Upgrading Power Service In New Home Build

The utility in all probability will not beef up their wiring. If you ask for a 400-amp service, the utility will ask to see a load letter to justify the request. They will then determine through their experience based on other users with similar electrical loads how much power you will draw and then see if their transformers in the area can accommodate the extra load your house will place on their grid. That will determine whether or not a new transformer is needed and what size overhead or underground current carrying conductors they'll bring in.

Now if you want a 400-amp meter and service panel in your house, you most certainly can install it. The electrician will run those 400-amp hoses of wire down the service mast to your meter but the utility will most likely leave a pair of spaghetti sized wires at the service mast for him to connect. 

Aside from all that, if you have no electric heat, no electric cooking and no well water pumps then 200-amps should be plenty for the average size house with central air. Install the four dedicated lines you are planning -- they are not no way no how going to draw 4 x 20 = 80 amps.

I am building a new home in Arizona.  Unfortunately, the original developer only provided service for a 200 amp sub-division.  I needed a 400 amp system which was part of my original architectural guidelines.  Once that was established, I went to the electrical company and they did an engineering study to determine how this was going to be accomplished.  Consequently, it is going to cost me an additional $7,000 to trench for this service.  I will have a separate 20 amp system for my theater room an a separate 20 amp system for my 2 channel room.  I am not a happy camper but you have to do what you have to do.  That could have been money I could have used to buy an upgraded $K sony projector. 

There are some good reasons for not upgrading. :)

The resistance in the wires actually improves surge protection, and reduces interaction from other buildings and other services drawing power.

Your mileage may vary, but upgrading an electric service in amperage is not all positive.

Now, having your own transformer.... that's helpful. :)

Best,


Erik

Oh how I love country living. I just realized I have my own transformer!!

(But I have a nagging fear that there's loads of crap on that line anyway.)

It's got to be cleaner than living in a building with elevators.