Main breaker is at bottom of panel

[Patrick J. Cloninger]

Is this a problem? First one I have seen like this. Panel is actually turned upside down. I can't see why it would really matter, but wanted to see what you all thought.

[Greg Fretwell]

Most panels can be mounted either way as long as the breakers operate side to side.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by pcloninger

Panel is actually turned upside down.

Like Greg said, if the main breaker moves side to side, there is NO such thing as "upside down".

[jtedesco1]

When the word TOP appears in the cabinet it gives an instruction that must be followed.

2008 NEC Section250.8(A)UL Product Category Code Guide InformationZMVV

[Speedy Petey]

I agree.
When was the last time you saw that in a new residential panel though?

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

I agree.
When was the last time you saw that in a new residential panel though?

I think it's embossed in the back of the Square D cans, but both ends say "TOP", so it's a moot point. I think the little 6 and 8 circuit panels say TOP in them.

[jkogel]

Underground service must be rare in Knoxville, Texas. That is when we always see the main breaker at the bottom, shortest distance, right?
There was a pretty big gap between the siding and the top of the meter box in this installation. Looks like rain splashed in there and leaked in to the panel, which was directly behind on the inside. I called for an electrician to clean up the connections, but should have specified a little roof for the meter box as well. Maybe he'll squirt some foam in there.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[jkogel]

Here's a couple of subpanels, both right side up, with power cable coming in the bottom. Any objections?

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[Speedy Petey]

The one on the left has a distinct TOP designation, and is correct.
The one on the right could have been mounted the other way to prevent the feeder from looping around like that. It is only marked LINE, not TOP.

[jkogel]

Thanks, Speedy. I agree it appears to be a code violation, and am willing to bet all 30 units have similar looking panels. Flipping this panel around puts the French above the English, unacceptable west of Montreal.

Is this a safety concern if only qualified electricians work in the panels?

[Speedy Petey]

No, there is no violation.
I merely mentioned it as an option. It could have gone either way.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by jkogel

Here's a couple of subpanels, both right side up, with power cable coming in the bottom. Any objections?

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

There is an obvious "Code Violation" in both panels.

I have asked an extremely knowledgeable electrical Guru by the name of Joe Tedesco to explain them to you.

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by jkogel

Here's a couple of subpanels, both right side up, with power cable coming in the bottom. Any objections?

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

PS: "LINE" UPSIDE DOWN READS "ENIL"

[Speedy Petey]

For the record, I was referring to the question AS ASKED. Meaning about the panels being "upside down" or not.

I don't see that words being upside down is a code violation.
Line is line. Top is top.



Frank, thanks for looking out for the greater good. I would not want to make and egregious mistakes and appreciate your covering for me.

[jtedesco1]

This cabinet is upside-down!