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    Hoot01's Avatar
    Hoot01 Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 21, 2007, 10:54 AM
    Difference between Main Lug and Main Breaker Panel
    What is the difference between a Main Breaker Panel and a Main Lug Panel and can either be used in new residential construction.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Jan 21, 2007, 11:24 AM
    A Main Breaker Panel (MCB) has a Main breaker built into it. A MCB panel is used when there is only a meter just outside, and this feeder cable or conduit does not exceed 10 feet from meter to panel.

    A Main Lug Only (MLO) panel only has main lugs, and is intended to be fed by a Main breaker upstream. For example there can be Main breaker at the outdoor meter, or a MLO panel can be used as a sub panel ,fed by a breaker in the Main panel.
    dozerdog's Avatar
    dozerdog Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 21, 2007, 12:35 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Hoot01
    What is the difference between a Main Breaker Panel and a Main Lug Panel and can either be used in new residential construction.
    In a main breaker, the line wires coming from the meter can are connected to a main breaker to disconnect the power to all the other breakers in it. A main lug panel has the line wires going to lugs in the panel and no common breaker to disconnect the power to the individual breakers. In a main lug panel you need to use a separate Disconnect.
    Hoot01's Avatar
    Hoot01 Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jan 21, 2007, 03:34 PM
    Thanks to both of you for the info.
    Hoot01's Avatar
    Hoot01 Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jan 21, 2007, 03:37 PM
    Just one more question on this. Do some electricians install both? We are showing a 200 amp breaker in the house and a 200 amp disconnect at the meter.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Jan 22, 2007, 03:46 AM
    Sometimes they do, only one is required, but having two is not a problem. Who ever installed two just spent more money than necessary.
    Electridan's Avatar
    Electridan Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Nov 19, 2009, 04:26 PM
    In some cases the Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or inspector may require both
    KUXJ's Avatar
    KUXJ Posts: 975, Reputation: 97
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    #8

    Nov 19, 2009, 05:41 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Hoot01 View Post
    Just one more question on this. Do some electricians install both? We are showing a 200 amp breaker in the house and a 200 amp disconnect at the meter.
    Howdy Hoot01.
    As I understand it, it can be a tremendous advantage to the local fire co. if they have to respond to a call.

    Instead of having to enter a burning building to kill the power, all they have to do is throw the disconnect at the outside meter.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #9

    Nov 20, 2009, 07:14 AM
    Question is almost 3 years old.

    Please refrain from answering questions older than a few months.

    Question is closed.
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