Six Disconnect Rule

[jemsvcs]

230.71(a) states that "The service disconnecting means for each service...shall consist of not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers...mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of enclosures, or in or on a switchboard."

Does this imply that service equipment consisting of a four space, main lug panel with four full-size breakers (for instance, a Square D QO14-8L125GS) would be compliant since there would only be four main breakers? Or does Code still require a back-fed main in this instance?

 

[volt101]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

To determine that from your question would be nearly impossible unless we assume a lot. What are the loads on the panel? Is that panel suitable for the use?

 

[jemsvcs]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

The panels are listed as service equipment. It seems like 408.16(a) limits the number of disconnects to two if it is a lighting and appliance panelboard, and the 408.16(b) exception allows the six disconnect rule for power panelboards.

[ August 16, 2004, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: jemsvcs ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

If the breakers are larger than 30 amps, it is not a lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard.
Don

 

[jemsvcs]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

My situation is as follows:

A residential customer has some lampposts about 400 feet from his home and has requested a second service just for the lights (I know, I know...but the local utility will do it for a minimum $9.00/mo. charge and the property owner is OK with it).

There will only be two lamps and one GFCI recep. (for holiday lighting) on this service so I was going to use a 4-8 Sq.D panel. So, I am trying to determine if I need to backfeed the panel or the six disconnect rule will apply.

However, the some of the smaller panels are listed for use as service equipment only if (1) they are fed with a field installed main (i.e., backfed) and/or (2) not a lighting and appliance panelboard.

So...it looks like I have two strikes against me.

 

[physis]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

I'm having trouble understanding where the importance of "back fed" is at. If a back fed main disconnect is field installed it needs to be bolted in. But if your question is do you need OCPD's to protect the service conductors to a newly installed meter panel, they're service entrance conductors and the OCPD's aren't required until you get to the disconnect or service panel. Am I getting this right?

 

[jap2525]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

4-8 sq.d panel?????if this panel is capable of having 8 circuit breakers installed I would say no.although I feel like your installation does not require a main breaker,eventually another circuit will be needed and as soon as the 7th single pole is added the panel will have to be upgraded anyway,put the main in.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

jemsvcs,
Are these 120 volt circuits? Are the breaker ratings 30 amps or less?
Don

 

[jemsvcs]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

Don...

All circuits are 120V (there are only two) and they are both 20A circuits.

Hope that helps.

jap...

The 4-8 panel is capable of having 8 circuits if all tandems are used, but in this instance the only outlets are two light fixtures and one duplex receptacle.

[ August 16, 2004, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: jemsvcs ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

jemsvcs,
Then it is a lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard and 408.16(A) requires overcurrent protection for the panelboard. Also look at 230.79(B).
Don

 

[jemsvcs]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

Thanks Don...230.79(B) definitely defines this situation as requiring a back-fed main (to keep the panel small), because both circuits are less than 30A circuits.

Thanks again,

Jemsvcs

 

[jes25]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

I just installed a 8space siemens main lug panel. In it I have 1 2pole 100a braker feeding the house, 1 2pole 20a breaker feeding the garage and a 1 2 pole 50A breaker that will feed a future hot tub. and 2 spaces for future whatever. I am waiting on inspec. Is this a violation of the service disconnect rule.

 

[apauling]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

i'm not looking it up as I don't have my 2002 with me, but it WAS, at least, 6 motions, not breakers, max of 12 poles in 220, but each motion can be a single, a double, or even 3 phase (unless I've missed something special about 3 phase).

hope that helps

paul

 

[jap2525]

Re: Six Disconnect Rule

IMO,the 2p 20amp breaker feeding the garage more than likely requires a neutral connection for lights and receptacles,the 2p 100a breaker for the house requires a neutral,the 2p 50a breaker may or may not require a neutral,but,the house feeder is 100amp it is exempt,the hot tub feeder is a 50amp it is exempt,the 2p 20a does fall under the rule but the rule states 10% of the INTSTALLED breakers.the (2pole breakers are consired 2 overcurrent devices),6 overcurrent devices are in place,therefor 10% of 6 =.60 or (1) overcurrent device requiring a neutral,if the feed to the garage requires a neutral the 2pole 20amp breaker satisfies the need for a main breaker to be installed in this panel. p.s someone please correct me if I am wrong.