House Service Box Terminology Question ?


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Old 04-20-08, 06:54 AM
R
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House Service Box Terminology Question ?

Hi,

Hate to appear really dumb, but I guess it's the only way to learn.

Trying to learn a bit about residential Service boxes/Load centers prior to calling an electrician in.

What are the differences, and what is meant by the two classifications that appear in the literature and catalogs:

- main lug only type panelboard type ?

- a main breaker type ?

e.g., which type is the conventional house service box that has the main breaker on the top, and all the branch circuit breakers below in the two columns ?

Thanks,
Bob
 
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Old 04-20-08, 07:29 AM
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Main lug means there is no main breaker in the box. There needs to be another breaker at the other end of the feeder cable feeding power to the main lug panel.
 
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Old 04-20-08, 08:35 AM
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From OP: Thanks

Hi,

Much thanks for info.
Nice of you; appreciate it.

Lots to learn.

Bob
 
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Old 04-20-08, 10:18 AM
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Just to nit pick can't a main lug be used with six throws or less without a main breaker or OCP if is not a sub?
 
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Old 04-20-08, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by ray2047
Just to nit pick can't a main lug be used with six throws or less without a main breaker or OCP if is not a sub?
Yes, that's true. The reason is that code arbitrarily defines a "disconnect" to be six switching actions or less. Therefore you are allowed a panel with up to six "main" breakers which together count as the required panel disconnect.
 
 

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