This is an Eaton 200a 4 position, 8 circuit main breaker box. the plan here was to run the 30a breaker for my well pump and a 125a breaker to feed a main lug sub panel in my new shop. I think I have 1/0 aluminum cable, maybe 2/0 I can’t remember off the top of my head. Either way there’s no way I’m bending that stuff to land in that breaker, not to mention I’ll probably have to use a lug as I don’t think the terminals on the breaker are big enough for the cable I have. Am I Missing something here? Any other way to wire this thing? Any way to use those bottom lugs and have a breaker? Main breaker panel in the new shop also?
How do I fit my cable for sub feed in here?
- Thread starter Bradc1989
- Start date
bad_idea
Well-known member
Can you replace that panel with a larger panel? Doesn't look like there is much in it. Might be easier to replace it than to make room for another panel.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
As stated above, you could come off the lugs to a fused disconnect or another panel. It would probably be way more cost effective to just change the existing panel out for a full sized. I have never used an Eaton BR2125 breaker, but according to the specs, 2/0 wire will fit so your 1/0 should be fine. Make sure the panel is listed for a 125 breaker, that should be on the sticker located on the door. In all honesty, I would throw all that Eaton stuff in the trash and start over using a Siemens copper bus panel. I would suggest Square D, but I don't think they have a two pole 125 breaker.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
you mentioned your shop panel is an ML. If it is detached and if you will have more than 6 breaker handles in that panel, you will need a disconnect for it. easier to buy a main breaker subpanel if that is the case...
Terry D
Well-known member
is this what you have. If this is a 4 space/8circuit panel, and buss is notched to accept tandems or quads in all spaces, then the whole left side would be unusable. That would explain why the interior is mounted so far to the left. If the whole buss was usable, it would be a 8 space /16 circuit
Eaton Corporation Br48B200Rfp Trailer Park Load Center, 200-Amp - Electrical Equipment - Amazon.com
Eaton Corporation Br48B200Rfp Trailer Park Load Center, 200-Amp - Electrical Equipment - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
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sparky 1971
Well-known member
It sure looks like that's what he has. If it is, I don't see a reason it wouldn't work on the other side. Whether or not the bus is rated for a 125 amp breaker is another story. I can't get the specs on the Eaton site to open up in order to find out. And, of course, it's still an Eaton POS.
Terry D
Well-known member
I couldn't get the specs to open either
eejack
Well-known member
One alternative, you could use copper 'diesel' cable off of the 125A breaker then bug that onto your aluminum cable. Expensive and extra work.
A second alternative, use the feed through lugs on the bottom to feed another breaker enclosure using 200 amp wire ( the 200 amp main protects this cable ) then put your 125A breaker in that enclosure. Expensive and extra work.
It would be better to replace that with a more properly sized panel.
A second alternative, use the feed through lugs on the bottom to feed another breaker enclosure using 200 amp wire ( the 200 amp main protects this cable ) then put your 125A breaker in that enclosure. Expensive and extra work.
It would be better to replace that with a more properly sized panel.
You can run right off the bottom subfeed lugs. Doesn't need to be 200A wire as long as you have the appropriate sized main breaker in the shop. It's called a feeder tap.
If the wire runs through a building then there are limits on how far it can be run. If it's all outside then there are no limitations.
If the wire runs through a building then there are limits on how far it can be run. If it's all outside then there are no limitations.
It would be better to install a decent panel rather then use a bottom of the line panel like that "Zinsco II" (Eaton BR).
Trivia perhaps... but its a QO2125.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
It sure is. It's been awhile, but I only remember one time that I needed a QO125. I wound up having to install a QO2125SL and fused disconnect instead. Maybe the supply house was out of 125's and that was my only option??? It's been long enough that really don't remember the circumstances.
