2008 code allows 60 circuits?

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hillbilly1

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North Georgia mountains
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I had a project mananager call me today, and say that the 2008 code now allows 60 circuits in a panel now instead of limiting them to 42. I have not picked up a copy of the 2008 code yet, and wondering if this is true? I havn't found anything on the manufactures web sites even offering this panel.
 
Yep 60 space panels on the way. I was just talking to an inspector/teacher about it the other day. Now we can cut even bigger holes in the wall.:grin:
 
Hillbilly1.,,

The states do use the 2008 codes can able get more than 42 circuits in the breaker box as long the state code will allowed it [ I know it can get ya by suprise if not carefull ]

I know ClutterHammer is allready have 60/ 84 verison comming out and it should be in market where the state is on 08 codes for other states which used 05 or ealier codes they are OFL [ out of luck ]

But for other manufacters they are not far behind AFAIK.,,

Merci,Marc
 
Yes, the new code removes the 42 breaker limit, but that has no effect on existing panels or even new panels that have not been listed for use with more than 42 breakers.
 
For 08 you will only be able to put in a panel the max number of breakers that it is listed for wether it is 12,20,40, 84, or whatever. For example if you have a QO120M100 you are only allowed to put 20 breakers in it.
 
We have a customer that their engineers love to spec dedicated circuits for even the most miniscule of loads, they have about a 30 amp load on a 200 amp panel, with no room for sub panels.
 
Since the 2008 NEC removed the limitation of 42 circuits which previously applied to :

408.35 Number of Overcurrent Devices on One Panelboard.
Not more than 42 overcurrent devices (other than
those provided for in the mains) of a lighting and appliance
branch-circuit panelboard shall be installed in any one cabinet
or cutout box.

It did not apply to Power Panelboards which in many cases exceeded 42 OCPD's...so removal of the classifications to read no limitation simply says the Manufacturer will list their panelboards but the electrician will still need to know the loads associated....not that IF their is 60 spaces they simply cant add circuits at will......

Notice the 42 space limitations does still appear in the new exceptions of the 2008 NEC where applicable....

Exception No. 2: Individual protection shall not be required
for a panelboard individually protected on its 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. A panelboard wired under this exception
shall not contain more than 42 overcurrent devices. For the
purposes of this exception, a 2-pole or a 3-pole circuit
breaker shall be considered as two or three overcurrent
devices, respectively.
 
C3PO said:
For 08 you will only be able to put in a panel the max number of breakers that it is listed for wether it is 12,20,40, 84, or whatever. For example if you have a QO120M100 you are only allowed to put 20 breakers in it.
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How is this any diffrent than previous editions of the NEC?
 
electricmanscott said:
How is this any diffrent than previous editions of the NEC?
Click to expand...

That is a darn good question.

I see many posts that remind us that we still have to follow panel instructons.
 
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electricmanscott said:
How is this any diffrent than previous editions of the NEC?
Click to expand...


The only difference is that now in certain panels you will be able to put in more than 42 breakers.
 
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