Can I mount a main lug panel upside down?

[mdale]

Hi, I'm replacing an old pushmatic panel in my garage with a new siemmens main lug and the main cables will not be long enough it reach with the new panel mounted upright. The old panel has ridged conduit going into it with the conduit running right along a beam so I can't mount the panel lower to gain the extra cable but I will have enough if I mount it upside down. Will this be ok?

 

[mrb]

as far as i know yes. flipping panels over only becomes an issue when there is a vertical main breaker that ends up upside down if you flip it.

 

[TurnipTruck]

Its OK to mount a panel upsidedown, but its not OK to intentionally reuse an obsolete and problematic pushmatic box. Get a real breakerbox.

 

[mrb]

Its OK to mount a panel upsidedown, but its not OK to intentionally reuse an obsolete and problematic pushmatic box. Get a real breakerbox.

what? he said hes replacing the pushmatic with a siemens

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If you look, the Siemens panel has the breaker numbers stamped into the metal sideways. This is because they intended for it to be mounted either way, and this way, the numbers are never upside down. I think the word "Main" which is stamped where the main breaker knockout is located, is also stamped both ways (the main breaker, if you installed it, works sideways, which is OK either end up).

Charles

 

[CADPoint]

Page two, number 8

http://www.sea.siemens.com/us/SiteCollectionDocuments/Other/1_10/10/RPBR-S0007-1003.pdf

 

[TurnipTruck]

what? he said hes replacing the pushmatic with a siemens

Oooops. Nevermind. I just saw pushmatic and just about started a rant.


(never post on your way out the door)

 

[Grape Ape]

as far as i know yes. flipping panels over only becomes an issue when there is a vertical main breaker that ends up upside down if you flip it.

This is exactly what the inspector here in SW PA told me.

Here's mine:

 

[malibu101]

In the area where I work the AHJ also allows a horizontal handle to be anywhere as long as ON and OFF are clearly marked.
But as mentioned if the handle movement is vertical- up is on and down is off.
As well, no matter what type of handle it acn not be more than 6.5 feet above the finished floor.

 

[Norcal]

In the area where I work the AHJ also allows a horizontal handle to be anywhere as long as ON and OFF are clearly marked.
But as mentioned if the handle movement is vertical- up is on and down is off.
As well, no matter what type of handle it acn not be more than 6.5 feet above the finished floor.

If a breaker is mounted vertical, the ON position must be up per NEC, the CEC for Canadian members does not have that requirement.

See NEC art. 240.81

 

[spongerich]

You shouldn't have any problems with the code, but there are a few problems that you should be aware of.

• All of your appliances will run backwards.
• The picture on your TV will be upside down.
• Your coffee maker will make iced coffee.
• Your microwave will freeze everything solid in 30 seconds.
• Your vacuum cleaner will become a compressor
• Your compressor will become a vacuum cleaner.

 

[electrican]

also make sure that you have fall in your wires so that the electrons will flow good,LOL