Split-bus panel question

[dbehounek]

I have an inspector telling me that I cannot put the 40A 240V breaker for an AC unit in the lower portion of a split-bus panel. Can anyone explain the reason for this and give me code articles to back up the inspectors claims?

 

[nakulak]

what is the make and model ?

 

[dbehounek]

GE brand. the arrangement of the bus bars is such that the breaker spaces are every other space alternates a nad b phases.

 

[nakulak]

are you talking about a new single phase 42 ckt resi panel, or an older split panel with an equip/main section on top and a lighting/recept section on the bottom ?

 

[dbehounek]

This is an older 150A split-bus panel with the upper portion comprising the "6 throw max disconnect section" and the lower lighting and appliance section

 

[dbehounek]

Sorry, it's an ITE EQ split-bus load center, 150A

 

[Riograndeelectric]

if the lighting section has a 50A sub main for the lower lighting section then the the answer would be no.
if there is still a label from the manufacture on the panel specs it will indicate what size breakers can be installed in what spaces on the panel

 

[dbehounek]

I'll have to check the interior to see if there is still any info, but I think the sub main wasat least a 60A if not a 70A. In any event, the inspector wants me to move the breaker to the top section and perform a load calculation. Not what I wanted to do, but if I must...

 

[LarryFine]

I have an inspector telling me that I cannot put the 40A 240V breaker for an AC unit in the lower portion of a split-bus panel.

I don't belive there's any such blanket rule, but, it is good practive to place the largest breakers in the top.

Are there any 20a or 30a 2p's in the top you could relocate to (one of) the lower section(s)?

Can anyone explain the reason for this and give me code articles to back up the inspectors claims?

That would be upon him to do. I would think the AC's load is more important than its breaker size.