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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    16

    Exclamation Two Main Breakers

    This house has a 225 amp main in a cabinet next to the meter box and another in the distribution panel. I can't seem to find a code reference for this issue. Help?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Two Main Breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by David Lyons View Post
    This house has a 225 amp main in a cabinet next to the meter box ...
    That would be the "service equipment panel and where the main service disconnect is located.

    ... and another in the distribution panel.
    That would be best described as a 'panel main' as it is a 'main' disconnect for the panel it is in.

    I can't seem to find a code reference for this issue.
    That's probably because there is no "issue" with having a panel main.

    I couldn't tell from the photos, but if the "service equipment panel" is properly wired as required and allowed for "service equipment", then that would be okay.

    And if the "not service equipment" panel is properly wired as required and allowed for panels downstream from the "service equipment", then that would be okay too.

    Look at the service equipment panel for service equipment wiring, and being fed by service entrance conductors.

    Look at the downstream panel as being fed by feeder conductors, and those wiring practices.

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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    16

    Default Re: Two Main Breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    That would be the "service equipment panel and where the main service disconnect is located.



    That would be best described as a 'panel main' as it is a 'main' disconnect for the panel it is in.



    That's probably because there is no "issue" with having a panel main.

    I couldn't tell from the photos, but if the "service equipment panel" is properly wired as required and allowed for "service equipment", then that would be okay.

    And if the "not service equipment" panel is properly wired as required and allowed for panels downstream from the "service equipment", then that would be okay too.

    Look at the service equipment panel for service equipment wiring, and being fed by service entrance conductors.

    Look at the downstream panel as being fed by feeder conductors, and those wiring practices.
    Thank you.


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

    Default Re: Two Main Breakers

    The thing to look for (a common mistake) is that the downstream panel is not fed with service entrance conductors.

    When you find that, it is likely an indication that the downstream panel actually was the service equipment panel, with a new service equipment panel added upstream of it (such as by the meter) and that the person who did the work didn't know what they were doing.

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

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    16

    Default Re: Two Main Breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    The thing to look for (a common mistake) is that the downstream panel is not fed with service entrance conductors.

    When you find that, it is likely an indication that the downstream panel actually was the service equipment panel, with a new service equipment panel added upstream of it (such as by the meter) and that the person who did the work didn't know what they were doing.
    Thank you. I have often found the main service disconnect in a panel next to the meter box, or in the distribution panel, but this is the first I've found both in the same service.


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