Code compliance question

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mudpitracer

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Location
Georgia
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Electrician
General contractor wants me to go look at a job another company is doing. There is a question whether the service is code compliant.
They say there is a 800amp fused disconnect feeding 2- 400amp mlo panels inside. I'm thinking the 400amp panels need main breakers in order to satisfy code. Am I thinking right ?
FYI service has been inspected and has been powered by power company so inspector has already passed it
 
Since your panels are 400 amps the tap rules would apply and the taps need to terminate in a OCPD.

Welcome to the Forum. :)
 
The rule in 408.36 will require overcurrent protection in or on the line side of the panels, and the rules in 240.21(B) will limit the length of the conductors between the 800 amp main and the 400 amp panels.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The rule in 408.36 will require overcurrent protection in or on the line side of the panels, and the rules in 240.21(B) will limit the length of the conductors between the 800 amp main and the 400 amp panels.
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If the conductors from disconnect to each panel are rated for 800A, then the tap rules do not apply. But you still need 400A protection for the input of each panel. Regardless of the sum of the breakers, the bus, etc. must be protected at 400A.
 
mudpitracer said:
Thanks for the info. Helps ease my mind I was thinking right
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In addition to the code issues here with the existing install, one has to wonder why they even have the 800 amp service disconnect. It could have been done with 2 MB 400 amp panels connected directly to the meter and been much simpler and cheaper. Or even 2 400 amp disconnects connected to MLO panels.
 
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