Shop panel main or a sub?

[CJseven]

I am fixing to install my 200 amp breaker box in my new shop, the question I have is this considered a sub panel or main since I have the meter base with a built in 200 amp milbank breaker on the pole? Reason is I’m trying to figure out if I bond or not in the breaker box in the shop.

 

[Bert_]

The main is the breaker on pole, panel in shop is a sub.

 

[Jlarson]

Your bond should be in the meter/main on the pole, four wire feeder to building.

 

[CJseven]

Thank you, that’s what I thought I was understanding from the reading I’ve been doing. I guess i will have to get a 4th wire, I have a roll of triplex already.

 

[Bert_]

Just ask for some #4 USE assuming you are direct burying it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What kind of triplex? If its not rated RHH or RHW, it is not permitted indoors...

 

[CJseven]

I was going to direct bury, but have decided to use the pvc conduit this time.

As for the wire it’s sweetbrier 4/0-4/0-2/0

 

[Norcal]

I was going to direct bury, but have decided to use the pvc conduit this time.

As for the wire it’s sweetbrier 4/0-4/0-2/0

Triplex with the bare aluminum conductor?

 

[CJseven]

No , all three are coated

 

[pattenp]

I was going to direct bury, but have decided to use the pvc conduit this time.

As for the wire it’s sweetbrier 4/0-4/0-2/0

That wire is UD and is only rated as USE-2 so it is not allowed to enter the structure and needs to be terminated outside. Sweetbrier is just the code name for the size of the UD cable.

 

[CJseven]

Just ask for some #4 USE assuming you are direct burying it.

Will this need to be aluminum or copper?

 

[Bert_]

Can be aluminum. If you ran copper it could be #6

 

[CJseven]

Thanks , that’s why I was making sure for.

 

[nsula_country]

That wire is UD and is only rated as USE-2 so it is not allowed to enter the structure and needs to be terminated outside. Sweetbrier is just the code name for the size of the UD cable.

Clarify this. If panel is on inside wall, conduit through wall into panel, is the URD/USE-2 "inside" the structure?

CT

 

[exranger06]

Clarify this. If panel is on inside wall, conduit through wall into panel, is the URD/USE-2 "inside" the structure?

CT

Yes, that's considered inside the structure. To use the URD cable, you would have to install a junction box on the outside of the shop, and splice the URD with a different kind of wire that's suitable for inside use, then run that wire the rest of the way to the panel.

 

[Norcal]

Clarify this. If panel is on inside wall, conduit through wall into panel, is the URD/USE-2 "inside" the structure?

CT

I would say yes.

 

[mike93lx]

Clarify this. If panel is on inside wall, conduit through wall into panel, is the URD/USE-2 "inside" the structure?

CT

I know there are sometimes things in code that aren't obviouszbut why wouldn't you consider it inside the structure when you are penetrating the exterior? How else would you describe it?

 

[nsula_country]

I know there are sometimes things in code that aren't obviouszbut why wouldn't you consider it inside the structure when you are penetrating the exterior? How else would you describe it?

Its inside a conduit and inside the load center.

Inside the structure would be exposed or within the structure walls or attic.

It was once explained to me that if it was in listed conduit or enclosure it was acceptable and not "inside the structure". (ie: ****** thru exterior wall to load center lugs and dead front installed)

If it had to run through a space to get to load center w/o conduit, then it required SE cable.

I have been incorrect before and do not want to cloud anyone's decisions if this is incorrect.

CT

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Its inside a conduit and inside the load center.

Inside the structure would be exposed or within the structure walls or attic.

It was once explained to me that if it was in listed conduit or enclosure it was acceptable and not "inside the structure". (ie: ****** thru exterior wall to load center lugs and dead front installed)

If it had to run through a space to get to load center w/o conduit, then it required SE cable.

I have been incorrect before and do not want to cloud anyone's decisions if this is incorrect.

CT

The way it was explained to me is that the conduit doesnt change the insulation rating nor does the conduit stop fire.

If fire got inside the pipe the insulation would still burn because it is not fire resistant rated.

 

[nsula_country]

The way it was explained to me is that the conduit does not change the insulation rating and nor does the conduit stop fire.

If fire got inside the pipe the insulation would still burn because it is not fire resistant rated.

Makes perfect sense.

CT

 

[CJseven]

If I had fire inside the conduit, the insulation on the wire would be the least of my concern.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If I had fire inside the conduit, the insulation on the wire would be the least of my concern.

But the resultant toxic smoke would be or should be