Flip Flop main breaker panels

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We have an inspector for the city that doesnt like, hence the word like, it when we flip main breaker panels from the main being on top to the bottom. We had an instance where the homeowner was going to have a main panel, 40 slot, Square D panel installed, but because of height issues outside, the se would have had to come in smack dab in the middle of the panel, and we would have to slug buster the 2 inch hole. so we opted to flip the panel over to have the main on the bottom to avoid height issues with the main being almost seven foot high. The state inspector didnt have a problem, but our city inspector kind of chewed our *** . Our state said it was stated in the 02 code in switches that it can be allowed as long as it isnt an up and down breaker, which the Square D is a side to side breaker. Our city said that it must be on top...she passed us, but only because the state had passed us first...who was right...is it not allowed by code to have the main on the bottom of the can? :cool:
 
Re: Flip Flop main breaker panels

Originally posted by journeymanwv:
...she passed us, but only because the state had passed us first...
Correction! She passed you because it was not a violation!
It's done like that all the time.

Unless they have a local code that prohibits the panel to be used in the way it's already listed for!
;)
 
Re: Flip Flop main breaker panels

I have seen some panels that had the word "TOP" stamped into the panel itself. Maybe he/she was citing that (?) Just searching for an answer :confused:
 
Re: Flip Flop main breaker panels

The Square D panels are definitley rated to be "flipped over". They even have labels that are printed rightside up and upside down just for that reason.

No harm, no foul.
 
Re: Flip Flop main breaker panels

Originally posted by jim dungar:
No harm, no foul.
I wouldn't say that. What about the next time or the next guy?
She needs to be educated on this.
Maybe you could send her some info on Sq D panels.
 
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