Main Disconnect

[jap]

Why is a Main Breaker or Main disconnect Required if a Panelboard is a Lighting Panelboard and not a Power Panelboard?
What difference does it make?

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Can you be more specific such as a code reference relating to your question?

 

[charlie b]

As of the 2008 NEC, it makes no difference at all, since the notion of "Lighting and Appliance Panel" has been removed. But as to your specific question, I know of no code article that imposes that requirement. Is someone telling you that there is such a requirement?

 

[benaround]

Could it be the " 6 throws of the hand " rule?

 

[augie47]

I hope I'm looking at this correctly, if not I'm sure one of the sharp guys here will catch my mistake.
Prior to '08 NEC, a L&A panel required a main per 408.16
The "power panels" did not show such a requirement but 240.21 requires overcurrent protection on all ungrounded circuit conductors with exceptions. I believe 240.21(B)(2) is the only tap rule that does not require termination in a single device and it requires the sum of the overcurrent devices not exceed the conductor ampacity. I can only assume that this exception is due to power panels (and service panels where the 6 handle rule applies) are more often service by professionals.
It appears that with the '08 Code a main set of overcurrent devices is required on either with only service panels exempt.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Gus,
The 2005 code does not require that a lighting and appliance panel have a main.

408.36 Overcurrent Protection
(A) Lighting and Appliance Branch-Circuit Panelboard Individually Protected Each lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboard shall be individually protected on the supply side by not more than two main circuit breakers or two sets of fuses having a combined rating not greater than that of the panelboard.
Exception No. 1: Individual protection for a lighting and appliance panelboard shall not be required if the panelboard feeder has overcurrent protection not greater than the rating of the panelboard.

 

[augie47]

Correct Don, My error, I did not mean "in the panel" but I did not specify.
I do not see any similiar wording for "power" panelboards. I may have totally missed it, but it appears that the only protetcion required there is that provided by 240.21 for the conductors.