New Main Panel Help

[brianv]

Hi all. I have an older panel and I need to install a new one. I have only

1+ years experience with electric. The old panel is a Federal Pacific 125amp main lug. The service comes into the house to a 100amp main breaker, then goes to the panel. I consulted an electrician and he told me that I should get a 100amp main lug panel to replace it. He also said that the neutral and ground bus bars should be separated and that new code requires that a ground wire be attached to the main water pipes. I live in Pennsylvania Montgomery County. I know I need a permit and inspection. Can someone help me by giving a few details on things like the neutral bus and ground bus deal? Also does a main lug panel need a 100amp breaker in it? I don't want to remove the 100amp main disconnect and I assume that means that the panel would be considered a sub panel? I am on a tight budget and can't hire an electrician. Thank You.

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[RBM]

A main lug panel is one that doesn't have a main breaker. you will not need one in this case.Yes, leave the main breaker alone, get a 100 amp main lug panel, and get an additional ground bar. As a sub panel the neutral and the ground are kept separate. You will run a four wire feed from the 100 amp disconnect to the sub panel. The neutral and ground conductors will attach to the same location at the main breaker. In the sub panel the neutral conductor goes to the neutral buss that came included in the panel, and the ground conductor goes to the ground bar that you install. The panel will come with a bonding jumper or screw that connects the neutral bar to the panel box. DON'T use it.