Positioning of 2 pole breaker in an old GE panel

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So I just installed the main breaker kit in the panel. Freed up all the bus bar space I needed, and went like a charm.

The panel had been installed (decades ago) sideways with the bus bar running horizontally and the place for the main breaker on the right.
So once I installed the main breaker kit in the approved location.... it is now upside down. ("ON" position is down.)

Darn.
Isn't that a code violation?

Can I argue that the original panel itself is installed as it is which forces my hand.....and if that panel has been accepted and grandfathered..... And half the branch circuit breakers are also already upside down .... then it should be OK?
 
Zee said:
So I just installed the main breaker kit in the panel. Freed up all the bus bar space I needed, and went like a charm.

The panel had been installed (decades ago) sideways with the bus bar running horizontally and the place for the main breaker on the right.
So once I installed the main breaker kit in the approved location.... it is now upside down. ("ON" position is down.)

Darn.
Isn't that a code violation?

Can I argue that the original panel itself is installed as it is which forces my hand.....and if that panel has been accepted and grandfathered..... And half the branch circuit breakers are also already upside down .... then it should be OK?
Click to expand...
Are you sure it was not a bootleg install? Sideways panels are a Canadian thing.
 
Zee said:
So I just installed the main breaker kit in the panel. Freed up all the bus bar space I needed, and went like a charm.

The panel had been installed (decades ago) sideways with the bus bar running horizontally and the place for the main breaker on the right.
So once I installed the main breaker kit in the approved location.... it is now upside down. ("ON" position is down.)

Darn.
Isn't that a code violation?
Click to expand...
Yes 240.81, I have seen some manufacturers make a reverse breaker for this reason, not sure about GE.
 
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I cannot speak for the legal (law) - not code - for all States. NYS legal portion pertaining to the NYS Codes Division -not to be found in the NYS Codes Division, it is in the NY State Statutes. I was mandated to take the class presented by NY State, it went on for 2 days a week for weeks, had to pass a test to become certified.

"The term "statute" is used to designate written law, as distinguished from unwritten law."

What most electricians and very few inspectors understand is what I have outlined above.
For (EC) Electrical Contractors (licensed), the EC is ultimately responsible for the installation, not the Inspector(s). If there are issues with the installation and it has passed an inspection, the EC can be brought up on charges after the installation, not the Inspector/entity. The EC is considered the "Expert." So, it does not matter of the past inspections, or mistakes made by inspectors. The EC in NYS is ultimately responsible. Adding to an improper installation will be the responsibility of the current EC installer.

Notice, above I underlined 'Licensed.'
Unlicensed individual are not processed under this part of the Law, unless they are working in areas not requiring a license. In areas that do require a license they will be processed, along with the property owner for the non-code related installations. I have also witnessed where the insurance company has nullified their responsibility for "illegal work performed."

So what to do when you come across work that does not meet the current NEC. (lets not forget that some older installations may have occurred when is was not a violation -codes change)

Become good at explaining what needs to be done for a proper, safe installation - Not easy. Or walk away from it.
 
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