Thread: Main panel wired like a sub?

Hello all,

I did an inspection on a manufactured home yesterday. The main panel was wired like a sub. The grounds and neutrals were separated and the neutral bus was isolated from the panel.

Other than being weird is this a big deal? The sub in the garage had the neutural bus isolated from the panel but the neutrals and ground wires were tied together on the same bus.

As far as the house panel is concerned it might have been wired to be a sub for a trailer court where your main is on a ped or pole…

Have a great day

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Me confused.

When I read the first "naturals", I naturally assumed it was a typo/mistake. Upon reading further, however, I realized I was wrong. I've never seen neutrals called naturals. Is this a regional thing?

Also: I'm trying to figure out "other than being wearied..."

I'm not touching the term "sub".

I see a terminology rant in the future of this thread.

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Me confused.

When I read the first "naturals", I naturally assumed it was a typo/mistake. Upon reading further, however, I realized I was wrong. I've never seen neutrals called naturals. Is this a regional thing?

Also: I'm trying to figure out "other than being wearied..."

I'm not touching the term "sub".

I will edit my spelling errors. Not sure what you would call the sub-panel? I'm interested in what the correct term is.

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

...Not sure what you would call the sub-panel? I'm interested in what the correct term is.

http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...-question.html

Enjoy.

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

what you would call the sub-panel? I'm interested in what the correct term is.

Really? With over 200 posts and you don't know the difference between service panels and distribution panels? Come on. You are just trying to start an arguement.

Manufactured homes have their own specific requirements.

Services and/or pedestals are additionally specified for same.

Please refer to the appropriate chapters in the NEC, and the Code of Federal Regulations.

Power outlets for RVs, Trailers, etc. also have their own unique set of specifications.

Neither manufactured homes, RVs nor trailers should have a service point or unbonded supply within or directly upon them.

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

Hello all,

I did an inspection on a manufactured home yesterday. The main panel was wired like a sub. The grounds and neutrals were separated and the neutral bus was isolated from the panel.
Other than being weird is this a big deal? The sub in the garage had the neutural bus isolated from the panel but the neutrals and ground wires were tied together on the same bus.

As far as the house panel is concerned it might have been wired to be a sub for a trailer court where your main is on a ped or pole…

Have a great day

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

I will edit my spelling errors. Not sure what you would call the sub-panel? I'm interested in what the correct term is.

A main primary power panel, a distribution panel, and/or a sub feeder panel. Not "service equipment", but may be required to meet ratings of same (overcurrent, short circuit, and disconnect, etc.); although service equipment may have separated grounding and grounded busses, that's not abnormal, and as the "code" and "standards" continue in their harmonization with those of our neighbors to the north, may eventually be required.

So far all the panels you described should be supplied via either a feeder or a power cord. Generally so supplied max of 2 throws disconnect/primary protection.

Your descriptions are rather ambiguous (i.e. "house panel"). I would also suggest you review some of your prior topic discussions, other topics you have participated on in the past (even if you deleted your comments), and if terms and descriptions are escaping you, and especially in the "scenerio" you've presented here, that you post PHOTOS.

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

Hello all,

I did an inspection on a manufactured home yesterday. The main panel was wired like a sub. The grounds and neutrals were separated and the neutral bus was isolated from the panel.

Other than being weird is this a big deal? The sub in the garage had the neutural bus isolated from the panel but the neutrals and ground wires were tied together on the same bus.

As far as the house panel is concerned it might have been wired to be a sub for a trailer court where your main is on a ped or pole…

Have a great day

There was likely a shut-off at the meter base... making the panel you call the main actually a "non-service equipment panel" (known to everyone in the world except the very vocal minority on this board as a sub panel).

Originally Posted by Matt Fellman

There was likely a shut-off at the meter base... making the panel you call the main actually a "non-service equipment panel" (known to everyone in the world except the very vocal minority on this board as a sub panel).

There is no shut off at the meter base.

Is is possible the main was the garage panel and the house was actually the sub?