Two Main Breakers

**Pete Kosmoski** · 03-22-2016, 01:14 PM

I'm writing up an inspection for a new home that has two main breakers. One below the meter at the front of the property (200 amp), and another one at the front of the garage (200 amp). These are both separate from the main panel and subpanel in the garage.

I've never seen two mains in series before. Is this acceptable? Thanks in advance.

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**Markus Keller** · 03-22-2016, 06:12 PM

Yes if done properly.
I'll let the master sparky Jerry answer further.

**Jim Port** · 03-22-2016, 06:28 PM

It would help if you recognized the service at the pole near the meter. The others are just panels. The breakers are the required disconnects.

**Jerry Peck** · 03-22-2016, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Pete Kosmoski

I'm writing up an inspection for a new home that has two main breakers. One below the meter at the front of the property (200 amp),

To clarify: The above main is on a pole or pedestal, right?

If so, then that one is the main service disconnect and that is the service equipment.

and another one at the front of the garage (200 amp).

Which makes this disconnect the disconnect for the second structure (the pole or pedestal was the first structure) but which is not service equipment.

These are both separate from the main panel and subpanel in the garage.

The best (simplest) thing is to drop the "main panel" and "sub panel" thinking and terms and replace those with "service equipment" and "panel" ("remote panel" also works) as there are two types of panels ... "service equipment" and "other than service equipment".

If my assessment of the panel by the meter is not correct, let me know.

If my assessment is correct, look at the panel at the meter as the service equipment (and report it as such) because that is what it is.

Which leaves you with just one main disconnect (the one at the meter).

Additional information will be required to complete this, but we need to clarify the above first.

**Jim Port** · 03-22-2016, 07:15 PM

Pictures might help.

**Lon Henderson** · 03-23-2016, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

The best (simplest) thing is to drop the "main panel" and "sub panel" thinking and terms and replace those with "service equipment" and "panel" ("remote panel" also works) as there are two types of panels ... "service equipment" and "other than service equipment".

Good explanation...

Recently I was talking to master electrician about the "remote" panel and he said, "You mean the sub, right?"

**Pete Kosmoski** · 03-23-2016, 06:14 PM

Thanks everyone, that does help.

Jerry that is correct, meter and service equipment on a pole. Instead of running the overhead to the home they ran it to a pole with the service equipment, with a buried line to the front of the home.

**david shapiro** · 03-24-2016, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Lon Henderson

Good explanation...

Recently I was talking to master electrician about the "remote" panel and he said, "You mean the sub, right?"

Even though it's not required here, it would be a very good idea for the new owner to add signs by the disconnects, indicating where the other equipment is, including the distribution panels.

**Don Hester** · 03-24-2016, 07:37 AM

I agree with Jerry on naming "Service Equipment". Could this also be a 400amp service?

Typically the service equipment will be grouped.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 03-24-2016, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Don Hester

I agree with Jerry on naming "Service Equipment". Could this also be a 400amp service?

Typically the service equipment will be grouped.

Yes, Donald I concur. Jerry's hobby and past career help model the systems and components we assess as a group of home inspectors.
Jerry, you're the king mate!