Upside down panel

[Russel Ray]

Other than possibly not being "workmanlike," is there anything in the NEC that prohibits a panel from being installed upside down? Upside circuit breakers read "NO" instead of "ON" and "FFO" instead of "OFF," which I don't consider workmanlike, of course.

[ldapkus]

I remember a post about a panel being installed sideways and the sparkies said it was OK. Were Dr. Quervo and Mrs. Margarita assisting you with this inspection???

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

240.81 Indicating.

Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open “off” or closed “on” position. Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up” position of the handle shall be the “on” position.

[Russel Ray]

Ms Margarita and Dr Cuervo thank you, Jeff.

By the way, what's the status on the Woodland Hills inspection? Anything?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I don't think they've fully committed to that property at this point, and may start shopping again.

[Speedy Petey]

There is no such thing as an upside down panel, unless this is an older panel with an "up/down" main breaker.
Most modern panels have a side to side motion main breaker so it can be installed either way.
Even some no-so-new panels have side/side mains but all the writing and labels are readable with the main up. Putting the main down in this case is still acceptable. Nothing unworkmanlike about it.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

There is no such thing as an upside down panel, unless this is an older panel with an "up/down" main breaker.
Most modern panels have a side to side motion main breaker so it can be installed either way.
Even some no-so-new panels have side/side mains but all the writing and labels are readable with the main up. Putting the main down in this case is still acceptable. Nothing unworkmanlike about it.

Well, apparently we do have upside down panels here in California, or at least in San Diego. A California-licensed electrician agreed with me that this panel was upside down, and he put that agreement in writing on his company letterhead, and signed and dated it. He also provided an estimate of $145 to correct the problem by rotating the panel 180°, an estimate which the sellers took him up on and which my Clients asked me to come re-inspect (as well as other fixed electrical problems, to the tune of $229 for my re-inspection fee).

Looks like I'll have to post the picture later; the message board ain't cooperating.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by rray

Well, apparently we do have upside down panels here in California, or at least in San Diego.

I guess it was one of those up/down breakers I had mentioned.

[Russel Ray]

All the breakers, as well as the panel itself, were upside down.

[Russel Ray]

Yeah, the message board is working again.

Here's the picture.

[Speedy Petey]

Yes, that most definitely qualifies as an upside down panel.

[Peter Foxe Smothers]

This panel was upside down as indicated by to sticker on the lower left. The breakers were installed with the correct orientation.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Yes, that most definitely qualifies as an upside down panel.

Good.

I really like to have Peter Parker on my side once in a while.

[Speedy Petey]

Smothers,
What makes that panel upside down IS the sticker.
If the mfg states a specific orientation then we must follow it, even though that panel cannot be considered upside down according to the breakers.
The NEC only cares about the "up/down=on/off" issue.

Only:
110.3(B) Installation and Use
Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

...applies here.


*So guess I have to recant my statement above about no upside down panels.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

....*So guess I have to recant my statement above about no upside down panels.

Yep, well done Peter.