kimball gray Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Aluminum service entry in to the main service panel, 200 amp CH. It appears that someone tapped into the main disconnect (double tapped?) to feed a sub-panel about 6 ft away. It is a 125 amp. My question is, Is this allowed? Click to Enlarge 61.46 KB Click to Enlarge 52.86 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark P Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 No it is not allowed. The manufacturer of that main breaker would have to list it as allowing multiple circuits and I do not think it is listed as such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 I think taps are allowed but not in the manner shown in the photo. A gutter box and listed tap connectors are needed. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 As you know, the correct way to feed a 125 amp subpanel is by way of a 125 amp breaker installed below the main breaker. If you tap the service above, it isn't really a sub, is it? Besides the double taps, the way the insulation was not stripped completely on those branch circuit cables coming in at the top suggest the work was done by a DIYer without a permit. I can't see if cable clamps were used. (In Canada, branch circuits are not permitted in that close proximity to the main conductors. It is allowed in the US, but why not keep them clear of the service conductors if possible?) Another thing, the drywall is brought in over the edges of the panel. That is wrong. The panel box should be flush with the surface of the wall so that the cover can fit tight. If there is ever a fire in there, it needs to be contained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norcal Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 As you know, the correct way to feed a 125 amp subpanel is by way of a 125 amp breaker installed below the main breaker. If you tap the service above, it isn't really a sub, is it? The panel bus stabs may not be listed to use a 125A breaker, they may be only rated for 110A max. (110A is a standard rating).This is just another reason to read the labels on a panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimball gray Posted January 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Again, some really good advice. I appreciate you all and I really enjoy this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resqman Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Of course there are at least 4 other double taps on the left side, white wires being used as hot wires to breakers, and other issues. Get sparky in there to fix all issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nookandcranny Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 I am amazed that more DIYers don't get fried doing "creative" things in their electrical panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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