Two panels one generator

[mike93lx]

I have an interlock on one of my panels but there are a few circuits in the other that I'd like to tie in.

Can I pass a circuit through one panel, using it as a junction box, or do I have to pull them out before running to the other.

I'd rather not do a second interlock and feel that from the first panel or have two inlets as it is nice to have circuits in the house that can tell me when we have power back

 

[larry4406]

400A service with 2 panels side by side?

I would be inclined to use the one panel as a junction box, and connect proper wire and run to the interlocked panel and breaker there.

I would extend the ground, the neutral, and the line (hot) all to the interlocked panel.

I’m no sparky so waiting to hear what a real one would do.

 

[mike93lx]

400A service with 2 panels side by side?

I would be inclined to use the one panel as a junction box, and connect proper wire and run to the interlocked panel and breaker there.

I would extend the ground, the neutral, and the line (hot) all to the interlocked panel.

I’m no sparky so waiting to hear what a real one would do.

Yeah, side by side.

I'll admit I already did this with at least one circuit, however I believe that feeding through a panel like that is verboten. I have more that I want to do, so I figured now is the time to get it right

 

[larry4406]

Yeah, side by side.

I'll admit I already did this with at least one circuit, however I believe that feeding through a panel like that is verboten. I have more that I want to do, so I figured now is the time to get it right

I asked once about feeding thru a panel when I starting planning for a future generator.

The sparky responses were that of proper labeling and then it was ok. I will see if I can find that (will need to use desk top vs iPhone)….

 

[mm08822]

If you mean passing a cable between the two panels connected on each end to a cb, then that is not going to be fail safe.
The panel w/o the interlock could have its main cb left closed or become closed and you are backfeeding the grid.

 

[mike93lx]

If you mean passing a cable between the two panels connected on each end to a cb, then that is not going to be fail safe.
The panel w/o the interlock could have its main cb left closed or become closed and you are backfeeding the grid.

No, not feeding panel 2 from panel 1.

Taking a circuit currently fed with a breaker in panel one, removing it from that breaker and then tying it to a individual breaker in panel 2. So it enters panel 1 but passes through to panel 2

 

[mm08822]

No, not feeding panel 2 from panel 1.

Taking a circuit currently fed with a breaker in panel one, removing it from that breaker and then tying it to a individual breaker in panel 2. So it enters panel 1 but passes through to panel 2

Hopefully this is not needed not too often..............it would get old quickly.

 

[mike93lx]

Hopefully this is not needed not too often..............it would get old quickly.

?

I am talking about permanently Changing the wiring. Not on the fly

 

[mm08822]

Ok, so everything needed during outage is in one panel. Sure, just move them.
I assume loading on the one panel will not be an issue during grid use. You have energy monitoring IIRC.

 

[mike93lx]

Ok, so everything needed during outage is in one panel. Sure, just move them.
I assume loading on the one panel will not be an issue during grid use. You have energy monitoring IIRC.

You say move them, but I am looking for clarification if I have to remove them entirely then move or if I can pass through to the other panel.

Loading will not be a problem, this is for lighting, mainly

 

[yatg]

You want to disconnect a circuit from the breaker in panel 2,
bring a panel 1 circuit over to panel 2,
and wirenut the panel 1 circuit to the existing panel 2 circuit so that its powered from panel 1 but not connected to panel 2 any more.

 

[mike93lx]

You want to disconnect a circuit from the breaker in panel 2,
bring a panel 1 circuit over to panel 2,
and wirenut the panel 1 circuit to the existing panel 2 circuit so that its powered from panel 1 but not connected to panel 2 any more.

Yes.

Looking for clarification if this is code-permissible

 

[mm08822]

You say move them, but I am looking for clarification if I have to remove them entirely then move or if I can pass through to the other panel.

Loading will not be a problem, this is for lighting, mainly

Oh, that's what you're trying to do.............IMO, kinda cheeseball, but NEC 312.8 permits it.

 

[dcg9381]

Yes.

Looking for clarification if this is code-permissible

I think you mean looking for clarification if it is code impermissible.

I think you're looking for NEC 312.8(A). In this case it does explicitly permit it, subject to:

(1) The total of all conductors installed at any cross section of the wiring space cannot exceed 40 % of the cross-sectional area of that space.
(2) The total area of all conductors, splices, and taps installed at any cross section of the wiring space cannot exceed 75 % of the cross-sectional area of that space.
(3) The bending space for conductors 4 AWG and larger must comply with Section 314.28(A)(2).
(4) A warning label complying with Section 110.21(B) must be applied to the enclosure to identify the closest disconnecting means for any feed-through conductors.

My practical concern would be 2 x 200A panels with that have "main" disconnects and cross-contaminating their functions. Probably fine if both panels are for "structure A". But if you had "structure A" and "structure B" panels, I wouldn't want to cause confusion.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

short answer- yes its permitted

 

[mike93lx]

I think you mean looking for clarification if it is code impermissible

Lol, I was typing that thinking "someone is going to bust my balls about this wording", but didn't feel like thinking about how to reword it. You win

Thanks guys.

I am going to pull the covers and see the layout of the circuits I want to move. If I can cut some drywall and do it differently, I'd prefer that over what I've been asking here, I just want to have options