Two panels in different locations

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Paul B

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Where in the code does it say that I can not have to panels in one house in two different locations with two different rating. I can't find this anywhere.

The house is a small rancher. It has a 200 amp single phase panel in the basement. An addition is being added to the residence. The wall where the panel is will become an interior wall by about 10 feet. What I proposed was to add a service disconnect switch outside on the new wall and feed to the old panel. I was going to shed most of the load on the panel. The calculated load left on the panel will be about 18.5 KVA. I was going to remove the 200 amp main and replace lugs and feed with from a 100 amp service disconnect switch on the new wall. In the addition I was going to add a new 200 amp panel to power the addition and the new kitchen and new heat pump and so forth.

The building contractor called me this evening and told me that the county says if there are two panels in one residence they have to be the same size. I don't see anything in the code book that says this. Could someone help me out?

Paul
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

If what the bldg. contractor is true, I just violated the code by installing a 200amp panel along side a 100amp panel off a 320 amp sevice, I don't get where the problem is, but then again I could and have been wrong, its late I must go to bed :( .
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

The only problem I see is 230.72 Grouping of the service disconnects.

Paul This is not a NEC violation as 230.40 exception 2 does not have anything to say about being different sizes.
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

As long as the OCPD for the panel is correct where is the problem ???Where does it say that panels have to be balanced and the same size.Someones smoking something. :D
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

I am confused by your description. I get that there is one panel, and that there will be two panels. The short answer to your specific question is that the NEC does not require the two panels to have the same rating. I cannot speak for any local codes that may apply.

What I don't get is whether you are asking the utility to provide a second service, or whether you are using the one set of conductors from the utility to power two separate service disconnects, or whether you are going to sub-feed one panel (i.e., the 100 amp panel) from the other (i.e., the 200 amp panel).

But I am concerned about whether you are planning to do this work yourself. If so, we cannot assist you. Forum rules prohibit us from providing "how to" information to help a person who is not an electrician to perform electrical installation work.

I would also caution you that the project you are describing presents abundant opportunities for the wiring to be done improperly, with dangerous results. For any given service, the neutral and ground conductors are required to be connected to each other at one, and only one location. At present, that is probably at your existing 200 amp panel. If you put one or more service disconnects at a location other than at your existing 200 amp panel, then it becomes tricky to get the N-G bonding done at the right place. You really don't want to get this wrong, as it could present a deadly peril.
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

Yep, need more description "Seeing is worth a million". Do it all of the time 320 amp meter can supplied by Utility co. with twin 200 amp services or one 200 and a 100.
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

Guys I am going to be the electrician on the job. I rough in a lot of additions for myself and for another electrical contractor. There is a single set of laterals supplying the house. All I am doing is having to utility move the meter and adding a new panel and switch. The new panel is with in five feet of the new meter location. The existing panel is in the existing basement about 15 feet from the new meter location which is why I need the disconnect. I am aware of the neutral and grounding and the hazzards that could be created.

All I was trying to do is verify that it did not matter if the two panels were different ratings. I called this morning and got it straight.

There was some concern about sheding enough load to derate the existing panel to 100 amp. They did not realize all the electric space heat and one dryer were going away.

I don't know how this building contractor gets involved in such thing. He meets up with the inspector on one job and trys to discuss what happening on another that he knows nothing about.
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

WHAT???? "Guys" I am going to be the "Electrician" today? I quote! Then why did You ask? "Your the electrician"? Or did I miss something?
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

Originally posted by triphase:
...did I miss something?
Click to expand...
Check his profile...he is the GC...LOL.

Profile for Paul B
Occupation: General Contractor
 
Re: Two panels in different locations

The Forum rules that prohibit giving assistance to a DIY are addressed to persons who do not earn a living from performing electrical installation work. That is not the case here.

In several off-line discussions, the Moderators agreed that it is not our place to judge who does, and who does not, have the background and experience to take on an electrical installation project. For example, if a lineman wants to install cable TV in his own house, we are not going to call that a DIY situation. If a person earns a living from doing electrical installation or repair, then by our interpretation that person is not a DIY. By contrast, a person who makes a living from designing, but not installing, electrical systems, would be considered a DIY.

To that let me add that it is also not my place to determine whether a person has a license that is valid within their state (or other jurisdiction), and that permits them to perform electrical installation work. If a general contractor tells us that he or she routinely performs electrical installation as part of their normal work assignments, and gets paid to do so, I am not going to ask whether the person is a licensed journeyman or master. For all we know, a person can start out as a master electrician and then move into general contracting.

That is why I did not shut down this thread.
 
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