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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Erwin, TN
    Posts
    330

    Default Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    Does the downstream service panel aka sub-panel require a main disconnect? They have jumped of the main lug on the service entry for power (see pictures)

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    A panel in the same structure as the service panel does not require a means of disconnect like a main breaker. The disconnect is in the originating panel.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,036

    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    They really screwed up on that install as they are feeding the downstream panel with SE cable (two insulated conductors and one uninsulated conductor) instead of SER cable (three insulated cables and one uninsulated conductor).

    The downstream panel is required to be feed with an insulated neutral and a separate equipment ground conductor. Instead is is being feed with an uninsulated neutral/grounding/grounded conductor.

    There are also other problems, but that relates to the cable and panel you are questioning.

    As Jim said, no, the downstream panel is not a service equipment panel and does not require a main panel disconnect (a main panel disconnect is not prohibited either, just not required).

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

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    Jerry brings up good points that the original question does not even touch on. Hopefully those points made it into the report and I would consider them a larger issue than the original question.

    The issue of how the connections were made could also be an issue.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    The bare neutral is insulated with that chunk of garden hose. Picky, picky.

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

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,036

    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    The bare neutral is insulated with that chunk of garden hose. Picky, picky.
    Oh, that is the NEUTRAL? They confused me by identifying it with BLACK tape.

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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Gillett
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Downstream service panel (AKA) Sub Panel

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    They really screwed up on that install as they are feeding the downstream panel with SE cable (two insulated conductors and one uninsulated conductor) instead of SER cable (three insulated cables and one uninsulated conductor).

    The downstream panel is required to be feed with an insulated neutral and a separate equipment ground conductor. Instead is is being feed with an uninsulated neutral/grounding/grounded conductor.
    Actually if you look carefully at the first picture there is a green insulated conductor between the two panels which lands on a separate ground bar in the "sub panel" and they do have the neutrals and grounds separated. Not that it's correct but technically it is fed with a separate EGC.


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