Subpanel question

[branimal]

I am installing a subpanel on the 2nd floor. The main panel is in the basement. The #3 wires are coming in from the bottom of the subpanel.

The subpanel lugs are on the top of the box.

Should I :
1. Run the #3 wires inside the box, along the perimeter to the top of the subpanel to the lugs.
2. Or simply flip the box upside down and make a short run to the lugs.

 

[larry4406]

Option 2 - flip panel and have lugs down. The panel instructions should confirm this.

 

[klassenl]

Option 2 - flip panel and have lugs down. The panel instructions should confirm this.

Definitely not. Put the lugs on top.

 

[mike93lx]

Definitely not. Put the lugs on top.

Why? Flipping a panel is fine

 

[larry4406]

Definitely not. Put the lugs on top.

Why? Canada thing?

Note how the keyhole slots in the back of the panel accommodate hanging with either end being up.

OP has a main lug panel (no breaker) so no breaker handle orientation to worry about.

Nothing wrong with bottom fed main lug panel unless prohibited by the panel manufacturer. In the OP's case, bottom fed will make a neater installation since the wire is coming from the bottom.

 

[Norcal]

Definitely not. Put the lugs on top.

Incredibly bad advice.

 

[branimal]

Installed her upside down. Thanks guys.

 

[mike93lx]

Can't tell...did you get a bushing on the conduit fitting in the box?

 

[branimal]

Can't tell...did you get a bushing on the conduit fitting in the box?

I didn’t. Couldn’t find a 1 1/4” at my local supply house or Hd.

 

[mike93lx]

I didn’t. Couldn’t find a 1 1/4” at my local supply house or Hd.

HD shows them as available with free shipping. Worth getting one ordered, especially if you are having this inspected

Halex 1-1/4 in. Rigid Plastic Insulated Bushing (2-Pack) 27529 - The Home Depot

Find the Halex 1-1/4 in. Plastic Insulated Bushing 27529, heat tolerant to protect wires in threaded rigid or IMC conduits at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

 

[branimal]

HD shows them as available with free shipping. Worth getting one ordered, especially if you are having this inspected

Halex 1-1/4 in. Rigid Plastic Insulated Bushing (2-Pack) 27529 - The Home Depot

Find the Halex 1-1/4 in. Plastic Insulated Bushing 27529, heat tolerant to protect wires in threaded rigid or IMC conduits at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

Thanks Mike.

 

[Norcal]

Installed her upside down. Thanks guys.

There NO such thing as a upside down panel unless it's a model from decades past that has a vertically mounted main circuit breaker where ON is up, instead of the predominate style used today with a horizontally operated main, they are either top feed or bottom feed & it's effing moronic to terminate the feed from the opposite end it's fed from. There are some exceptions like the classic Cutler-Hammer CH loadcenters from when they first came out in the late 50's until about 25 years ago where the dead front looked dorky when turned where the main lugs were at the bottom.

 

[PCustoms]

@branimal

Isn't this in an apartment you will be renting?

 

[klassenl]

Interesting......there doesn't seem to be a troll emoji.......

 

[larry4406]

Interesting......there doesn't seem to be a troll emoji.......

Self identify?

You never responded as to why you advocated top fed for a main lug panel when the wire comes from below.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Definitely not. Put the lugs on top.

why not?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Interesting......there doesn't seem to be a troll emoji.......

speaking of whom?

 

[nadogail]

How about a fourth conductor to bond the panels together?

 

[mike93lx]

How about a fourth conductor to bond the panels together?

There is an egc in there, on the right. Also has conduit, so that could have been used

 

[alfredeneuman]

There's a set screw missing on the coupling closest to the panel.
To use the EMT as a grounding conductor the EMT must be properly installed

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Can't tell...did you get a bushing on the conduit fitting in the box?

A GROUNDING BUSHING is required if this conduit is installed in a "concentric or eccentric knock out"………. Looking at the location of the 1 1/4” conduit it "MAY" be installed in a "factory" concentric knock out.

 

[mike93lx]

A GROUNDING BUSHING is required if this conduit is installed in a "concentric or eccentric knock out"………. Looking at the location of the 1 1/4” conduit it "MAY" be installed in a "factory" concentric knock out.

He has a separate egc. Worrying about a grounding bushing or set screw is not applicable

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

He has a separate egc. Worrying about a grounding bushing or set screw is not applicable

Whoops! You are correct…….. I misread post #20

 

[mm08822]

There's a set screw missing on the coupling closest to the panel.
To use the EMT as a grounding conductor the EMT must be properly installed

All set screws are required for proper conduit install otherwise couplings/connectors are not being used as directed by mfr. A separate equipment grounding conductor won't change that requirement.

 

[mm08822]

A GROUNDING BUSHING is required if this conduit is installed in a "concentric or eccentric knock out"………. Looking at the location of the 1 1/4” conduit it "MAY" be installed in a "factory" concentric knock out.

While a good practice, it's only required for service entrance raceways and conduits for circuits greater than 250v to ground.

 

[branimal]

How about a fourth conductor to bond the panels together?

It’s over on the right. Wrapped in green tape.

 

[branimal]

There's a set screw missing on the coupling closest to the panel.
To use the EMT as a grounding conductor the EMT must be properly installed

Great eyes. I know about the missing set screw. Dropped into a shaftway. I’ll grab a screw off another coupling.

 

[mike93lx]

Great eyes. I know about the missing set screw. Dropped into a shaftway. I’ll grab a screw off another coupling.

The perpetual screw theft now can never end

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

While a good practice, it's only required for service entrance raceways and conduits for circuits greater than 250v to ground.

Very true! I could never understand why you need it on over 250 volts and NOT needed on under 250 volts.……… It is always a good practice to take the extra step on bonding and grounding.

 

[alfredeneuman]

It’s over on the right. Wrapped in green tape.

What size is the wire? (You aren't allowed to tape wire to re-identify if smaller than #4)

 

[mike93lx]

What size is the wire? (You aren't allowed to tape wire to re-identify if smaller than #4)

Looks like at least #4 to me

 

[branimal]

What size is the wire? (You aren't allowed to tape wire to re-identify if smaller than #4)

Ground is #8 wire. I can pull it out and get colored wire. The pull was pretty easy. Thanks.

 

[Norcal]

What size is the wire? (You aren't allowed to tape wire to re-identify if smaller than #4)

Ground is #8 wire.

Needs to have green insulation to be code compliant as noted by alfredeneuman already.