Main Disconnect for Feeder Panel

B

BSIMMONS

Member
Location
Wisconsin
Occupation
UDC Electrical Inspector
I am a new inspector trying to become more proficient with the 2017 edition of the NEC, so please correct me if I use any terminology incorrectly.

Backstory: Homeowner installed a 3 wire system to feeder panel in a new detached garage. A few weeks prior to this photo (when I was inspecting framing) he had both hot wires (6AWG I believe) going to the main disconnect breaker. The neutral wire (now seen being used as an equipment grounding conductor was on the main bonding jumper above. The other ungrounded conductor is now marked as use for being a neutral wire. The homeowner states he is only going to have 110 volts in the garage. I have written up 250.32(B)(1) stating an equipment grounding conductor shall be run with supply conductors and be connected to the building disconnecting means. Is there another code section stating that the main circuit breaker is not appropriate for a 110v install? My concern is a jumper being placed to the other breaker terminal so all breaker slots can be used. Input is greatly appreciated. I could not figure out how to upload an image of it.
 
It may take a few posts before you can upload a photo. So he wants the panel to be 120 volts only?

Welcome to the Forum. :)
 
Seen if done a dew times and am not aware of a violation. The "jumper" would have to be full size and connected in a manner that does not violate the "two conductors under one lug".
Sadly, after you drive off it will probably be converted to 240/120
 
As Augie stated the common violation with these 120 volt panels is the jumper gives two conductors under a terminal designed for only one conductor. A splice in the panel with a conductor to each terminal would solve that problem. What color conductors do he use?
 
If he pulled the conductors - then he needs to pull a white conductor for the neutral and a green for the EGC, there isn't really any exceptions unless they are 4 AWG or larger.

If he used say UF cable, then there likely is already a white conductor but from sound of things I'd guess this isn't what he has.
 
BSIMMONS said:
I am a new inspector trying to become more proficient with the 2017 edition of the NEC, so please correct me if I use any terminology incorrectly.

Backstory: Homeowner installed a 3 wire system to feeder panel in a new detached garage. A few weeks prior to this photo (when I was inspecting framing) he had both hot wires (6AWG I believe) going to the main disconnect breaker. The neutral wire (now seen being used as an equipment grounding conductor was on the main bonding jumper above. The other ungrounded conductor is now marked as use for being a neutral wire. The homeowner states he is only going to have 110 volts in the garage. I have written up 250.32(B)(1) stating an equipment grounding conductor shall be run with supply conductors and be connected to the building disconnecting means. Is there another code section stating that the main circuit breaker is not appropriate for a 110v install? My concern is a jumper being placed to the other breaker terminal so all breaker slots can be used. Input is greatly appreciated. I could not figure out how to upload an image of it.
Click to expand...
Photo of Feeder Panel
Please see link for photo.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
kwired said:
If he pulled the conductors - then he needs to pull a white conductor for the neutral and a green for the EGC, there isn't really any exceptions unless they are 4 AWG or larger.

If he used say UF cable, then there likely is already a white conductor but from sound of things I'd guess this isn't what he has.
Click to expand...
I tried posting a link to the photo now.
 
infinity said:
As Augie stated the common violation with these 120 volt panels is the jumper gives two conductors under a terminal designed for only one conductor. A splice in the panel with a conductor to each terminal would solve that problem. What color conductors do he use?
Click to expand...

Or a A 2p breaker or plug-on sub-feed lug kit with a conductor jumpered across the load side lugs and stabbed onto the buss bars.

That way, if he forgot to remove the jumper, and, he changed it 120/240v after the inspector left, the result would remind him not to be such a dishonest person.

Jap>
 
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