Clean sub-panel wiring question

[twostory]

Ah, the "upside down" panel.

If it isn't right, then why is the writing on the label on the inside of the door printed both ways on most panels?

Charles

I installed my garage panel the "right side up", main wire come in from the bottom, most circuit go out the top. I planned on installing it "upside down" as that make the most since, but I talked to my local electrical inspector and he said that he wanted it "right side up" and would not approve it "upside down"

My panel has the label printed both ways.

 

[Terry Kennedy]

Hmmm... Looks like they are more expensive there - about $250 compared to $215 from www.energymonitor.com

Check how the units are optioned when comparing prices. energymonitor's $215 is for 100A solid current transformers. If you want split 100A, they charge $285. brultech charges $240 for split 100A.

 

[PAToyota]

Thanks for pointing that out. I noticed the split core vs. stationary clips on the Energy Monitor site but then the options on the Brultech site the clips are for 60amp, 100amp, and 200amp - comparing apples to oranges and I missed the difference.

Further, it looks like the EM version only uses the 100amp clips when spec'ed with the split core version. Although, would I be able to monitor anything from a single load up to the whole 200amp panel with just the 200amp clips? Or would I need smaller clips (the 60amp ones?) to monitor individual loads?

 

[Junkman]

Ah, the "upside down" panel. Even though they are intended to be mounted this way if needed (and I now wished I had done my that way, as my main service wires come in the back at the bottom), some people will argue that this isn't right, or allowed, or whatever.

If it isn't right, then why is the writing on the label on the inside of the door printed both ways on most panels?

Charles

The writting is on both ways, so you can put the door on hinged left or hinged right.

 

[Terry Kennedy]

Further, it looks like the EM version only uses the 100amp clips when spec'ed with the split core version. Although, would I be able to monitor anything from a single load up to the whole 200amp panel with just the 200amp clips? Or would I need smaller clips (the 60amp ones?) to monitor individual loads?

Most of the variations in accuracy are from the control box itself, which is rated for up to 200A clips. A +/- 5% full-range tolerance (and I'm just making that up - I haven't looked at the specs) would be +/- 10A, which might make low-current readings impractical. I'd suggest contacting Brultech for details if this is a concern.

Near the bottom of this page you can see that they offer measuring probes and an outlet adapter that brings out a hot loop for measurements. The split-core transformers are intended to make a permanent install easier (no need to remove the feeders from the panel first), not for occasional use. The other probes in the URL I listed are for that application.

You might also consider a hand-held meter like the Amprobe family for measuring the current drawn by individual loads / circuits.