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Jazz

Changing a main breaker

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First, I get it. Death. Dismembermant, etc..

As I understand it, I get a permit from Maricopa County, call APS, they come out to the house and kill the power. So I won't die. Bonus.

Every video I find I can't seem to see exactly what is needed to replace a 200 Amp Main Breaker. I'm assuming it's two or 3 wires, a few screws and snaps into place.

I called an electrician. They wanted 800 bucks. That seemed like highway robbery, especially since I already bought the breaker. I figured 10 mins and I'm good.

Has anyone changed a 200 amp main breaker? I figure as long as the main power is out, I'll do ok.

 

 

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With the dome out and no power you'll be fine. Just make sure you got the right replacement for it. I watched my electrician change a regular one out one time just out of curiosity. Looked pretty easy.  

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As long as you have the exact replacement,  You should be fine. Might have to have an inspection before power back on.

 

 

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Just now, deercrazy said:

As long as you have the exact replacement,  You should be fine.  Have you looked into needing a permit, and an inspection.  Not sure about codes in your city/county

 

I know I need a permit before APS comes out.. There might be a follow up from the County.  More than likely, there is, and that's even more money.

I just paid 220 bucks for a fence permit.. that I had already built.

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Most times you don't need a permit, just call aps, they'll send out a trouble to pull the meter, then change breaker, then he puts the meter back in, nothing for county to inspect. Aps will tell you if theres a problem. Probably just need a big pair of alliin wrenches. It will be attached to metal arms from meter or /2/0 wire. Easy pesly

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As long as it is like for like and you are not changing the amperage most likely you will not need a inspection.    Ymmv depending on the city or county requirements. 

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5 hours ago, wildwoody said:

Most times you don't need a permit, just call aps, they'll send out a trouble to pull the meter, then change breaker, then he puts the meter back in, nothing for county to inspect. Aps will tell you if theres a problem. Probably just need a big pair of alliin wrenches. It will be attached to metal arms from meter or /2/0 wire. Easy pesly

It's a repair so no permit needed. You can turn off the main, then the rest of the breakers one at a time, cut the clip on the meter, pull the meter, replace the breaker and reverse everything. $800 is about $400 too high.

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5 minutes ago, wildwoody said:

👀Well that's a given..

You'd be surprised. Also the manufacturers will have the occasional (slight) design change to a breaker that chingers everything up. 

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I got the original Milbank 200 amp. Was hard to find. I haven't had a chance to call APS yet. But if I can get away with not having to get a permit, total bonus.

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