200 amp disconnect before panel?

[Jim Johnstone]

I'm installing a new 200 amp breaker panel with main breaker in my older home in an attempt to clean up my rats nest of wiring. Is there any advantage to installing a non fused 200 amp disconnect before the panel, to allow me to kill the panel if I ever need to do any service on the panel?

Currently I'm keeping the 100 amp service, just upgrading the panel, and later this summer I will have the service overhead wires, service entrance, mast, meter socket etc upgraded when I can afford to.

So who has a main disconnect before their panel?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Charles (in GA)]

It is not uncommon in the US for various locales (AHJ, Authority Having Jurisdiction) to require a outside disconnect at or adjacent to the meter. Main reason for this is for fire departments to be able to kill power in the building.

Charles

 

[rockwithjason]

if the panel has a main breaker there is no real advantage to having a disconnect upstream. you can shut off the main to do service. if you are in a bind you can pull the meter and kill the feed to the panel but this is rare. save your money.

 

[Norcal]

Non-fusible* switches do not usually have a "Suitable for use as service equipment" label, & if a switch or circuit breaker is used, it will become the service disconnect, requiring a 4-wire feed to the panel & separating neutrals & grounding conductors. A meter can / circuit breaker combo would be the best bet,IMO.

*A bondable neutral is not a factory option.(A accessory neutral kit may be avail. but the lack of a service entrance label will be a problem).


After typing this, I notice the OP is from Canada, Canadian MB loadcenters have a separate main breaker compartment that branch circuits are prohibited from being in (service conductors only), so it is a 50/50 thing if the OP wants another switch to deenergize the panel.The separate compartment is why sometimes you see a horz. mounted panel in Canadian based DIY shows, a horz. mounted panel is prohibited by the NEC, BTW....

 

[May Pop]

Cant just put the 200 with main because you will not be properly protecting the 100amp wire that is currently there. It would be fusing it at 200amps instead of 100amps.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Cant just put the 200 with main because you will not be properly protecting the 100amp wire that is currently there. It would be fusing it at 200amps instead of 100amps.

I should have elaborated more. There is an existing 100 amp fused disconnect from the days when this house was a fuse box house. I am going to keep that in place until I get the electricians to replace the service entrance, at which time I will have everything upgraded to 200 amp.

My question was whether or not to bother with a disconnect before the breaker panel. It seems there is no real purpose for one.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Let me reword your question, possibly it will make more sense then.

Charles

I should have elaborated more. There is an existing 100 amp fused disconnect from the days when this house was a fuse box house. I am going to keep that in place until I get the electricians to replace the service entrance, at which time I will have everything upgraded to 200 amp.

My question was whether or not to bother with a disconnect before the breaker panel after the electricians upgrade the service entrance. It seems there is no real purpose for one.