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sooper yooper · Sep 21, 2008, 08:32 AM

I am planning on installing a sub panel in an adjoining room for a wood shop. I am planning on feeding the sub panel with a 100A breaker from my main panel. A friend told me that because the sub panel is in another room "out of sight" of the main panel it is required that another 100A "main"breaker be installed in the sub panel. I realize that the panel must be fed with a 4 wire circuit but was unaware of the need for an "extra" main. Is this correct?

eriknugent · Sep 21, 2008, 08:48 AM

No you do not need a separate main breaker in the sub-panel just in your main panel only thing make sure you separate neutrals from grounds take out bond screw if it is already installed

sooper yooper · Sep 21, 2008, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by eriknugent

no you do not need a separate main breaker in the sub-panel just in your main panel only thing make sure you separate neutrals from grounds take out bond screw if it is already installed

Thank you for your response. I had tried to find the answer in an old NEC book but really got confused. The reason I got from my friend was that if the panel was in another room you HAD to be able to disconnect the power from that location. Seemed to make sense at the time but the extra $90 for a 100A breaker got me thinking.
Thanks again.

eriknugent · Sep 21, 2008, 07:02 PM

Glad to help

Missouri Bound · Sep 21, 2008, 07:48 PM

If I can tag onto this thread... does a sub-panel in an out building need it's own main breaker if it is wired into the main panel? Seems like you would need or want the ability to kill the panel when working on circuits.

stanfortyman · Sep 21, 2008, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

If I can tag onto this thread......does a sub-panel in an out building need it's own main breaker if it is wired into the main panel? Seems like you would need or want the ability to kill the panel when working on circuits.

A remote sub-panel does need a means of disconnect. A main breaker is the easiest and cheapest way.

At my supply house a main breaker panel is about the same price as a main lug.
I get value-packs for about $10 more than the comparable main lug panel.

Missouri Bound · Sep 21, 2008, 07:56 PM

Thank you sir... and am I assuming correctly by "remote" you refer to a structure outside the main building? I've seen a lot of sheds and garages with a panel that does not have a main breaker.

stanfortyman · Sep 22, 2008, 03:58 AM

Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

Thank you sir.....and am I assuming correctly by "remote" you refer to a structure outside the main building? I've seen a lot of sheds and garages with a panel that does not have a main breaker.

YES, by REMOTE I mean a sub-panel in a detached structure.
Eric obviously did NOT understand what I was saying. Either that or he doesn't have a clue.

sooper yooper · Sep 22, 2008, 06:02 AM

GEEZ! Didn't mean to start something "strong" here. Maybe I didn't explain enough. My sub panel would be in a "separate building" but "walls touching" the room where the Main is located, in effect what I would call a separate building. When talking to a party here they indicated you would have to be able to "see" the sub panel to be in code without a main disconnect in the sub panel. I'm not an electrician, I appreciate your help.

stanfortyman · Sep 22, 2008, 02:07 PM

Your "party" is wrong. You absolutely DO NOT have to see the disconnect for a sub-panel.
Also, I disagree with your interpretation of detached. Detached means free standing and separate.
If these two areas share a wall the are attached. NO main breaker is required.

Washington1 · Sep 22, 2008, 05:16 PM

eriknugent said: eriknugent you do not need a main breaker for a sub panel

Stanforty said:A remote sub-panel does need a means of disconnect. A main breaker is the easiest and cheapest way.

Eriknugent,

Do you believe that a sub-panel located in a remote building doesn't require a main?