Nec 408.36(c)

[erickench]

This is something that I noticed over 10 years ago. The above NEC section states:

Panelboards equipped with snap switches rated at 30 amperes or less shall have overcurrent protection of 200 amperes or less.

Can anyway give me an example of an installation that has 30A snap switches inside a panelboard with the main protection being as high as 200A? I always thought that circuit breakers were used for branch circuits inside panelboards.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Fuse panels.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Some old fuse panels had switches inline before the fuses. You would turn the switch off before changing the fuse.

I am going to be at a church tonight that has one of these in the room we meet at. I'll snap a picture and post it tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Buck Parrish]

This is something that I noticed over 10 years ago. The above NEC section states:

Panelboards equipped with snap switches rated at 30 amperes or less shall have overcurrent protection of 200 amperes or less.

Can anyway give me an example of an installation that has 30A snap switches inside a panelboard with the main protection being as high as 200A? I always thought that circuit breakers were used for branch circuits inside panelboards.

I think that section has changed a bit in 08.
I thought it had to do with single pole breakers installed with out a main.
Such as 4 double pole breakers and 2 single poles being used as six disconnects.

 

[JohnJ0906]

I think that section has changed a bit in 08.
I thought it had to do with single pole breakers installed with out a main.
Such as 4 double pole breakers and 2 single poles being used as six disconnects.

Breakers aren't snap switches.

 

[Buck Parrish]

I know , I am thinking the wording of that article has changed. I don't have an 05 book handy.

 

[zbang]

Some old fuse panels had switches inline before the fuses. You would turn the switch off before changing the fuse.

I remember those. Some larger ones had at least 20 circuits. All kinds of fun. Come to think of it, I think my lodge has a 6 or 8 circuit one.

 

[JohnJ0906]

As promised -

 

[Buck Parrish]

Thanks for the pictures. How was church? Monday too, must have been revival or a decons meeting.
I did see a couple 30's in there. They must go to the coffee pot, etc...



Hey Dennis didn't this article change in the 08 code. I can't find the one described above in the 08 book.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Thanks for the pictures. How was church? Monday too, must have been revival or a decons meeting.
I did see a couple 30's in there. They must go to the coffee pot, etc...

AA meeting, actually.

 

[G0049]

AA meeting, actually.

Then we know that one of those 30's goes to the coffee pots, and one to the smoke fans.

Good luck, God bless, and Keep On Going...

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Here is another picture. I took it at a hospital, in the older portion. It is still providing protection for equipment.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Then we know that one of those 30's goes to the coffee pots, and one to the smoke fans.

Good luck, God bless, and Keep On Going...

No smoking in churches (or any other public place) these days.

 

[erickench]

You've all been very helpful with the pictures. I came across this in the '90s when I was still doing construction inspection. I was trying to solve a problem. Wish I could remember what the problem was.

 

[erickench]

Tell me. Does anyone know if these type of installations are still used in construction? It seems that these snap switches are unprotected. They are rated at 30A but the fuses are allowed to be as high as 200A.