Installing a sub panel question

[Rickster55]

I've read quite a few threads (and even started one) on sub panels. There are references about the power being run from the bottom up and the box turned upside down. There are numerous pictures throughout those threads of it with the power coming from the top and some from the bottom. So, my question is - Is there a "correct" way or is it just a matter of preference?

 

[pattenp]

Depends on how you like to place them. Some prefer the main breaker at the top some at the bottom depending on which end the service comes in from. You need to make sure you have a panel that's listed to be mounted either way.

 

[monkeybar]

I don't believe NEC has a call-out on this specifically: If mains feeding panel originate below it, they can be run into the box from below, and routed to connect either at the TOP, or the BOTTOM, depending on the design of the panel, where it's main lugs are mounted. monkey

 

[ishiboo]

As long as the main breaker (or all?) is horizontal it doesn't matter. If it's vertical, "on" must be up and "off" must be down.

For example, a QO or Homeline 6/12 can only b "right side up"

 

[Aceman]

You will have more room in your panel if the wires feeding it go directly into the main breaker/lugs rather than running from the bottom all the way to the top or vice versa.

There is no code on this however, you can do it anyway you like as long the main breaker handle is positioned correctly.

 

[monkeybar]

You will have more room in your panel if the wires feeding it go directly into the main breaker/lugs rather than running from the bottom all the way to the top or vice versa.

There is no code on this however, you can do it anyway you like as long the main breaker handle is positioned correctly.

But what about breaker panels having NO main breaker within them, no disconnecting means for the whole panel at all? monkey

 

[Norcal]

You will have more room in your panel if the wires feeding it go directly into the main breaker/lugs rather than running from the bottom all the way to the top or vice versa.

There is no code on this however, you can do it anyway you like as long the main breaker handle is positioned correctly

But what about breaker panels having NO main breaker within them, no disconnecting means for the whole panel at all? monkey

Aceman answered your question but it makes no difference main lug, or main breaker.

 

[ez-duzit]

Generally power comes in from the bottom so that water drips off and does not run into the panel.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Generally power comes in from the bottom so that water drips off and does not run into the panel.

Huh? If water is getting in on the wire, then that should be addressed. Plenty of subpanels have the feeder coming in to the top of the panel.

 

[ez-duzit]

Huh?...

Duh. That there may be many installations with power coming in from the top does not change the facts that:
having NO holes in the top of the box through which water can enter, and
having dropper loops on all cable entries
"...water drips off and does not run into the panel."

Maybe an unexpected roof leak or accidental storm damage, a spill; it doesn't matter. It is usually easy to build it better. Piercing the top of the box might lead to early failure.

 

[monkeybar]

But what if a breaker panel has NO main breaker? No disconnecting means at the panel? monkey

 

[wyliesdiesels]

But what if a breaker panel has NO main breaker? No disconnecting means at the panel? monkey

What is the rest of the question?

 

[monkeybar]

What is the rest of the question?

Is such a "non-shutoffable" breaker panel legal? Is it safe? Somewhere, it is obviously possible to shut it's voltage source off. For the inexperienced Maintenance guy, let's say, if he cannot kill the panel, he may be tempted to work "live" in a situation he does not know how to cope with safely.

monkey

 

[Justanoldguy]

If it's vertical, "on" must be up and "off" must be down.

Notice a few differences to down under.
We have EVERY switch off in the up position and on in the down position.