Load Side Connection to Main Breaker

[NEC User]

There is an existing 2-pole 240V 100Amp main circuit breaker and corresponding enclosure which feeds a toll plaza. I need to feed proposed roadway lighting. Are my able to tap proposed power cables for the roadway lighting directly to the load side of the existing main breaker. In this configuration, power cables for the roadway lighting and existing toll plaza will both be connected directly to the load side of the existing main breaker.

 

[kingpb]

There is an existing 2-pole 240V 100Amp main circuit breaker and corresponding enclosure which feeds a toll plaza. I need to feed proposed roadway lighting. Are my able to tap proposed power cables for the roadway lighting directly to the load side of the existing main breaker. In this configuration, power cables for the roadway lighting and existing toll plaza will both be connected directly to the load side of the existing main breaker.

you need to determine the existing load on the 100A breaker, then determine the new lighting load. If the main breaker is large enough to accommodate the total load then yes, with the assumption that the new lighting cable is rated for at least 100A.

 

[NEC User]

Thanks, I was considering installing a terminal block after the main breaker and splice accordingly. Out of curiosity, how man cables can I connect directly to a 100A main breaker? I supposed I'd have to verify with the manufacturer. Square D told me I can only install one phase A and one Phase B to a 2 pole breaker and that if I wanted more, I'd have to splice at some point after the breaker.

 

[Volta]

Is there a reason you would not simply install a 2p100a breaker to the load-side busbars?

 

[GoldDigger]

Is there a reason you would not simply install a 2p100a breaker to the load-side busbars?

That would depend on whether there is a 2p100A load-side breaker available to fit the panel.

 

[Volta]

That would depend on whether there is a 2p100A load-side breaker available to fit the panel.

No doubt. Readily available trumps all sometimes. But they do exist in HOM, QO, QOB, EDB, A-frame, AF-frame, H-frame, J-frame, Q-frame, M-frame, etc.

 

[Cavie]

Thanks, I was considering installing a terminal block after the main breaker and splice accordingly. Out of curiosity, how man cables can I connect directly to a 100A main breaker? I supposed I'd have to verify with the manufacturer. Square D told me I can only install one phase A and one Phase B to a 2 pole breaker and that if I wanted more, I'd have to splice at some point after the breaker.

They got some pretty smart fellas there at Sq D.

 

[kingpb]

Take a look at Burndy product # K11A36U-2, and see if that may work for your project.