No Main Disconnect

[Bob Elliott]

Paul,what is the purpose of the 6 throw rule?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

The six-throw rule applies to service equipment, and its purpose is so that power can be quickly and easily disconnected from an entire building or structure.

This is a good reason to look at the generalized use of the word "panel." Unfortunately, many inspectors believe that a "panel" must abide by the six-throw rule ("main panel," "sub panel," etc.) which is incorrect.

"Panels" are more correctly referred to as equipment. The six-throw rule applies only to service equipment.

[Billy Boerner]

Originally Posted by dmcauley

Much has been stated on this post about opinions, safety, inferring something, etc. Good statements by all. Let's go from a different angle.

What would a court of law state? Courts use fact or a reasonable facsimile of it, including testing procedures, statutes, expert witness, etc during the proceedings. If the topic of this post is brought up in court, (for some unknown reason, playing devils advocate here), and the judge or whoever asks what reference is there to the added shut-off for this type of panel. What is the correct answer according to common practice? Answer, the main shut-off in the closet is the correct answer, according to best practices and an authorized electrical code to back up the answer. Not someone's opinion on what should be safer. No documentation to back up the answer when opinion is brought in to the scenario. Who's right? Who's not?

I beleive that a shut-off in the panel is not needed due to common practices for a safer situation. Plus with the less than 6 swipes to turn it off, it is still safe. We could argue the what ifs all day long, with no one winning.

I think Mr. Merino hit it on the head. Let's agree to disagree.

Exactly!

[Billy Boerner]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

If you hold out your hand for the old lady walking up her porch steps, there's something that your client needs that you should be aware of. Something is inadequate with the stairs. For her, your client, whom you work for, you are her spokesperson. She's relying on you to see with your eyes what she needs. She may not even realize that she has a need for a handrail, because a kind gentleman has always been there. But imagine the one time that you are not there, with your hand out, and she miss-steps (on that flight of stairs with only 3 or two or one riser) and she reaches out for YOUR hand or a handrail, and there's nothing there.

What are you going to say to her when she's lying in her hospital bed, and she reaches up to touch your cheek and asks you in a weak voice, "What happened?"

And you answer, "

Well I was full on my way to working on my report when I stumbled across this thread. Basically once I started reading it, it became so entertaining that I couldn't put the book down. I understand your approach Ben and I think your a good guy for looking out for your client. IMO however our main job is to inspect the current true condition of the home. Yes we can recommend safety inspections however the seller will not and does not care about your safety tips and in no way will pay for these luxury upgrades. So in my opinion weather if your going the extra mile or not I think I would leave all your extra recommendations out of a report and simply verbalize them to my client. That way all is happy. Like many here have said were do you draw the line.

Mike as for the sub panel if the place starts going up in flames or you smell smoke you have no business in the panel in the first place. Call the fire department after you get the heck out. No building with worth a human life.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

6 throw is for the service that supplies a structure. The panels downstream are supplied by feeders and do have protection ahead of them. The 6 throw has nothing to do with this example....and having a breaker in the remote distribution panel does not enhance any safety......but if you believe it does then so be it...recommend away