ML panel for service?

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rlMutch

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WA state
An electrical contractor asked me if I could provide a justification why this would be illegal. An engineer wants him to install a 12 circuit main lug panel as service equipment to a building. Three 2-pole breakers would be installed now, leaving 6 spaces for future. The problem is, someone could come in and install single pole breakers later, making this a lighting and appliance branch circuit panel, and thus violating 408.36(A). But, I need some justification to say that this is illegal now, and I'm not sure I can.:-? Any ideas?
 
Read the manufactures instructions. The panel must be marked as suitable for use as service equipment. I have seen MLO panels that require a main breaker be installed for the panel to be suitable for use as service equipment.

Chris
 
Normally the label says something like: Suitable for use as service equipment when not more than 6 breakers are installed and when not used as a lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard. This panel as installed now, would comply with this label.
 
ML panel for service?

rlMutch said:
An electrical contractor asked me if I could provide a justification why this would be illegal. An engineer wants him to install a 12 circuit main lug panel as service equipment to a building. Three 2-pole breakers would be installed now, leaving 6 spaces for future. The problem is, someone could come in and install single pole breakers later, making this a lighting and appliance branch circuit panel, and thus violating 408.36(A). But, I need some justification to say that this is illegal now, and I'm not sure I can.:-? Any ideas?
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If the panel is suitable for service equipment,it is legal.I think it is poor design though.
 
rlMutch said:
Normally the label says something like: Suitable for use as service equipment when not more than 6 breakers are installed and when not used as a lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard. This panel as installed now, would comply with this label.
Click to expand...

If the installtion meets the requirments from the manufacture for use as service equipement then it is code compliant and there is not much you can do.

If someone in the future comes and installs more then 6 breakers then the panel becomes a violation, but we can't inspect for what someone might do in the future.

Chris
 
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