Bobbo wrote:
CA Traveler wrote:
OK I'll bite. Why would a 50A vs 30A dual breaker require upgrading the main service especially since you're not going to draw more than 30A anyway?
It has to do with the electrical code. The code determines what it is legal for you to do. Choosing to do exceed the electrical code because "you won't use it anyway" won't fly with an inspector.
OP, I agree. You should have mentioned in your original post the problem of having to upgrade the main. That changes everything. What you are suggesting is legal, and fine. It does not save much money on wiring costs, which was your original question. However, if you have to upgrade your main, that is very different.
Read the OP post 2 back. Clearly code is not an issue for him and given that I was wondering about the panel loading that he raised.
Now if his panel has input wiring that won't support 50A like a sub panel then that would be a reason. But given that code doesn't appear to be a concern...