30 amp / 50 amp
We're considering a new FW and a couple of the options are upgrading the single AC to 15k with 2nd AC prep (I believe the prep is standard). There is also a 30 to 50 amp option. First question; if I...
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Since the new FW is likely larger, get the 15K upgrade and the 50 amp service upgrade as well. Cheaper to do it from the get-go. Also, a factory setup will have the heavier 50 amp cord included, so you really won't need a 30 amp cord, just a 50 to 30 adaptor. If you are concerned about weight, you might try what I did and cut the cord into two lengths and added connectors. I have a 12 ft and a 25 ft length, sometimes I get by with just the 12 ft, sometimes it takes both, but still easier to handle than one full length cord.
Although OT, converting 30 amp service to 50 amp service is not that difficult. A small panel of 8 slots or so becomes the new 50 amp service panel and the existing panel becomes a sub-panel. As long as there is room to mount the new panel near the existing one, some of existing circuits move onto one leg of the new panel while others stay in the sub-panel. Generally there is plenty of excess wire available on each run. While this may not provide a full 100 amps, it will still far exceed the original setup. Biggest expense is the 50 amp power cord.
Although OT, converting 30 amp service to 50 amp service is not that difficult. A small panel of 8 slots or so becomes the new 50 amp service panel and the existing panel becomes a sub-panel. As long as there is room to mount the new panel near the existing one, some of existing circuits move onto one leg of the new panel while others stay in the sub-panel. Generally there is plenty of excess wire available on each run. While this may not provide a full 100 amps, it will still far exceed the original setup. Biggest expense is the 50 amp power cord.
