100amp vs 200amp panel

[McManGQ]

This was a possible upgrade when building the house and decided against it. Not sure when we would actually need it but I plugged in a Foreman Grill in the outlet in the backyard and it keep flipping the circuit breaker. Is there something wrong with that specific outlet, shouldn't it be able to handle it? Or is it because I should have got the 200amp?

When would you need a 200amp panel?

Thanks

[Trepex]

Originally Posted by McManGQ

This was a possible upgrade when building the house and decided against it. Not sure when we would actually need it but I plugged in a Foreman Grill in the outlet in the backyard and it keep flipping the circuit breaker. Is there something wrong with that specific outlet, shouldn't it be able to handle it? Or is it because I should have got the 200amp?

When would you need a 200amp panel?

Thanks

No that's not the problem. Do you have issues with the grill when plugged into another outlet? If so, you'll need to have the receptacle and breaker checked.

[McManGQ]

Well the grill is normally used inside and there are no problems. I took it to the backyard to use and it didn't work. I will mention this on my list of issues.

Are there specific things that would make a 200Amp panel a requirement? I have a 100amp now and am getting a hot tub soon. Should that be ok or will that cause me problems?

Thanks.

[HeavyLifter]

If it's only tripping the breaker for the outdoor outlet you may have a short in the wiring or a defective breaker. Can you plug anything else into that outlet without having it trip? If so, perhaps the breaker is underrated for the current your grill is drawing.

IMO, its always a good idea to upgrade to 200 Amp service. Even though you may not need the extra capacity now it's a lot cheaper to have it done during construction than afterward. The builder charged approx $700 for 200 Amp service. Getting it done afterward could run as high as $3k depending on the electrician.

I'm running a 240V Air Compressor and a 240V Welder in my garage so the upgrade was a no brainer for me in this case.

Adding a Hot Tub will definitely put an extra load on your panel and may eventually limit what else you can run at the same time (i.e. hot tub, oven, dryer etc).

With 200 Amp service also comes a larger breaker panel which comes in handy if you plan on finishing your basement. More room for individual circuits etc.

[Mark & Lynda]

A George Foreman grill could be around 1400 watts, according to what Walmart's website states. That would mean the grill draws approx. 13Amps. I believe the outdoor breaker is 15amp...kitchen receptacles are 20amp.

As others have said, try plugging something else into the outdoor receptacle and if it's OK, then the issue is likely that the receptacle is sharing power with something else in the house that is also drawing power and by plugging in the grill you're exceeding 15amps.

[Mark & Lynda]

Originally Posted by McManGQ

Are there specific things that would make a 200Amp panel a requirement? I have a 100amp now and am getting a hot tub soon. Should that be ok or will that cause me problems?

Even if you had a 200amp panel, it wouldn't make a difference because each circuit is still only 15amps. (aside from circuits for special purposes).

A 200amp panel allows your entire house to draw up to 200amps at once rather than 100amps and allows for more circuits since it's a larger (longer) panel.

[oakvillehomeowner]

in my experience, the outdoor gfci outlets don't last as long as the indoor ones. it's not logical, but i've seen it a few times. replacement is not expensive.

[McManGQ]

I don't even think the backyard receptacle is a GFCI one. Looks like just a regular outlet, unless it's connected to a GFCI.

[Mark & Lynda]

It should have a "test" and "reset" button on it.

[McManGQ]

No it definitely does not. I would imagine it would be code to have a GFCI, weather resistant receptacle.