Upside down panel

[kvom]

In another thread there were some examples where the panel was installed upside down, so that when the service cable entered from below the connections would be shorter.

I asked my electrician about that, as I had that situation, and getting the cables up and over to the connecting lugs was a bit of an effort. He said that doing that was against code. Don't know if that's in GA only, but anyone considering this "option" ought to check first.

[Aceman]

I'll summarize 240.81 for you.

"Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically, the up position will be on." All breakers should clearly indicate when they are on or off.

So, if you meet that code secton above and your panel's instructions allow you to flip the guts, you're alright. But it's always a good idea to check with your inspector in case you have some wacky amendment to the code that doesn't allow it.

[trainer]

Mine's installed updside down. The service mast and meter are directly outside the panel. The meter and main breaker line up directly, making for a really clean installation, and keeping the panel at the required height off the floor.

My dad had one in his cottage mounted sideways. It was the only way to get a 40 circuit, 200a panel the required distance from the floor on the short walls there.
I'm certain that the manufacturer of the equipment would need to approve it for this type of installation though

[twostory]

I live in Gwinnett Co, Georgia. I asked my inpsector before I did any work if I could install the panel upside down. He said no, so my panel is right side up with the big wires doing a big 180 turn at the top of the box, since they enter at the bottom of the box.

[Torque1st]

Most new panels are made to install main breaker on top OR at the bottom. Check the stamped in nomenclature in the enclosure and the installation instructions. Many people are used to seeing them with the main breaker at the top and figure that is the only way they should be mounted. Make the inspectors show you chapter and verse in the code.

[PAToyota]

Right from the Square D literature for the QO panels:
Indoor enclosures designed to rotate 180 degrees to accommodate top or bottom service entrance feed, saving expensive service cable.

[sberry]

If you install upside down it will drain the wires when you are not using it.

[brad d]

Funny I was going to ask the same question... but i just installed them right side up.. I'll just bend the wire 180* :(

[Torque1st]

If you install upside down it will drain the wires when you are not using it.
That is why I make little drip loops in all my wires... :lol_hitti

[bluesman2a]

That is why I make little drip loops in all my wires... :lol_hitti

Yeah, but much like shop-air, it's much cheaper if you just do in in PVC instead of copper or aluminum. :beer::rocker:

[Charles (in GA)]

I'll summarize 240.81 for you.

"Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically, the up position will be on." All breakers should clearly indicate when they are on or off.

So, if you meet that code secton above and your panel's instructions allow you to flip the guts, you're alright. But it's always a good idea to check with your inspector in case you have some wacky amendment to the code that doesn't allow it.

Square D breaker panelboards use horizontal main switch levers, my house panelboard has a fold out lever for ease of operating. Of course, if you use a main lug panel, you don't have the main panel breaker to be concerned about.

Charles