NEC - Main Disconnect on Bottom of Panel?

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rjgoebel

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Is it up to code to have the main below all of the other C/B's ? I don't think it turned out to be a problem in this particular case but I was wondering if across the board if this is legal to do. Usually when I see the service entering the bottom of the panel, the two legs run up around the C/B's and up to the main on the top of the panel, above the other breakers... In this case, maybe the main or panel in general was installed upside down???

bonus points to whoever can reference specifically the NEC article that addresses the issue.!

jim goebel
 

charlie b

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Location
Lockport, IL
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Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: NEC - Main Disconnect on Bottom of Panel?

rjgoebel said:
bonus points to whoever can reference specifically the NEC article that addresses the issue.!

There is no such article. Absent a rule prohibiting a bottom mounted main, it is allowed. Do I still get the bonus? 8)
 

rjgoebel

Member
two conflicting reports!

two conflicting reports!

Controversy!

Im about to flip open my here NEC book to that article, and then... maybe a candy bar? I'll ship with fedex
 

rjgoebel

Member
Yes, it seems that article 408 is the 'Switchboards and Panelboards' section but there doesnt appear to be anything specifically about the location of the main disconnect. Only busbars, and that is very general: 'shall be located so as to be free from physical damage and shall be held firmly in place.'

hm. should I split the candy bar?
 

rjgoebel

Member
Oh,

Oh,

Oh, another added bonus question:

What article deals with covering of a panelboard? AND, what about capping conduit from outside to inside (meter to panel)?

:) I'm full of these questions today.
 

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Retired Electrical Engineer
NO new questions will be allowed, until you pay up on the first question! :wink: 8) :lol:
 

rjgoebel

Member
We must have some big candy-bar fans around here. What do you do for a living mr. Charles Beck? If you don't mind my asking.. Can i guess? You work as the PE for a large architecture / construction firm?
 

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Retired Electrical Engineer
rjgoebel said:
Can i guess? You work as the PE for a large architecture / construction firm?
Not at present, though I have been in that type of firm in the past. I work for a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering company. We design ships and boats (from tankers to tugs, with the occasional yacht), and we provide engineering support for anything that floats (including the occasional floating casino).

And please call me Charlie.
 

celtic

Senior Member
Location
NJ
240.3

tgplb0313a.jpg
 

bdarnell

Senior Member
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Occupation
Retired Engineer
rjgoebel said:
Yes, it seems that article 408 is the 'Switchboards and Panelboards' section..............hm. should I split the candy bar?

I posted too fast trying to win the prize. There isn't anything in 408 that requires the main to be on the top. Charlie's was the better post in this case [grumble] :roll: [/grumble]
 
"What article deals with covering of a panelboard? AND, what about capping conduit from outside to inside (meter to panel)? "

Panelboards is Art 408.
"capping conduit from outside to inside" Do you mean sealing as required by:

300.7 Raceways exposed to Different Temperatures.
...or where passing from the interior to the exterior of a building.
 

allenwayne

Senior Member
We have had several instances of discolored bare CU on finals in new homes the chief is pushing that there is a gas that is entering the meter and panel from underground,that is causing this to happen.I say that it is a result of residual lightning voltage the reason is that the Bare grounding conductor is also discolored has anyone else ever had this occur.It first surface about 2 years ago when certain areas were using ufers now that all are it has been more common place.Our rainy season is late and I expect this to resurface soon as it arrives .Just want some opinions.
 
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