Could you elaborate a bit on what these breakers accomplish? I am having a hard time seeing the application. Does this replace the main breaker and allow a feed thru? How would that accomplish NEC compliance considering the bus bar overloading?
I really appreciate all the help with this project.
Basically I was just pointing out that your electrician is theoretically right when you made the following statements in your original post...
...My electrician seems to think we will be able to use a 200 amp breaker like any other subpanel install, but I think he may be mistaken here. I can't imagine the size of the terminals to accept the proper sized wire for 200 amps. I have only seen 100 amp breakers, never anything higher....
He's theoretically right in that 200A branch breakers do exist.
With that said, I've never done an install with these breakers either, because it just seemed unfeasible or not economic compared to other options in residential. Wrestling with 3/0 cu in an existing resi panelboard and possibly splicing it inside an existing enclosure that is already pretty full is not my cup of tea. You've got to be able to actually get cable or conduit in
and out; if all the walls are finished you need to be a carpenter, or hire one... I've done the subpanel thing plenty of times with 100-125A but that's often hard at those wire sizes. So I've always done a main breaker downsize or found a way to get to the existing subpanel or something.
Ultimately the best answer will depend on details specific to the job.
. But I agree with the point.