Split Bus Panel

[tac]

Can an individual single pole breaker used for an appliance or lighting branch circuit be installed in the upper section of a split bus panel provided it does not exceed the 6 switch rule? An inspector says no.

 

[paul32]

I would guess the inspector is basing it on having 6 breakers it needs to be a power panel, so can't have a single pole breaker. Can a split bus panel be treated like 2, the upper part a power panel and the lower part lighting and appliance? If the whole thing was lighting and appliance, then you could have the single pole in the upper part, but you could only have 2 breakers.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Tac,

Ask for the chapter and verse that says a service disconnect in a split bus panel can't be a single pole breaker.

Bottom line, if the Code doesn't prohibit it, it is permitted.

Take a look at 408.36(A) Exception 2.

Is this split bus panel in an "individual residential occupancy"?

The NEC Handbook adds the following, as part of the explanatory material immediately following Exception 2 :

The phrase "for existing installations'' in Exception No. 2 refers to the existing panelboard. It is not intended that a split-bus panelboard used in an individual residential occupancy be replaced if a circuit is added to the existing panelboard. It does mean, however, that for the installation of new panelboards in new or existing residential occupancies, a split-bus six-disconnect panelboard (with more than two circuit breakers or sets of fuses protecting the panelboard) is not permitted for the service equipment.