50 amp breaker as main.

[dfiler2]

Seems to me I read here that you can use a regular breaker as a main. I have a buddy who is wiring a large storage shed. He ran wire to the building 2-2-2 I believe. He got a Square D homeline 100 amp box but didn't get a main, he is only going to have two circuits, one for lighting ad one for 6 outlets. I have a 50 amp Homeline Square D breaker, can that be used as the main and be code compliant?

 

[sberry]

Yes it can with a hold down kit but what is the second panel? A 100 main lug and how many spaces? If this is a common 6 space ( yes,,,,,,,,,,,,, I know more details for code police ) but with only 2 breakers can be wired main lug and doesn't need a main. Especially applicable for these 2 minor circuits as there is absolutely no potential for overloading it.

 

[sberry]

It really depends a bit on the panel and the future intent. If it will use more than 6 spaces it needs a main.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes u can use a regular breaker to back feed the panel as a main disconnect but u will need a hold down screw/kit.

However, unless theres more than 6 breaker handles, then a main disconnect isnt required. U said theres only 2 circuits...

Also, if your friend for sure used 2-2-2 then it needs to be changed to a 4-wire feed as 3-wire feeds are no longer allowed....

He will also need 2 ground rods and the neutral bus needs to be isolated. He may need to purchase a separate ground bar kit.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks for the quick response. If he ever does expand the system he can put a main in at that time.

 

[dfiler2]

He has the two ground rods in and he just confirmed the wire is 2-2-2-4. The breaker box came with the neutral isolated

Thanks

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Awesome!

 

[dfiler2]

You guys deserve the credit, I work with this guy and over the years we have helped each other with lots of buildings and building projects. He decided to put up a 26 x 30 storage building last summer and asked me about getting power to it. I sent him an e-mail of the sub-panel diagram that you and others have posted. It really is a great reference and explains things very well.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Whats the length of the feeder?

 

[dfiler2]

About 75' I think, I put the overhead door in for him a couple of weeks ago and that's what I would guess.

 

[Speedy Petey]

With #2 WHY waste all that potential amperage by limiting it to a 50A breaker??? Just because you happen to have one??
A 2-pole HOM is like $12. Get an 80 or 90A.

*Edit - OK, so an 80 or 90 is like $40. A 50 or 60 is like $12. Still silly to waste that large #2.

 

[sberry]

I put a 60 on several of them. Never ever had someone call for a trip.

 

[dfiler2]

If I remember right I think a buddy of his who works for the power company gave him a good deal on some. He also wanted to get lights on that day and he would have had to go 45 miles out of his way to get a main.

 

[sberry]

My house is fed from a 50 with that same wire, I have gas appliances though.