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  1. #1
    Don Halligan's Avatar
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    Default Main feeder looped around branch circuits

    Will looping the main line around the branch circuits cause any kind of interference or voltage problems?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    Southern Vancouver Island
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    Default Re: Main feeder looped around branch circuits

    That is just plain ignorant.

    I suppose it may not be against code rules in the US, but it is still placing branch circuits unnecessarily close to the service conductors. In the event of a short, the only protection is the breaker out on the power pole, which is not going to prevent a fire or deadly shock.

    The Canadian EC prohibits branch circuit wiring anywhere near the service conductors. Service conductors and main breaker occupy one end of the panel, branch circuits occupy the other.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    1,970

    Default Re: Main feeder looped around branch circuits

    I don't see this as any different than just passing in front of the main conductors. The voltage is the same, the insulation in intact.

    Did this panel meet the exception that allows the branch circuit cables to enter the panel that way?

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
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    28,032

    Default Re: Main feeder looped around branch circuits

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Halligan View Post
    Will looping the main line around the branch circuits cause any kind of interference or voltage problems?
    Maybe.

    What you show in your photo is a one winding coil, and the current through the one winding coil is the full current to the structure, which may be high enough to create a sufficient magnetic field to affect the current flow in the conductors, either by inducing a current flow in the conductors or by acting as a choke coil and resisting the current flow in the conductors, but ...

    ... not to worry - why they correct all those conductors in those large bushings/conduits they can simply route the conductors around (in front of or behind) the loop in the service entrance conductors.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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