backup generator circuits.

[@randycarter2001]

Solar panel inverters are designed to shut down when the grid power disappears. This prevents back feeding out to the grid causing problems for linemen.

[@mackfisher4487]

Very nice job, I appreciate how you take pride in your work and go above the minimum standard. I would've been tempted to put the cable TV guy RG-6 that's is running through the basement window facing through the wall, but well-meaning thinking sometimes gets one in trouble too.

[@marinehelo4632]

Awesome work Brother ...Semper Fi...God Bless

[@WilsonWaijah]

Great work, keep it up, professional❤

[@arnieselectric007]

Awesome job Ron, I was hoping to see you hook up the service as I've never done one yet...great video, very impressed...

[@alexanderborden8401]

Great job your videos show great workmanship and professionalism.

[@JStouder133]

Congrats on the neat work and install! I'm a new electrical contractor here in Washington state. I give you serious props for doing all of this work by yourself, it's a lot to take on! I've only redone 1 service before and I was way too stressed out. Had to redo a 200 amp service all by myself in December, and the customers basement starting to flood due to their sump pump not working ( no power) and my small generator not starting due to the cold. Luckily I got done before any major water came into the basement. After that hassle I stuck to smaller jobs for a long time.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I'm lucky that I had some good electricians teach me along the way. Planning it all is way important. As a new contractor if I could suggest to you to get out of your comfort zone and do these difficult tasks NOW because in a year or two you'll look back and think what the hell was I worried about? I was that way when it came to standby generators. Now, well, you can see I overcame that challenge.

[@JStouder133]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey Hey I certainly appreciate the advice! So glad I found your channel. Lots of great content and superb work!

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

Here in Arkansas We have to get the Meter Service disconnected by the Power Company ( ENTERGY) in my area. Then you replace the service panel and upgrade the meter base up. Then waitttt for them to reestablish service.

[@billwalton4120]

Love your work and glad I found your channel. I went out on my own in April and can relate to the struggle of doing these jobs alone. Generator vids have been my fave so far. Great job!!!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thanks Bill what state are working in?

[@billwalton4120]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey Iowa

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

@@billwalton4120 Good luck to you. I started my biz in 2009 and I did what was suggested to me and that was to do whatever the competition won't do. It was very good advice.

[@Honestandtruth007]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey Do a Generator need To Be Grounded Or not as in New Code ❓❓

[@RBB73]

Nice job considering all the challenges and what you have to work with!

[@kesleicarvalho4062]

Hey Ron, eu gosto muito do seu conteúdo. Sou eletricista aqui no Brasil e curto muito o trabalho nos EUA.

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

The duct seal is on all bottom and tops on the exterior here in PA. The only difference, we do in PA,, here typically, that I seen you do it differently is when you do your weather head, I personally and I know a lot of other electricians that put duct seal on/over the wires after they are folded out of weather-head. This is especially true, when your using metal or plastic conduit for your SEC. But great video and I love the explaining of NJ codes and why you do certain things. But don't let the haters get to you. You are putting out amazing content.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thank you that means a lot.

[@roberthoffmann9757]

Ron that was a great video, you did work your fucking nuts off!! I haven't done a rewire with that many circuits in long long time. I retired about 30 yrs ago for a job that paid benefits and retirement. I do small jobs if they come around now

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

good work, a long hard day for sure

[@jarrydee2799]

We had one that was in a little cabinet like this... Sucked ass big time. Trying to get the 4/O SE into the panel was a real bitch. hate days like this

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Next time try having the SEU cable in position and move the panel up into the connector.

[@michaelleddy3701]

Great video here. Thanks for posting bro.

[@mohammedelsayed2889]

Love the video, would like to apprentice for my next career

[@chuckquinn8026]

Incredible amount of work by one Master Electrician! Again showing your woodworking skills too. I don’t get the no splices allowed in service panels. I thought it was standard procedure splicing circuits in the panel when installing a generator for critical circuits 🤷‍♂️. Curious what your feelings are on laying a piece of rubber roofing material over the exposed wood siding before mounting the meter box and new Azak panel to help waterproof the opening… I’m surprised you didn’t pass out in that heat last year 👍👍

[@Photog455]

I really enjoy these videos. As a retired photg/editor, (and a non-electrician), they are nicely done. My question, after completing the job, how do you determine which circuit goes to which appliance, plug etc. for the labels. Thanks.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Turn off each breaker one at a time.

[@Photog455]

I thought so. I know there is a transmitting device that can be plugged into each circuit and then you can run the receiver over the electric panel until you get an indication. It is a tedious process either way. Thanks. @@electricianron_New_Jersey

[@jimsvideos7201]

Nice bit of handiwork.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thanks 👍

[@JCiechon22]

Really awesome stuff man. Thanks for making videos like this. I have a question which might be dumb so forgive me if so, how did you know what circuits were what when you were installing them? How did you know which circuits needed to have gfci breakers?

[@Xxpoo]

Good job Ron, very informative. The wires aren't tagged. How did you know where they went?

[@edwatters6377]

Very nice job.

[@jamescollins8148]

Great Job!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

@@jamescollins8148 Thank you!

[@jamescollins8148]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey If I may, when using your circular saw, put the heavy side (motor) on the supported side of your cut. Learned this from an old carpenter.

[@patdonaldson2570]

nice and tidy work my dude

[@robertmohammed2968]

Great job. You're very good

[@nickk05281982]

that jacketed service entrance wire breaks down really fast. neutral ends up being exposed then its replacement time

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The older SEU was like that but not now.

[@andrewk7745]

The NEC permits splicing in an electrical panel under 312-8 as long as the fill does not exceed that required under 312-8A and B. In almost any case there will be sufficient room to slice and be within code requirements.

[@Originalrubebwoy]

Great work new sub .Wire nuts are 100% ok in the panel , if they don't like that run a whole new wire are put a junction box. Damn wire nut police on youtube :).

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

LOL

[@rick2tube]

For future circuits to be added, it would be good to leave a few breaker slots (along with ground/neutral slots) open at the top and bottom of the panel.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

There are NO MORE opening in the top of this panel. Two 14/2 cables actually enter from the side of the enclosure.

[@mikes7047]

theres plenty of room to add breakers into that panel

[@rick2tube]

@@mikes7047 Agree, my suggestion was purely a personal preference to avoid crossing wires say if a new circuit was added in the future. The new circuit/breaker could simply be added to the top of the stack.

[@mikes7047]

@@rick2tube where i am in canada you can't even go into the top of a panel with the branch circuits where the main breaker is. unless you have a fused disconnect before the panel. The only option i would have had in this scenario would have been flipping the panel upside down with the main breaker on the bottom or turning the panel sideways. Either way the feeds from the meter have to be separate. The service rated panels here have a piece of steel that screws in around the main breaker.

[@MrJujubean]

Fantastic video! When you tie the service back in high up on your ladder, when you get ready to join the two wires do you ever have a hesitation grabbing those lines ?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Not anymore.

[@MrJujubean]

@electricalron you make that job look easy. But with your time in the trade it shows. Well done Sir! Go Bill O'Reilly!!😆

[@monsooncaps6741]

You’re the man RONNNNN

[@meganw6007]

(26:30 to 30:00) As far as I can see, the cable coming in from outside isn't protected, just clamped down. Does code not require conduit or something protective for certain sizes or types of cables coming in from the service/utility? Just the ~33:20 explanation that it doesn't seem subject to physical damage? (9:35 to ~19:30) How did you keep track of each circuit and what went to what, when you disconnected everything? As far as I could see/tell, there wasn't a step of like labeling each cable for what circuit and room or area it went to, so did you take pictures, or is there like a program for keeping track of that? How did you keep track of what went to what?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Each of the circuits is identified AFTER the new panel is installed.

[@toshihitsu1989]

if its a gride tide solar sytem to my knolage is that if there is no voltage present on the main feed to the inveter it will not turn on unless there is some sort of battery backup.

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

I think to be a good neat final panel installer like cutting in like this you have to have a little to a lot of OCD, lol that's why I like doing them.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I try to do each and every job as if it were going to be done to my house.

[@mikeking3110]

Nice work 👍

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@solargod3671]

Great video

[@DougLockard]

Sucks to be a one man band....bin there....wire nuts in the panel are ok....great job

[@carlcapello9956]

After you disconnected the meter, you still had live power connected to the house at the in line connector from the pole to the house correct? When you need power disconnected from the utility company, you had to call them for a disconnect correct?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The power company here allows licensed electricians to cut out from the utility. Check with your utility company before doing anything.

[@audi_kid]

Great video thank you!

[@EngelUniverse]

Awesome!

[@geohac2456]

like the content. explained very well.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thank you George.

[@lukehanlon3179]

Square D “Qwik grip” panels save tons of time for installs that have space constraints like the one you did Keep cranking out the good work thanks for sharing!!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I installed one of those at my in-laws house a few years back. You're right, that would've been a lot easier.

[@400080vikkash]

Wonderful work! So if you'd have a main 200 amp disconnect outside would you need to split up these grounds and neutrals in this panel?

[@robertt9342]

Interesting code differences. Here in Ontario Canada you can’t use the panel as a junction box.

[@robertgonzalez8419]

What size should the service entrance wire be for 200 amp service and another question what if the customer has 100 amp service is that wire sufficient for upgrading to 200 amp because the run to the main connection is over 150 feet I can’t imagine how much that wire will cost any feedback I appreciate

[@jimaquilano9137]

Other than cost, why do you use aluminum wire for the main instead of copper. I also think putting the main wires inside a conduit looks a lot better and gives much more protection.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The whole national grid is aluminum conductor.

[@mgraen]

1:06 Doing the service connection only if you're qualified can't be emphasized enough. I have thousands of hours wiring up control panels and motor drives but I wouldn't feel comfortable up on a ladder messing with live utility service conductors. Maybe part of experience is learning the things you shouldn't be doing.

[@dvrn86]

We need the utility company to remove their meter, disconnect the main lines as they have to upgrade theirs for 200A. Once I'm completed the job needs to have a pre booked inspection and pass before system can be energized again. No where in the western world have I worked where you can just cut the utility line or remove their meter without legal implications.

[@johnduffy532]

Hi Ron, great job! I don’t know how you know what circuits are what when installing new panel.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Hi John, each circuit in the panel is either going to be 120 volts (single pole) or 240 volts (double pole). I tag the double pole circuits with vinyl electrical tape and this way I know they connected to a double pole circuit breaker. This panel had (3) double pole circuits.

[@johnduffy532]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey thanks Ron. Dor and I are watching now the panel upgrade you did for your teammate the Ranger fan.

[@jumpinghighest]

Great video! Question: Where do you land the grounded conductor from the grounding rods? Thank you!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

At the main disconnect.

[@jumpinghighest]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey Thank you for the prompt response. Another question: What size conductor for the water ground if you use copper instead of aluminum? Thank you!

[@MAD20248]

Splicing inside the breakers box is fine. 312.8 Switch and Overcurrent Device Enclosures. The wiring space within enclosures for switches and overcurrent devices shall be permitted for other wiring and equipment subject to limitations for specif i c equipment as provided in (A) and (B). (A) Splices, Taps, and Feed-Through Conductors. The wiring space of enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall be permitted for conductors feeding through, spliced, or tapping off to other enclosures, switches, or overcurrent devices where all of the following conditions are met: (1) The total of all conductors installed at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space. (2) The total area of all conductors, splices, and taps installed at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed 75 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space. (3) A warning label complying with 110.21(B) is applied to the enclosure that identif i es the closest disconnecting means for any feed-through conductors.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I think they might teach union electricians thaT splicing in a panel is a violation

[@joshman2338]

U have any pro tips for making up the service up top on the extension ladder. What tools do you use? Do you use insulated butt splices??

[@carlcapello9956]

How were you able to list the circuits on the white labels to the correct circuit breakers on the panel?

[@bpmunroe]

Ron - really nice work and that did look like a pain in the ass. When you mounted the board to the outside of the house, where you cut out some of the siding, did you add any caulking or flashing to protect against water leaking behind the flashing?

[@vince6829]

Quick question. Even though you landed the ground wires and neutrals to different bus bars, they are still bonded together since this panel provides the first means of disconnect, correct? I saw the green bonding screw. I just want to make sure that I am understanding things. Thanks for the video.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Correct. The only reason why I added the ground bar at the top of the enclosure is because of two things: short grounding conductors, and possibly a generator installation in the future.

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

I agree the wire nuts inside look bad but it is permitted and in an enclosure so it being ugly has nothing to do with it working properly. I actually seen on a Canadian electrical inside of the basement of the house saying you can't run the conductors through the top of the the panel except the feeder cables. I was like huh.

[@Kevin-wj4ed]

In Indianapolis all outside services must be in pipe!

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Plumbers use pipe. Electricians install conduit and this isn't Indiana.

[@dienekes4364]

I'm not saying I couldn't do this, but what you got done in a long day would probably take me a month! 😂😂😂

[@relikvija]

Nice work, now do a slow motion version

[@m3rdpwr]

Question. I noticed you do not put a service type loop at the top where the mains connect to the main lugs. Is it by choice? I hear things like it's easier to connect and disconnect if needed with the service loop in place.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I never have done that and still manage to terminate conductors with no issues.

[@m3rdpwr]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey I'm sure, I just seen it in several different instances. I want to get your take on it.

[@ranger178]

my solar inverter has to check the incoming voltage from electric company and match the cycles per second in sync with utilities it takes around 5 minutes to come on after being connected to incoming power at panel it won't put any power out to a disconnected main panel

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I checked for voltage at the breaker in the panel prior to shutting it off. No voltage present. I’m not sure what the issue was.

[@arnieselectric007]

Hey Ron, What bit were you using to de-install the wire landings...

[@FHES2005]

I see you do a lot of Eaton panels do you ever use Square D

[@arnieselectric007]

Hey Ron, What as the tool you used about 28:00 in to strip your service feeders coming into the meter box..?

[@bpmunroe]

I was wondering the same thing. Looked pretty cool and easy

[@jboywebby]

Did you have to upgrade the wire from the street pole to the mask head ?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

No, the utility handles that.

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

with the 2 ground rods do you do a ohms measurement to see if you are attaining the 50 ohms.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Never.

[@alaaelbadawi2353]

Actually the only time you needed an ohms reading was when one rod was not sufficient in the old code then you may go for the second one. Now since you do 2 you don’t need it but i was wondering if the water main was bonded to the 2 rods as well ?

[@PeterJames143]

thanks for vid.

[@pandaman1784]

In the beginning of your video, you mentioned you didn't know why the solar breaker was showing zero voltage. for most grid tied in solar power systems, the control system looks for power coming from the utility. if utility power is lost, the control system shuts down the solar panel system. this prevents backfeeding power into the grid in case there are linesmen working on the utility wires (say after a downed power pole). once grid power is restored, the control system will restore power generation.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I've since learned this wiring method. Thanks for sharing your wisdom here.

[@fernandocollazos1980]

Hello, in how many days do you finish the job?

[@mcarroll598]

I’m just curious why you don’t cut the drip loop first then pull the meter?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Because technically the meter itself is an electrical load.

[@mcarroll598]

@@electricianron_New_Jersey I understand that. A lineman told me while back, to be aware when you pull a meter with an incoming line that’s still energized. That there is a potential of the plastic that holds the lugs inside the meter base to break and hit line to line or hit the enclosure. He said over the years the plastic becomes brittle from the heat and cold. He recommended always cut the loop first if possible.

[@itachi975x]

how much a 200A upgrade would cost i know different areas and al that but jus a rough estimate

[@MrTherende]

Nice job! I am surprised that New Jersey isn't requiring an External Electrical Disconnect like Maine and New York are starting to. Also, they are pushing for surge protection in all upgrades. I know the area (sort of) that you work in; I was stationed at Sandy Hook in the '70's as an ET. Did you get your start as an EM in the Seabees?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

NJ just adopted the 2020 NEC in September. There’s a 6-month grace period for compliance.

[@fairwaysngreens1494]

In CT and would love to upgrade to 200 amp. Hard to decide on an electrician to use. Would also like to buy solar panels and have an electrician install those as well. Any recommendations?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Around here the color companies and electrical companies are two different things. Finding the same company to do both as far as I know is hard to find.

[@gustavocervantes5435]

At the metter there is not a ground wire connected ? Or just in the main panel?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The grounding electrode conductors get bonded at the main disconnect.

[@ice4278]

Run you are awesome keep up the good work and I appreciate the clear and straight to the point knowledge that you giving us to get a 200 amp panel put in what is a range of what it will cost if you don't mind not holding you to anything just trying to see arrange.

[@andrewdimauro7352]

I had my service upgraded recently but I noticed he installed a 30 breakers load center. Why would you pick that vs a larger 40 slot. Of note there’s plenty of room above and below.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The electrical contractor should have offered you a few options. 30 circuits in a 200 amp MB panel is not giving you bang for your buck.