Electrical: Is condo main (trunk) line upgradable? (lighting, code, best)

[ThatLightingGuy]

Hey all, long time listener first time caller.

I have a condo in Valley Glen and am interested in completely redoing the electrical. As part of this process I want to add a sub-panel on the 3rd floor. My main breaker box appears to be single phase 1/0. I don't have access to my main cut off; it's in an exterior utility shed and runs under a shared driveway before entering the unit.

I'd like to replace the 1/0 with 2/0. Provided the conduit is large enough to handle the cable, I need to know:

-Per code, what's the appropriate (see also: best) type cable to run to the main box?

-Per code, can I add a second disconnect down stream of the company switch, in my garage, so I have the ability to kill my own power?

I work with portable power systems, and am comfortable with residential power. I'm completely aware of the dangers of doing this myself and the respect electricity needs.

Thanks!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Other than the IRC (International Residential Code), you could have other code restrictions.
You'd be better off contacting the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) and asking them. And it would probably be a good idea to contact your service provider and have them give you an assessment of the current conditions and the possibility of upgrades and/or code changes.

[MrRational]

I suspect that the CONDO itself will have far more (negative) to say about this scheme
than the AHJ or POCO or the NEC will

[southgeorgia]

Originally Posted by ThatLightingGuy

:

-Per code, what's the appropriate (see also: best) type cable to run to the main box?

thhw copper

Originally Posted by ThatLightingGuy

:
-Per code, can I add a second disconnect down stream of the company switch, in my garage, so I have the ability to kill my own power?

code requires you to have access to the disconnect. if you go uprading the service though, you'll most likely have to place the disconnect on the exterior of your unit.

Originally Posted by ThatLightingGuy

:
I work with portable power systems, and am comfortable with residential power. I'm completely aware of the dangers of doing this myself and the respect electricity needs.

Thanks!

that may be, but i think you'll find pulling new feeders in by yourself a bit of a challenge. you'll need a buddy to help you. also, being that this is a condo, i'm not sure what you're local laws would have to say about pulling your own permit to do the work. if this were a house by itself, i don't think you'd have a problem.

[harry chickpea]

Did you bring enough gum for everyone in the class? If you more than double your draw capabilities, and others do so as well, the entrance to the entire place may need to be replaced. Although your idea is fine, you may not be able to get it approved. One more vote for individual home ownership.