Upside down panel

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Guys......most panels today can be either direction...the fact is you are still going to put the breakers in at the CORRECT direction anyway....so it makes no real difference.

We install many upside down if you would like to call it that....does not matter.

Now as Speedy stated...if it is an old panel with clear UP labeling and it should be installed as the manufacturer intended...but not the case really on the newer models.

AS for sideways or Horizontal panels....it is fine IF it is a single throw disconnect and such where the ON/OFF is left to right like a typical breaker.......but as you see alot with Zinsco's....where it is sideways and the ON is actually not visible because of the orientation of the breaker...then that is a violation of Sec 240.81

The NEC actually states in Sec 240.33 that "Enclosures containing OCPD's devices SHALL BE mounted in a "Verticle" position unless this is impractable. Circuit Breaker enclosures CAN BE installed horizontally, IF the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 240.81.

With that said...Sec 240.81 states " Circuit Breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open " OFF" position or closed 'ON" position. When the handle of a circuit breaker is operated vertically, the "UP" position of the handle shall be the " ON" position.

[Peter Doane]

If I recall NEC [240-33] had to do with the "horizontal" issue where the breaker switch in the down position gave a false indication to being "off" when it is actually still in the "on"

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Yes it does.....BUT I gave BOTH to clarrify the difference

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

The NEC actually states in Sec 240.33 that "Enclosures containing OCPD's devices SHALL BE mounted in a "Verticle" position unless this is impractable. Circuit Breaker enclosures CAN BE installed horizontally, IF the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 240.81.

With that said...Sec 240.81 states " Circuit Breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open " OFF" position or closed 'ON" position. When the handle of a circuit breaker is operated vertically, the "UP" position of the handle shall be the " ON" position.

See above

[Peter Doane]

Gottcha, thanks Paul