Main breaker at meter
#1
09-27-03, 08:24 AM
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: New Hampshire
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Main breaker at meter
Hi:
I am having an old 60-amp fusebox at my seasonal camp replaced with a 100-amp breaker panel. For a variety of reasons, the new panel will be on an inside wall of the house, resulting in the main breaker being located in the meter base.
I would like to secure the main breaker from nosy kids, vandals, etc. Any suggestions? I suppose a small lock would work, but then it's would be another step before killing the power in an emergency.
Thoughts?
Tom Z.
I am having an old 60-amp fusebox at my seasonal camp replaced with a 100-amp breaker panel. For a variety of reasons, the new panel will be on an inside wall of the house, resulting in the main breaker being located in the meter base.
I would like to secure the main breaker from nosy kids, vandals, etc. Any suggestions? I suppose a small lock would work, but then it's would be another step before killing the power in an emergency.
Thoughts?
Tom Z.
#2
09-27-03, 08:32 AM
Member
Yes, the tradeoff is exactly as you indicated and the choice is yours. If a fire department responds, they will just use an axe on the cable and won't be particularly bothered by the lock. I would, however, keep it unlocked while the building is occupied -- for your own safety.
#4
09-27-03, 09:05 AM
Per NEC Art. 230.92 (2002)
"Where the service overcurrent devices are locked or sealed... ...branch circuit overcurrent devices shall be installed on the load side, shall be mounted in a readily accesible location, and shall be of lower ampre rating than the service overcurrent device"
You are feeding a panel, likely containing 15 and 20 amp breakers, so you meet the last part of that rule. As long as your 100A panel is located in a readily acesible location, you're install meets code.
"Where the service overcurrent devices are locked or sealed... ...branch circuit overcurrent devices shall be installed on the load side, shall be mounted in a readily accesible location, and shall be of lower ampre rating than the service overcurrent device"
You are feeding a panel, likely containing 15 and 20 amp breakers, so you meet the last part of that rule. As long as your 100A panel is located in a readily acesible location, you're install meets code.
