200 Amp Sub-panel

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BobNH

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I have an existing application that I want to duplicate.

I have a 200amp Main breaker panel at the meter site. This panel also has lugs that feed my sub panel. This is located in an attached garage. My sub panel is also 200 and and does not have a main breaker, lugs only. This panel is located a basement.

This was done about 10 years ago and I am wondering if it still meets current code. I am planning on duplicating it at another location. I am asking because I have been told that some inspectors will not approve this.

Thanks,
Bob Hiller
Lifts for the Disabled LLC
 
I am putting a temporary hold on this thread. I am taking this action because I cannot tell from the member's profile whether he is employed in the electrical industry. The thread appears to me to be an attempt by a Do It Yourself person to obtain "how-to" information.

The Forum?s rules do not permitted us to provide ?how-to? assistance to a person who is not an electrician, but who appears to be planning to do electrical installation work at home.

I invite the Original Poster to send me a Private Message (use the "PM" button below), to explain the circumstances, and to let me know if I have misjudged the situation. If I have, I will reopen the thread, and post an apology for the delay and inconvenience.
 
In an exchange of Private Messages, the Original Poster has provided assurances that he is a licensed electrician or electrical contractor, and that the question had to do with a business issue. Therefore, I have reopened the thread. As promised, I apologize to the OP for the inconvenience and the delay.

But let me say that it makes things easier if you put into your profile some hint that you are involved in the electrical industry. It prevents misunderstandings and delays.
 
As long as the main breaker and the sub panel are in the same building, I don't see why this would be a violation. If you were talking about a main in one building and a sub panel in another building, then you would need a main breaker or a disconnect for the sub panel.
 
Re: 200 Amp Sub-panel

Please clarify two things for me.

BobNH said:
I have a 200amp Main breaker panel at the meter site. This panel also has lugs that feed my sub panel.
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Do the lugs (that feed the sub-panel) get their power upstream or downstream of the main breaker in the main panel? If it is upstream, then I would have a concern that the feeder between the two panels has no protection from overcurrent. If it is downstream, and if the feeder has an ampacity at least as high as the trip setting of the main breaker, then I think it is acceptable.

BobNH said:
This was done about 10 years ago and I am wondering if it still meets current code. . . . I am asking because I have been told that some inspectors will not approve this.
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What is the "this" that you have been told might not be approved?
  • Having a sub-panel that is "Mail Lugs Only"? That is acceptable, and a second one would also be acceptable.
  • Feeding first one, and now another, 200 amp panel from a 200 amp panel? That is not a problem unto itself. But you need to be able to prove that adding the new panel will not cause an overload of the main panel.
  • Something else?
 
Re: 200 Amp Sub-panel

BobNH said:
This was done about 10 years ago and I am wondering if it still meets current code.
Click to expand...

Maybe it does maybe it doesn't.

I am planning on duplicating it at another location. I am asking because I have been told that some inspectors will not approve this.
Click to expand...

Contact the AHJ in the area where you intend to duplicate the installation.
 
I 'm assuming that this main is a feed through panel where the lugs that supply the feeder to the sub are protected by the main breaker.
 
200 Amp Sub-panel

200 amp service and Meter from power company feeds main 200 amp load center. Load center has downstream lugs that feed 200 amp lug only (no breaker) sub panel load center.

My concern is the overloading issue that some inspectors are concerned about. The only reason there will even be a Panel in the garage area is to meet the meter/panel location requirement. It may also have 2 or 3 circuits for the garage. I am now considering a Main breaker only panel in the garage and then feed the garage circuits from the sub panel in the house.

If I could find a Main Breaker Load Center with down stream lugs and only 6-8 spaces that is what I would prefer. My local suppliers here in Michigan don't seem to be able to supply anything less than 30 spaces.

Is anyone aware of a manufacturer who offers a 200 amp Load Center with 6-8 spaces and downstream lugs?

Thanks
Bob
 
The number of spaces is irrelevant. You can have a panel with 30 breakers, or a panel with 8 breakers. The first might have room for more load, and the second might be overloaded. You might as well say that it's OK to go to the store, because there are still plenty of blank checks left in your checkbook, so you must have plenty of money in the bank.

What is the load? Is there too much load on the main already, and will adding more load make things worse? Or is the main very lightly loaded now, and is there plenty of room to add more?

The bottom line is this: Have you performed a load calculation, or in the alternative, performed a 30-day load study to verify the existing load? If the answer is "no" to both choices, then you need to do some work before you start running wires or buying boxes.
 
I would agree with Charlie's statements about load calc's being done, etc. Better safe than sorry. That issue aside, if it is a meter/raintight panel with F/T lugs you are looking for both Sq. D and Cutler Hammer make this item with 8 spaces available at the meter/main combo and feed-thru lugs at the bottom of the bussing for feeding into the house panel. I use these alot and feed A/C condesing units from the meter/main unit if it is close enough to meet code req's.
 
Square D also makes an 8/16 main breaker load center that would meet your requirements. Available in Nema 1 and 3R. I think the part # is QO816M200FTRB but I am working from memory and could be off by a digit or letter.
 
A cheap mobile home panel meets what you want Lowes or Homedepot have them.PLEASE lets not that thread filter in here :D
 
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