what is this?

There is a smaller box next to my electrical breaker box and it's labeled "QO Load Center". It's got one switch that looks like a breaker switch, but it's in off position. Two electrical conduit connections run between this box and the main electrical box. Can anyone tell me exactly what this box is for?

I would like to move this smaller box closer to the main electrical box if it's not too much work. Otherwise it's going to be an annoyance to my finishing work, as the two boxes are separated by a couple feet.

Thanks,
Eric

 

That may be a power company box used for remotely turning off power to something like your water heater during peak power usage times. I dont' remember ever seeing one with a switch on it tho; usually just some indicator lights.

Post back if there are any markings on it or indicator lights?

 

There are no indicator lights. The box is made by Square D and has cat. no. QO2-4L70S. It has just one switch on it, which looks just like a breaker switch. Today I went to Square D website and even found some technical data on these "Load Centers". Apparently, my unit is for single-phase, 2 circuits and 70 amps max. I'm still puzzled on exactly what it does. I recall that previous home owner had a hot tub on back patio, so I'm guessing it had something to do with that. However, inside the main breaker box, there is already a (dual) breaker switch marked "WHIRLPOOL". So, I wonder if both were needed?

Perhaps I should move this question to the Electrical forum...

Thanks again,
Eric

 

Oh, okay. I think the same company must have wired MY house. I also had an aux box marked for "whirlpool" (a timer setup) and I have a box pretty much like you describe, tho it's not labeled like yours. Mine has a 60a breaker. No idea what it goes to since everything I can think of already has its own circuit breaker in the main box (and a 60a circuit would have to be for something major, I would assume). Never bothered to track down the circuit, but now I'm curious and might start snooping around.

Electrical pros; any ideas???

 

Just an FYI. I got the answers I was seeking on the Electrical forum. See the thread titled "Why do I have a Load Center?",

Eric