I have a sub panel with no space available. there is a breaker being used for a surge arrester. can the surge arrester being double lugged with breaker we are trying to install and still be legal? if you guys have any better suggestions please submit
space available
- Thread starter mannyb
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GerryB
Senior Member
- Location
- woodbridge, ct. USA
I have seen them tapped to the main and I think I put one in once that said to use a 2-pole 30a breaker. I would not touch the one you have there. I never liked putting them in because who knows if they really work. In your case if there was some type of surge and things got ruined? You touched it last.
as long as the breaker manufacturer shows two wires are permitted (most do)
That said, you might want to verify if the breaker is sized properly for the surge protector. Most I see call for a fairly small breaker.
That said, you might want to verify if the breaker is sized properly for the surge protector. Most I see call for a fairly small breaker.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Most do? Thought only SquareD and one of the Eaton lines permitted two conductors.
May be an educational moment for me... I guess I see too many SqaureD & Eaton breakers. Foolish assumption on my part. (Thanks)
The panel is a sub panel with a surge arrester. I was considering moving the tvss to the main distribution pane where there is space available and that would open up the space.
drcampbell
Senior Member
- Location
- The Motor City, Michigan USA
- Occupation
- Registered Professional Engineer
The surge suppressor might be too small to install in the main panel if the original installation relied on the additional impedance of the line between the main & sub panels.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
if two conductors not allowed could always splice in.
The subpanel is 1200a and the feeder needed is 200a. The surge arrestor is on a 60a breaker with #10 wires. The existing surge arrestor has 60a breaker with #10 wires feeding surge. There is no more room for a new breaker. i dont see any surge arrestor at MDP only at SUb panel. i figure i can move the surge arrester to MDP if they wish to have a new surge arrester and put the new feeder in subpanel. reason being is that the MDP is located on other side of building.
K8MHZ
Senior Member
- Occupation
- Electrician
If you are going to double up on a breaker, why does it have to be the surge suppressor breaker? That would be the last one I would consider ganging up with.
purevoltage
Member
- Location
- olympia, washington
What Kind of panel is it? Is it a bolt on or a push on panel? Maybe if it is a push on panel you could use a peanut breaker and save your self all this trouble.
GerryB
Senior Member
- Location
- woodbridge, ct. USA
I think you threw everyone a curve here. Not residential? So you have a 1200amp subpanel and you need to add a 200 amp breaker?
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
I agree, this is not your typical surge arrestor you see added to a dwelling or small commercial service of less then 400 amps. Instructions for those often state they can go on same breaker as some other circuit with rating of 30 amp or less. I often put them on with water heater. What OP has may actually be required to be on it's own breaker if you can come up with any instructions for it.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
You touched it last is a good reason to never install or service anything - but that don't pay the bills very well:blink:
either way sounds like NO no matter what i do 200a or 1200a. The surge arrestor needs to stay. Thanks for help.
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