main breaker on sub panel

[verhndy]

checked housing inspector report. in a multi unit building a 100 amp main breaker at meter, and the sub panel was a 200 amp ge with with a 200 amp main. since the subfeeders have the correct over current protection is this a code violation if so what article can it be found.

 

[Little Bill]

checked housing inspector report. in a multi unit building a 100 amp main breaker at meter, and the sub panel was a 200 amp ge with with a 200 amp main. since the subfeeders have the correct over current protection is this a code violation if so what article can it be found.

As long as the feeder conductors for the sub panel are protected by the proper size OCPD in the main panel there is no code violation.

What size breaker is feeding the sub panel?
What size is the feeder to the sub?

 

[goldstar]

As Little Bill mentioned, there is no code violation as long as the feeders are properly protected. The 200 amp breaker in the sub-panel is basically acting as a molded case switch. But, you have to ask the question "Why would someone pay more $$ and install a breaker sub-panel with a 200 amp main when all that's needed is a main lug panel" ?

 

[petersonra]

As Little Bill mentioned, there is no code violation as long as the feeders are properly protected. The 200 amp breaker in the sub-panel is basically acting as a molded case switch. But, you have to ask the question "Why would someone pay more $$ and install a breaker sub-panel with a 200 amp main when all that's needed is a main lug panel" ?

wanted more breakers than would fit in a 100A panel?

had one laying around he wanted to use up?

 

[goldstar]

wanted more breakers than would fit in a 100A panel?

had one laying around he wanted to use up?

I suppose that's a s good a reason as any. Personally, I would have saved it until I had a job that needed a panel with a 200 amp main.

 

[Little Bill]

I have on occasion found a main breaker panel cheaper than a MLO.

 

[petersonra]

I have on occasion found a main breaker panel cheaper than a MLO.

That is pretty common IME for 120/240 volt panels.

I think it is all the big box stores stock anyway.

 

[Little Bill]

That is pretty common IME for 120/240 volt panels.

I think it is all the big box stores stock anyway.

Well the big blue one here stocks both.

 

[kwired]

Some of the big box stores may have main lug panels but only in smaller sized units like maybe 12 space max, and if you wanted a 30 or 40 space panel they may only have those with 150 or 200 amp main breakers in many cases.