disconnect switch and lug only panel

[sangkim0707]

hello forum

one of our job site has (1) main disconnect switch and (2) main lug only panel fed from the disconnect switch

I am not sure if i have to change the (2) panels to Main breaker type panel

The disconnect switch and panels are right next to each other within 6'

Its in NYC

any idea??

Thank you!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is this main disconnect just a switch or is it a panel with a main breaker? Explain a bit more
[MENTION=160285]sangkim0707[/MENTION]

 

[sangkim0707]

Is this main disconnect just a switch or is it a panel with a main breaker? Explain a bit more
@sangkim0707

its switch only and panels are fed through wire through box

 

[sangkim0707]

Its switch only disconnect not a breaker type typical handle switch
the panels are fed by wire through box

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It sounds like you are using the tap rule so article 240.21 would come into play. You will need a breaker if the conductors off the switch are smaller than the line side. If the conductors are the same size as the main feed to the disconnect then I don't believe you would need a main.

Is this main switch attached to the structure where the panels are and is it being fed from a breaker? Lots of questions and the answers may change the response.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

BTW, You are still a moderated member so it may take a bit of time for your post to appear. This will change soon

 

[jim dungar]

its switch only and panels are fed through wire through box

Is this a fused switch?
Is the amp rating of the switch, conductors, and panels all the same?

 

[sangkim0707]

D/S - fused disconnect switch 3P 400A
Panels - 200A 3P 120/208Y each

its in same room but exact distance is about 9ft i just measured it
i did not open the wire through box thats feeding both of the panel
but i am sure the wire (conductor size) is smaller than feeding D/S or going into the wire through
probably double lugged inside

 

[sangkim0707]

BTW, You are still a moderated member so it may take a bit of time for your post to appear. This will change soon

Thanks for letting me know
this place was always helpful

 

[augie47]

400 amp fuse protecting a 200 amp MLO panel would be a violation of 408.36

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think those tap rules would apply-- 10' tap rule.

 

[texie]

400 amp fuse protecting a 200 amp MLO panel would be a violation of 408.36

Yes, and it also violates 240.21 as the tap does not terminate at a proper OCPD.

 

[sangkim0707]

400 amp fuse protecting a 200 amp MLO panel would be a violation of 408.36

is it still violation if we have 2 x 200A MLO panels?

i think the code is stating that 1 protection for 1 panel (individually protected)

so i think it is a violation

 

[sangkim0707]

also can anyone educate me with distance rules between disconnecting means (over-current protection) to the circuit panels or loads?

 

[jim dungar]

also can anyone educate me with distance rules between disconnecting means (over-current protection) to the circuit panels or loads?

For panelboards the distance is limited by the acceptable voltage drop.