Main lug vs. main breaker

[Mustang125]

Can someone clarify when it is OK to use main lugs vs. a main breaker, when using main lugs on a panel where does the breaker for the main conductors have to be, within sight? Also when using a main breaker "backfeed" style what are the rules associated with doing that? i know the breaker has to be a bolt on breaker but someone said you cant have breakers opposite it? for example if your main is 1,3,5 you cant have anything on 2,4,6? is this correct?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Can someone clarify when it is OK to use main lugs vs. a main breaker

In general, you can use a MLO panel where there is an OCPD on the line side that has a rating equal to or less than the panel busing.

, when using main lugs on a panel where does the breaker for the main conductors have to be, within sight

It does not have to be within sight from the panel, but must be in the same building or structure.

AnAlso when using a main breaker "backfeed" style what are the rules associated with doing that? i know the breaker has to be a bolt on breaker but someone said you cant have breakers opposite it? for example if your main is 1,3,5 you cant have anything on 2,4,6? is this correct?

Most panels have limits as to the total rating of the breakers that connect to the same set of bus "fingers". Often the rating of a main is high enough that you cannot install another breaker opposite to the main.

 

[Mustang125]

thank you