New Service/ No Main?

[davedottcom]

Is it still acceptable to have a service (3 120V circuits for a boat dock) using a Meter/Load Center combination without a MAIN Brkr.
I would like to use an outdoor "Midwest" 125 A Meter/Load center enclosure for a permanent Service.
I've used these for Temp. power poles without any problems but I can't find a NEC code ruling for a service without a main.
I recall some kind of "6 circuit rule" without a main is ok. Or did I dream that?!?

Dave

 

[bwilson]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Take a look at 408.16 2002 NEC.

 

[first class]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

In accordance with 230.71(A)and(B) i am under the impression you do not need a main brk provided that the panel part of the enclosure does not exceed spacing for more than six sets of switches and or brkers

 

[davedottcom]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Thanks firstclass. That's it! I was pretty sure I read that somewhere. I should be ok since the panel portion of the enclosure only has 3 spaces for brkrs.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Dave,
What about 408.16(A)?
Don

 

[davedottcom]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Don, I don't think 408.16 (a) applies since it isn't going to be used for "Lighting or Appliances". It will power 2 120v. gfci outlets for 2 boat lifts.
208.16 (B) talks about Power Panelboards and has an exeption afterwards.

Exception: This individual protection shall not be required for a power panelboard used as service equiptment with multiple disconnecting means in accordance with 230.71.

Each lift motor will have a plug (1st Point of Disconnect) + a branch circuit brkr. (2nd Point of Disconnect)

I'm still thinking it's ok!
Anyone disagree?

Dave

 

[pierre]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Dave

Is this a service to the boat dock, or is this a feed to the boat dock? Where is the feed to the boat dock coming from? Is it coming from the utility company?
The source of the boat dock feed will determine if this is a service or a feeder. Then you can determine how to install the equipment.

Pierre

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: New Service/ No Main?

Dave,
It is a lighting and appliance panelboard per 408.14.

408.14 Classification of Panelboards. Panelboards shall be classified for the purposes of this article as either lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboards or power panelboards, based on their content. A lighting and appliance branch circuit is a branch circuit that has a connection to the neutral of the panelboard and that has overcurrent protection of 30 amperes or less in one or more conductors.
(A) Lighting and Appliance Branch-Circuit Panelboard. A lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboard is one having more than 10 percent of its overcurrent devices protecting lighting and appliance branch circuits.

All 120 volt circuits of 30 amps or less are lighting and appliance branch circuits. Your panel has three such circuits. This panel must have an OCPD in or on the line side of the panel bus.
Don