Hello, does anyone know if there is a code that states that the main breaker has to be bolted to the can? I have a customer that has an old panel with no main shut off. Wondering if there's any reason not to just pop a 100 amp breaker to the bus and re-route the feeders to that breaker? Thanks
Adding a main Breaker
- Thread starter Tdubya90
- Start date
hillbilly1
Senior Member
- Location
- North Georgia mountains
- Occupation
- Owner/electrical contractor
It must be fastened in place if back feeding. There are kits to accomplish that if the panel will accept it.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
See section 110.3B
How would you connect line side? Work hot? This would be a backfed breaker with hold down?
How would you connect line side? Work hot? This would be a backfed breaker with hold down?
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No, I will pull the meter and install the line side to the new breaker and install the hold down kit. What kind of liability is the issue? It seems to be code compliant. Eaton makes a breaker hold down specifically for this situation. I don't see any need to have it permitted...
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Yes. Some require back fed breaker to be in certain location.
Lioneye
Member
- Location
- Northwest USA
- Occupation
- Master Electrician, State Electrical Inspector
If you add a MB to the panel, do you modify (cut) the deadfront for the handle? Install a MB that is approved for this panelboard, or you are voiding the listing. (NEC). Consider an enclosed service rated MB outside or adjacent to the panel, and bond there, and make the panel a sub. Several ways to solve this. Don't know where you are, but this is an alteration that certainly requires an inspection here.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
No, this is merely installing a regular 2p 100a in the top left or right two spaces, affixing it with the correct hold-down screw or clip, and back-feeding the 'load' terminals with the incoming service/feeder conductors to act as the main breaker for the panel.
Fully approved and commonly done. Two examples:
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LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Even from the factory:
Lioneye
Member
- Location
- Northwest USA
- Occupation
- Master Electrician, State Electrical Inspector
Bus fed with a hold own kit? Rock and roll, good to go.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Get an Eaton/BR breaker and hold-down kit, look for a hole like in post 7 if a screw or compatibility if a clip.