Disconnecting means

[stevesmith]

I'm installing a 1600amp switchboard that is fed from the roof. The engineer has requested main lug. Is this a violation of the NEC because disonnecting means aren't readaly avaliable?

 

[jumper]

Assuming this is a service, is there more than 6 breakers?

 

[stevesmith]

The panel we are feeding will have about 10 breakers in it.

 

[stevesmith]

The only way you would be able to cut this switch board off would be to go up to the roof andkill the main

 

[augie47]

As far as the panel itself is concerned, 408.36 allows the main OCP device to be remote from the panel. As far as the location, take a look at 240.24(B) and see if that sheds any light.

 

[stevesmith]

Thank you for the reply's. 240.24 is referring to overcurrent protection and I will be protected by the 1600 amp breaker on the roof. Any other recommendations? IMHO I think it needs a Main because if someone were to come in contact with the bus bars you would have to make a trip to the roof to turn the power off. However, I am bidding and trying to win a job so my personal preference and safety concerns are for naught if the code says that a main is not required in the switchboard. any other articles or suggestions?

 

[charlie b]

A person coming into contact with the bus bars would be dead before another person could walk two steps and shut of a local, main breaker. We do not install breakers as a means of emergency shutoff. That is not their job. The code allows a remote overcurrent device as the means for protecting the panelboard, as well as the feeder. You will not find a code requirement that prevents this from being a main lug board.

 

[Cow]

Have you worked in any hotels or schools? They usually have main lug panels all over the place on different floors, etc all fed from electrical room(s).

 

[stevesmith]

Thanks guys for all the info. You really helped me out.

 

[stevesmith]

Thanks to all. I will be pricing MLO switchboards and maybe i will win this job.