Outbuilding power
#1
Outbuilding power
I'm trying to figure out where to pull the power from for an outbuilding. When I built the house 17yrs ago I installed a Square D 200A main breaker panel directly beneath my meter on the pole. I think when I bought the panel this was basically the only type we had locally. I wish it had more lugs so I could feed a couple of outbuildings with power. I'm pretty sure it's not made to put two wires under one lug.
Square D QOM22225NRB
I'm just unsure of how I want to do this. I'd rather not have to get the meter pulled otherwise I would just put in a new panel that has multiple circuits. I've thought about putting another panel directly beneath this one. I need to make sure the wires to the house are still long enough. They go underground to the house. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Square D QOM22225NRB
I'm just unsure of how I want to do this. I'd rather not have to get the meter pulled otherwise I would just put in a new panel that has multiple circuits. I've thought about putting another panel directly beneath this one. I need to make sure the wires to the house are still long enough. They go underground to the house. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Last edited by PJmax; 10-24-20 at 07:38 PM. Reason: resized pic
#2
Welcome to the forums.
You are correct. You cannot double wires up in a single lug.
I'd like to see a picture of everything from further back.
I'd replace that disconnect panel with a new one with several breakers.
You are correct. You cannot double wires up in a single lug.
I'd like to see a picture of everything from further back.
I'd replace that disconnect panel with a new one with several breakers.
#5
A new panel I'm sure is the best way to go.
#7
Yep, a new NEMA 3R 200 amp main breaker panel with feed-thru lugs. Feed the house with the bottom lugs and all other outbuildings from breakers installed in the new panel.
Feed thru lugs would mean the house service is unprotected.
#8
@ Joe...... doesn't the house need to be fed from a breaker ?
Feed thru lugs would mean the house service is unprotected.
Feed thru lugs would mean the house service is unprotected.
#9
Here is the perfect panel for your job: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D...FTRB/204836396 which is what CasualJoe is describing. There is also a Square D QO version of that panel if that is something you are interested in.
#10
Member
Can't you just splice additional wire using a 3 port lug block ( https://www.newark.com/panduit/pcsb4...awg/dp/72K9171 ) or split bolt + tape? I have seen that done in apartments where several units are fed from same main breaker.
Or may be even this tap lug?
https://www.platt.com/platt-electric...spx?zpid=48286
I also have seen wire just tapped using a crimp ring (like the one power companies use) and insulate splice with a plastic wrap over insulator.
Or may be even this tap lug?
https://www.platt.com/platt-electric...spx?zpid=48286
I also have seen wire just tapped using a crimp ring (like the one power companies use) and insulate splice with a plastic wrap over insulator.
#11
If you tapped into the 200A line with bugs..... that would mean you'd have to run 200A wire to the outbuilding. You couldn't tap smaller wire onto 200A cable.
#12
Member
If you tapped into the 200A line with bugs..... that would mean you'd have to run 200A wire to the outbuilding.
Since the main breaker is 200A, I figured anything feed through has be 200A wire as well.
------------------ EDIT ------------------
I just realized I misunderstood what was getting connected to a feed through lug. Feed through was feed existing line and additional breakers are feeding out building.
I guess adding a secondary 200A sub panel is a option if the electrician finds pulling meter will be a trouble some..