Feeders Coordinated with Panel?

[Rocklaw98]

I have a situation where someone is installing a panelboard in a detached garage. The panelboard is rated at 125-amps.

They are being fed and protected by #6 wire and a 50-amp circuit breaker.

I would think that the panel bus has to be coordinated with the conductors.

I know (the owner told me) that the reason he's installing a 125-amp panel is because it has more circuits that a 60-amp panel. WELL... that's the point. There's a reason that you can't find 60-amp panels with over 10 CB's. Discussing this with my inspection supervisor, he doesn't see a problem. Under this reasoning, he could install a 200-amp panel so he could have 42 circuits for his workshop and then feed it with #6 wire and a 50-amp circuit breaker and this simply seems obviously wrong.

Any help on a code or UL-listing level?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

I have a situation where someone is installing a panelboard in a detached garage. The panelboard is rated at 125-amps.

They are being fed and protected by #6 wire and a 50-amp circuit breaker.

I would think that the panel bus has to be coordinated with the conductors.

I know (the owner told me) that the reason he's installing a 125-amp panel is because it has more circuits that a 60-amp panel. WELL... that's the point. There's a reason that you can't find 60-amp panels with over 10 CB's. Discussing this with my inspection supervisor, he doesn't see a problem. Under this reasoning, he could install a 200-amp panel so he could have 42 circuits for his workshop and then feed it with #6 wire and a 50-amp circuit breaker and this simply seems obviously wrong.

Any help on a code or UL-listing level?

Thanks for any input.

Don't think you'll get much help. As long as the circuit provides for the calculated load it's fine. He could have a bunch for individual BC all supplying small loads and it would work. The 6AWG is certainly acceptable for a circuit protecte by a 50a OCPD

 

[augie47]

supervisor and owner are right. as long as the feeder handles the calculated load, the size of panel and number of breakers above that is simply an added expensel, not a NEC problem.
One day he may want a bigger feeder and he alrady has the panel.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Agreed, The fact that he used a bigger amp panel makes it a better job. IMO

 

[Rocklaw98]

Thanks

Thanks

Thank You.

Not exactly what I expected but appreciate the help.

Thank again.