I have a client that is saying that it states in the NEC that you can NOT feed a panel from a subpanel as it is a code violation. It's my understanding that this is a widely used practice. Does anyone know where in the code it states that you CAN feed a panel from a subpanel? Thank you!
Feed a Panel from a Subpanel
- Thread starter ao23
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
There is no such NEC restriction.
All that matters is the calculated load.
All that matters is the calculated load.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Don't you love homeowners who hire you because of your supposed expertise but somehow they think they know more than you do. 
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
To start with, have your client tell you where in the NEC the word "subpanel" appears. That will keep him busy for a while.
As to proving that it is allowed, the NEC is not written that way. There are areas in which the phrase "shall be permitted" appears. But speaking in general, if the NEC does not prohibit a practice, then that practice is considered to be allowed.
As to proving that it is allowed, the NEC is not written that way. There are areas in which the phrase "shall be permitted" appears. But speaking in general, if the NEC does not prohibit a practice, then that practice is considered to be allowed.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Sometimes your evil side surprises me. :grin:
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Evil? Who me?
OK. As my pennance for my evil act, I will give the client a little assistance in the search. The word "subpanel" (including the two-word version and the hyphenated version) does appear, one time and one time only, in the 2008 NEC. Neither version appeared in the 2005 NEC.
There. That is my hint. Now, Mr. Client, it is your turn to find that one occurrence, and use it to prove your point that the NEC prohibits what you say it prohibits.
OK. As my pennance for my evil act, I will give the client a little assistance in the search. The word "subpanel" (including the two-word version and the hyphenated version) does appear, one time and one time only, in the 2008 NEC. Neither version appeared in the 2005 NEC.
There. That is my hint. Now, Mr. Client, it is your turn to find that one occurrence, and use it to prove your point that the NEC prohibits what you say it prohibits.
My first thought.:grin:
Tell the home owner that only applies on "Submarines" not buildings.
Split Bolt
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern Virginia
Wouldn't the panel being fed by a sub-panel be a sub-sub-panel, and the next one a sub-sub-sub panel and so on?
Thirst4Knowledge
Member
- Location
- NEW JOISEY fugget about it!
always tell homeowners they must first have a flux capacitor and a giggawatt meter installed before any sub-panel installations. most would nod there head and agree.
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