enolajohn1
New member
- Location
- harrisburg pa
When are main breakers required for panelboards?
Disconnecting means for panelboards
- Thread starter enolajohn1
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USMC1302
Senior Member
- Location
- NW Indiana
Kind of a general question, but I don't think a main breaker is ever "required" for a panel per the code, as long as disconnecting means requirements are met.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
The main disconnect or service disconnect may have a single disconnect means or up to six handle throws to disconnect the service. So in a sense a main is never required but if used it is only needed at the main service or the main panel in a separate structure. Remember it can also be 6 handle throws at either place. A sub panel in the same structure as the main service would not require the main breaker or 6 handle rule.
RICK NAPIER
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
The most common reason for a main disconnect in a panel is found in the following.
225.32 For more than one building or structure
230.70 For services if used as the main
240.21 For taps
225.32 For more than one building or structure
230.70 For services if used as the main
240.21 For taps
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
The thread title says "disconnecting means," and the first post talks about "main breaker." Those are different concepts. A panel never, never needs a disconnecting means, not even if it is the main service panel. It is the building, not the panel, that requires a disconnecting means. That said, a panel will require overcurrent protection. A main breaker can provide that protection, and so can an upstream fuse or breaker. As it turns out, the device that is providing the overcurrent protection will also serve as a means of disconnecting power to the panel, but that is not the specific requirement called for in the code.
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