Feeder Panels

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tomd53

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In our new plant being built the contractor has lighting panels 400 ft. from the main switchgear room. It is a 42 circuit panel with 38 breakers. My question is should the panel have a main breaker? It is protected in the main switch room but is a long way from the main switch.
 
infinity

infinity

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I agree with Jim, a main is not required and this is a design issue. If your asking if this panelboard needs a disconnecting means the answer is no, it simply requires an OCPD which can located anywhere on the supply side of the panelboard including in a remote switchboard.

408.36 Overcurrent Protection.
In addition to the requirement of 408.30, a panelboard shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device having a rating not greater than that of the panelboard. This overcurrent protective device shall be located within or at any point on the supply side of the panelboard.
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iMuse97

iMuse97

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horsegoer said:
What determines whn a a MLO only is used as opposed to a MCB? Thanks
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In a word, Code sets minimum requirements, but, as the above gentlemen mentioned, there may be design (engineered breaker systems) and/or convenience reasons why you may want an additional main breaker in a panel that is only required to be MLO.
 
renosteinke

renosteinke

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I agree, it's a design issue ... but, I wonder ....

Considering the various "70E" discussions, I suspect that an aggressive application would result in there not only being a disconnect next to the panel, but that it have an indicator light as well :(
 
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jim dungar

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renosteinke said:
I agree, it's a design issue ... but, I wonder ....

Considering the various "70E" discussions, I suspect that an aggressive application would result in there not only being a disconnect next to the panel, but that it have an indicator light as well :(
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How would NFPA70E require a 'local' main breaker?
Fixed visual indicators are typically not considered as meeting requirements for verification of the absence of voltage.
 
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