200a panel upside down or downside up?

[Featherweight]

Does it matter if you install your panel with he MAIN on the bottom or top per NEC Code?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If the main switch operates in a vertical direction, it MUST turn on by moving up, per code.

No requirement if the main operates horizontally.

Edit: what follows is blatantly stolen from a post by Norcal in another thread, but it is the exact information you need to know.

NEC section 240.81 states that when a breaker is mounted vertical, "ON" must be the "UP"
position.

Copy & paste from the 2008 NEC which is unchanged from the 2005 edition.

240.81 Indicating. Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate
whether they are in the open “off” or closed “on” position.
Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically
rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up” position of
the handle shall be the “on” position.

As far as whether the main can be at the bottom or must be at the top, I don't think there is anything in the code that forbids or allows it, your choice. Many panels are made to be installed either way.

Charles

 

[Norcal]

The only reason for main lugs or a breaker to be at the top or bottom would be because of where the main feed comes in, if at the top, then the breaker or lugs should be at the top, if fed from the bottom, then put the main at the bottom. Most newer design loadcenters have a main breaker that "ON" & "OFF" move side to side so as to not run afoul of code rules when a panel is inverted, but some vert. mounted breakers can be turned 180 degrees if they do not have "Line" and "Load" marking on them & their design allows turning them.