Main panel butted to sub panel

[george t. everett]

I just install a new 200 amp service to a dwelling. I used a 200amp main & 30 panel & butted a 30 main lug sub panel next to it to give me 60 circuits. The sub panel is connected by a chase nipple. The inspector said that I could not butt the panels together, that there had to be a space between them. He said that it was in the code but could not show me. He said there was an illustration in the hand book. I can't find anything in regards to this. Can anyone help.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

I can't think of any reason. So you have to research something an inspector won't sign off on and he doesn't really know why? Ok. :roll: Why use two 30's? Why not 2 40's? Nothing is more annoying than going into a newer house where the panel is already maxed out because someone didn't use the larger size initially.

 

[george t. everett]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

Scott,
The 2-30's match exactly to size and 60 circuits are more than enough for the house.

 

[tonyi]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

I wonder what the inspector would say if he encountered something like the Cutler BRGUTTER product

Essentially, you fabed the same sort of thing, but put a panel on the side rather than the big splice box Cutler does.

 

[hbiss]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

When I do this I have to use a short nipple to keep the pans apart. Aren't the covers on most panels usually larger than the pan? Can't see how you can use a chase nipple because the covers will overlap one another.

 

[pierre]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

George
There is no code reference I am aware of that does not permit the situation you have. How are you protecting the second MLO panel?

Pierre

 

[george t. everett]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

hbiss.I am using square D panels, Covers are flush with panel.
Pierre,
main lug panel is fed from a 2pole 100.

 

[hbiss]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

Sounds fine to me.

 

[tonyi]

Re: Main panel butted to sub panel

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Nothing is more annoying than going into a newer house where the panel is already maxed out because someone didn't use the larger size initially.

One of Palm Beach county's amendments (that wasn't too goofy) is requiring two slots be left empty for future expansion. They didn't say you had to leave'em side by side though to accomodate a 2-pole subfeed breaker though...that would have been too practical