Lugs at service entrance

[Tom Rees]

Any idea what these lugs at top of main service panel would be for. There was a 200 amp main at panel and 2 30 amp breakers. I could not see where wires went to you can see they disapear behind cover into meter. They are not coonected to the main busbar.

[Jerry Peck]

Looks like that is intended to accept another main disconnect which would feed to another panel.

The main below feeds the panel in the service equipment and has lugs which feed out to another panel.

If the top main had been installed, this would have fed two panels, one from each main.

[Tom Rees]

Jerry, Why are there wires running to those lugs?

[Jerry Peck]

To energize those breaker tabs on which another main breaker would be placed.

[Tom Rees]

Thanks Jerry. I just couldn't see why they would run the wires when they weren't planning on using.

[Jerry Peck]

Thanks Jerry. I just couldn't see why they would run the wires when they weren't planning on using.

May have come that way from the factory.

[Rollie Meyers]

The panel in question is a Siemens "All-In-One", and the breaker position is intended for a well pump since in rural areas most folks have their own well & are not supplied by a public water system, this gives the ability to disconnect a house/ trailer & any outbuildings & still leave the water pump supplied w/ power.

Been a few years since I installed one, but think it's also marked 50A max. but cannot swear by that statement.

Edit: this is a factory installed item.

[Tom Rees]

Thanks Rollie and Jerry!:D

[Terry Beck]

Rollie has it exactly right. I see them as standard in lots of homes built in the last 10 years or so. Factory installed, secondary disconnect. Yes, for wells (which are normally 20-amp circuits). I also often see the extra breaker used for A/C compressors.

Don't normally see them used for extra 'sub' panels (and you would deffinately want to check the panel rating for that breaker position).