Can I install a 60A main breaker in a load center rated for 125A?
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Following my previous question about feeding a sub-panel...
I have access to a new-in-box 125A load center, which is more current than I need, but the form factor is good. Can I drop to a 60A feeder wire and breaker setup without running into any obscure code-related incompatibilities? What additional hardware do I need to install the main breaker since this one is "Main Lugs Only"?
electrical wiring circuit-breaker subpanel
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
Following my previous question about feeding a sub-panel...
I have access to a new-in-box 125A load center, which is more current than I need, but the form factor is good. Can I drop to a 60A feeder wire and breaker setup without running into any obscure code-related incompatibilities? What additional hardware do I need to install the main breaker since this one is "Main Lugs Only"?
electrical wiring circuit-breaker subpanel
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
1
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
1
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
Following my previous question about feeding a sub-panel...
I have access to a new-in-box 125A load center, which is more current than I need, but the form factor is good. Can I drop to a 60A feeder wire and breaker setup without running into any obscure code-related incompatibilities? What additional hardware do I need to install the main breaker since this one is "Main Lugs Only"?
electrical wiring circuit-breaker subpanel
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
Following my previous question about feeding a sub-panel...
I have access to a new-in-box 125A load center, which is more current than I need, but the form factor is good. Can I drop to a 60A feeder wire and breaker setup without running into any obscure code-related incompatibilities? What additional hardware do I need to install the main breaker since this one is "Main Lugs Only"?
electrical wiring circuit-breaker subpanel
electrical wiring circuit-breaker subpanel
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
asked Aug 19 at 18:16
isherwood
40.5k451100
40.5k451100
1
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
1
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58
add a comment |Â
1
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
1
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58
1
1
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
1
1
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Yes you can get a 60A main breaker for this panel
Your panel uses what is known as a QOM1 main breaker frame size -- this is standard for Square-D panels up to 125A. While an ordinary Homeline 60A breaker won't fit there, the good news is that Square-D does make a QOM60VH -- so simply install that into your panel as per the supplied instructions, and you'll be golden as far as your main breaker goes. (Some other panel makes would require you to use Harper's approach of using a backfed branch breaker for the main, instead.)
You'll also need a PK15GTAL ground bar or two, as this will be a subpanel instead of a main panel.
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
See ThreePhaseEel's answer above.
TPE is a panel master. My info is more general to panels at large, leaving it up for reference.
You're powering a shed. It's an outbuilding. That means it needs a main break-- I mean a main shutoff switch of its own. Generally the cheapest way to provide a main shutoff switch is to buy a panel with a main breaker in it. Also the most compact (as opposed to a separate shutoff switch).
That's not happening with this main-lug panel. You could backfeed a plain breaker, but hold on - Code requires bolting the breaker down so it can't tip out like a normal breaker.
Normally, when a sub needs a main shutoff switch, and you use a main breaker for that, nobody cares the breaker size. However, I note that some of ThreePhaseEel's scenarios in the other question call for tapping a much larger feeder, and that definitely requires an actual, workin-for-a-living main breaker.
With any panel, prepare for the tiedown kit to glom 2 additional spaces, as many panels have unusable space abeam of the backfed main breakers.
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Your 60A dual pole breaker will need to be in the main breaker panel to protect the 60A rated wiring you will use to feed the sub-panel. Make sure such wiring has four conductors (2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 safety ground).
A panel with "main lugs only" will have a place to terminate the large size wires incoming into the panel. There would not be a main breaker in such panel.
The main lugs:
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Yes you can get a 60A main breaker for this panel
Your panel uses what is known as a QOM1 main breaker frame size -- this is standard for Square-D panels up to 125A. While an ordinary Homeline 60A breaker won't fit there, the good news is that Square-D does make a QOM60VH -- so simply install that into your panel as per the supplied instructions, and you'll be golden as far as your main breaker goes. (Some other panel makes would require you to use Harper's approach of using a backfed branch breaker for the main, instead.)
You'll also need a PK15GTAL ground bar or two, as this will be a subpanel instead of a main panel.
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Yes you can get a 60A main breaker for this panel
Your panel uses what is known as a QOM1 main breaker frame size -- this is standard for Square-D panels up to 125A. While an ordinary Homeline 60A breaker won't fit there, the good news is that Square-D does make a QOM60VH -- so simply install that into your panel as per the supplied instructions, and you'll be golden as far as your main breaker goes. (Some other panel makes would require you to use Harper's approach of using a backfed branch breaker for the main, instead.)
You'll also need a PK15GTAL ground bar or two, as this will be a subpanel instead of a main panel.
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Yes you can get a 60A main breaker for this panel
Your panel uses what is known as a QOM1 main breaker frame size -- this is standard for Square-D panels up to 125A. While an ordinary Homeline 60A breaker won't fit there, the good news is that Square-D does make a QOM60VH -- so simply install that into your panel as per the supplied instructions, and you'll be golden as far as your main breaker goes. (Some other panel makes would require you to use Harper's approach of using a backfed branch breaker for the main, instead.)
You'll also need a PK15GTAL ground bar or two, as this will be a subpanel instead of a main panel.
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
Yes you can get a 60A main breaker for this panel
Your panel uses what is known as a QOM1 main breaker frame size -- this is standard for Square-D panels up to 125A. While an ordinary Homeline 60A breaker won't fit there, the good news is that Square-D does make a QOM60VH -- so simply install that into your panel as per the supplied instructions, and you'll be golden as far as your main breaker goes. (Some other panel makes would require you to use Harper's approach of using a backfed branch breaker for the main, instead.)
You'll also need a PK15GTAL ground bar or two, as this will be a subpanel instead of a main panel.
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
answered Aug 19 at 19:09
ThreePhaseEel
27.2k104386
27.2k104386
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
 |Â
show 4 more comments
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
Since I am not up on the technical terms being used (and have limited experience), I ask does this mean that the two lugs at the bottoms are removed and the QOM60VH bolted in their places. This breaker apparently has lugs on one side and bolt on connectors on the other. Also I thought one of the two neutral or ground bars could be used for neutrals and one for grounds by disconnecting some strap or removing some green screw? Why does one of the bars have a large lug on it and the other doesn't?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:08
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
@JimStewart -- you are correct that the main lugs get removed and the main breaker gets bolted down in their place. As to the neutral bars -- the Square-D interior design has a screw that's fitted/pulled to bond/unbond the neutral to/from the enclosure, but for subpanel use, a separate ground bar is required. The large lug is for the incoming neutral wire.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:12
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
Why can't one remove the large strap on the bottom, use the right hand bar as the neutral and insert a screw that bonds the left hand bar to the case and maybe get a lug which will accept the large ground from the main panel? Why are there so many small lugs for neutrals and grounds?
– Jim Stewart
Aug 19 at 21:22
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
@JimStewart -- the need for the small screws is to provide enough places to land N and G wires when this is used as a service entrance panel -- the large strap on the top of the interior (the photo has it upside down) does not come off on this design, I believe.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 21:57
1
1
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
@JimStewart -- the PK15GTALs are mounted to holes in the enclosure back. As to the strap -- the instructions do not discuss removing it, so it shouldn't be removed.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 22:50
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
See ThreePhaseEel's answer above.
TPE is a panel master. My info is more general to panels at large, leaving it up for reference.
You're powering a shed. It's an outbuilding. That means it needs a main break-- I mean a main shutoff switch of its own. Generally the cheapest way to provide a main shutoff switch is to buy a panel with a main breaker in it. Also the most compact (as opposed to a separate shutoff switch).
That's not happening with this main-lug panel. You could backfeed a plain breaker, but hold on - Code requires bolting the breaker down so it can't tip out like a normal breaker.
Normally, when a sub needs a main shutoff switch, and you use a main breaker for that, nobody cares the breaker size. However, I note that some of ThreePhaseEel's scenarios in the other question call for tapping a much larger feeder, and that definitely requires an actual, workin-for-a-living main breaker.
With any panel, prepare for the tiedown kit to glom 2 additional spaces, as many panels have unusable space abeam of the backfed main breakers.
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
See ThreePhaseEel's answer above.
TPE is a panel master. My info is more general to panels at large, leaving it up for reference.
You're powering a shed. It's an outbuilding. That means it needs a main break-- I mean a main shutoff switch of its own. Generally the cheapest way to provide a main shutoff switch is to buy a panel with a main breaker in it. Also the most compact (as opposed to a separate shutoff switch).
That's not happening with this main-lug panel. You could backfeed a plain breaker, but hold on - Code requires bolting the breaker down so it can't tip out like a normal breaker.
Normally, when a sub needs a main shutoff switch, and you use a main breaker for that, nobody cares the breaker size. However, I note that some of ThreePhaseEel's scenarios in the other question call for tapping a much larger feeder, and that definitely requires an actual, workin-for-a-living main breaker.
With any panel, prepare for the tiedown kit to glom 2 additional spaces, as many panels have unusable space abeam of the backfed main breakers.
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
See ThreePhaseEel's answer above.
TPE is a panel master. My info is more general to panels at large, leaving it up for reference.
You're powering a shed. It's an outbuilding. That means it needs a main break-- I mean a main shutoff switch of its own. Generally the cheapest way to provide a main shutoff switch is to buy a panel with a main breaker in it. Also the most compact (as opposed to a separate shutoff switch).
That's not happening with this main-lug panel. You could backfeed a plain breaker, but hold on - Code requires bolting the breaker down so it can't tip out like a normal breaker.
Normally, when a sub needs a main shutoff switch, and you use a main breaker for that, nobody cares the breaker size. However, I note that some of ThreePhaseEel's scenarios in the other question call for tapping a much larger feeder, and that definitely requires an actual, workin-for-a-living main breaker.
With any panel, prepare for the tiedown kit to glom 2 additional spaces, as many panels have unusable space abeam of the backfed main breakers.
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
See ThreePhaseEel's answer above.
TPE is a panel master. My info is more general to panels at large, leaving it up for reference.
You're powering a shed. It's an outbuilding. That means it needs a main break-- I mean a main shutoff switch of its own. Generally the cheapest way to provide a main shutoff switch is to buy a panel with a main breaker in it. Also the most compact (as opposed to a separate shutoff switch).
That's not happening with this main-lug panel. You could backfeed a plain breaker, but hold on - Code requires bolting the breaker down so it can't tip out like a normal breaker.
Normally, when a sub needs a main shutoff switch, and you use a main breaker for that, nobody cares the breaker size. However, I note that some of ThreePhaseEel's scenarios in the other question call for tapping a much larger feeder, and that definitely requires an actual, workin-for-a-living main breaker.
With any panel, prepare for the tiedown kit to glom 2 additional spaces, as many panels have unusable space abeam of the backfed main breakers.
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
edited Aug 19 at 19:16
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
answered Aug 19 at 18:57
Harper
55.5k333113
55.5k333113
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
add a comment |Â
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
The good news is that Homelines are convertible between main lug and main breaker, and there is such a thing as a QOM60, so he can simply put the appropriate size main in and call it a day, without having to worry about eating slots due to a backfed breaker.
– ThreePhaseEel
Aug 19 at 19:10
1
1
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
I yield to the master. That would explain the complete absence of tiedowns. Also why a 12-space panel is so large. Not deleting since you reference it.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 19:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Your 60A dual pole breaker will need to be in the main breaker panel to protect the 60A rated wiring you will use to feed the sub-panel. Make sure such wiring has four conductors (2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 safety ground).
A panel with "main lugs only" will have a place to terminate the large size wires incoming into the panel. There would not be a main breaker in such panel.
The main lugs:
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Your 60A dual pole breaker will need to be in the main breaker panel to protect the 60A rated wiring you will use to feed the sub-panel. Make sure such wiring has four conductors (2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 safety ground).
A panel with "main lugs only" will have a place to terminate the large size wires incoming into the panel. There would not be a main breaker in such panel.
The main lugs:
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Your 60A dual pole breaker will need to be in the main breaker panel to protect the 60A rated wiring you will use to feed the sub-panel. Make sure such wiring has four conductors (2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 safety ground).
A panel with "main lugs only" will have a place to terminate the large size wires incoming into the panel. There would not be a main breaker in such panel.
The main lugs:
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
Your 60A dual pole breaker will need to be in the main breaker panel to protect the 60A rated wiring you will use to feed the sub-panel. Make sure such wiring has four conductors (2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 safety ground).
A panel with "main lugs only" will have a place to terminate the large size wires incoming into the panel. There would not be a main breaker in such panel.
The main lugs:
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
edited Aug 20 at 5:02
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
answered Aug 19 at 18:23
Michael Karas♦
42.1k43479
42.1k43479
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
add a comment |Â
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
I'll need to have a main breaker here since I'm installing a feeder off a 200A service pedestal.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:25
add a comment |Â
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1
Did this fall off a truck? Or do you have the opportunity for return it and shop for other choices? Since this is an outbuilding, you do need a main breaker- well, shutoff, but you may be able to get more spaces in other panel designs, e.g. the type where the main breaker sits in spaces 1-3. What's more, as usual with Homeline, they "forgot" ground buses. So you can do better in both grounb buses included and spaces-per-formfactor.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:36
It was acquired second-hand from a project not completed. I may be able to return it for store credit. Don't need many spaces. Just a utility shed.
– isherwood
Aug 19 at 18:37
1
Certain colored Borg stores are astonishingly accommodating at taking back products for which you do not have a receipt or credit card. I've even accidentally returned purchases at one to the other.
– Harper
Aug 19 at 18:58