Main breaker for sub panel

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

Arman T

Member
Location
Los Angeles California
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
Hi, I am having a correction on one of my projects. The inspector wants me to install main breakers to the sub panels of a residential house with ADU.
He told me that the reason is because I have more than 6 circuits in both sub panels. My understanding was that it needs to be in a different building and have more than 6 circuits. Was I wrong?
This is In Los Angeles, California.
Thank you
 
Arman T said:
Hi, I am having a correction on one of my projects. The inspector wants me to install main breakers to the sub panels of a residential house with ADU.
He told me that the reason is because I have more than 6 circuits in both sub panels. My understanding was that it needs to be in a different building and have more than 6 circuits. Was I wrong?
This is In Los Angeles, California.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Can you describe the setup a bit more? Where are the service disconnects? Are they in or on the same building as the sub panels?
 
Generally sub-panels within the same structures do not require a main. Are these separate dwelling units?
 
Attached dwelling unit

As stated, Mains are generally not required because the panel is protected from the breaker in the panel it's derived from. But since you're in LA who knows what's required. NEC 408.36
 
Last edited:
If there is more than one dwelling unit then each occupant is required to have access to their service disconnect. If there is only one service disconnect then I don't see why the sub-panels require a main within the same structure.
 
Since the service disconnects for both units are accessible to the occupants and the building is attached no main is required in the sub-panels. The inspector is incorrect.
 
electrofelon said:
Can you describe the setup a bit more? Where are the service disconnects? Are they in or on the same building as the sub panels?
Click to expand...
Main panel is located outside feeding one 100A to the ADU and 200A to the main house. It does with main breaker at the main. The ADU and the main house are the same building and so is the location of the main panel
 
Arman T said:
Main panel is located outside feeding one 100A to the ADU and 200A to the main house. It does with main breaker at the main. The ADU and the main house are the same building and so is the location of the main panel
Click to expand...
The inspector is confused on the 6 throws rule.

It's not 6 throws or less to shut off everything in one panel, it's 6 throws or less to turn off the entire service.

The only time a subpanel would require a main breaker is if it is in a separate building
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top