Fused disconnect used as a panel

[68Malibu383]

Came across this in a shed. Feed coming from house off main panel and this disconnect was fused. The shed had multiple receptacles, light fixtures and switches. Is it ever acceptable to use one of these for branch circuits?

 

[iwire]

Came across this in a shed. Feed coming from house off main panel and this disconnect was fused. The shed had multiple receptacles, light fixtures and switches. Is it ever acceptable to use one of these for branch circuits?

I can't think of a single reason why not.

 

[norcal]

I can't think of a single reason why not.

Would depend on the size of it & the fuses used, otherwise have to agree.

 

[qcroanoke]

Came across this in a shed. Feed coming from house off main panel and this disconnect was fused. The shed had multiple receptacles, light fixtures and switches. Is it ever acceptable to use one of these for branch circuits?

As long as it was connected to a properly sized breaker for the wire size used in the panel in the house all is good

 

[iwire]

As long as it was connected to a properly sized breaker for the wire size used in the panel in the house all is good

The breaker size at the house has to protect the feeder. The fuses in the disconnect have to protect the branch circuits

 

[MiElectrician]

Does it have to be service rated?

 

[iwire]

Does it have to be service rated?

Yes up until the adoption of the 2014 NEC.

Now it only has to be service rated when installed in an existing installation that uses the grounded conductor as a grounding means.

Off the top of my head I think it is 225.36

 

[qcroanoke]

The breaker size at the house has to protect the feeder. The fuses in the disconnect have to protect the branch circuits

Agreed, I was more along the lines of saying it needed to be connected to a breaker and not just stabbed in front of the main as I have seen in some homes.
Some of the safer ones were pulling through the main fuses. not in front of them.

 

[iwire]

I was more along the lines of saying it needed to be connected to a breaker and not just stabbed in front of the main as I have seen in some homes.

Now I understand, that can certainly be sketchy.

OTOH If done correctly that can be NEC compliant, you can run service conductors out from the main structure to an accessory building and have a second service there.

 

[qcroanoke]

Now I understand, that can certainly be sketchy.

OTOH If done correctly that can be NEC compliant, you can run service conductors out from the main structure to an accessory building and have a second service there.

Ah! The old if done correctly clause!

 

[iwire]

Ah! The old if done correctly clause!

Seems to be violated often in old homes.