Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 16, 2004 06:46pm | #1

   Yes, that can be done. The only limitation is that the pannel has to be properly setup as a sub-pannel. That is with an neutral bus bar that is isolated from the ground bus bar and feed with 4 wires from the main disconnect.

   I think that in some areas the power co/local code officials are requiring the disconnect to be right at the meter. Also another reason for this is if the meter was relocated some distance or it was more practical to have the distribution pannel some distance from the service entrance.

1. 
   eggdog23 | Mar 16, 2004 07:05pm | #2

   Thanks.  So if the neutrals and grounds are intermixed on the neutral and ground bus bar, that would be an incorrect installation?  I'll have to look at it again to see how many are like that.  How do you know which bus is neutral and which is to the ground?  If you were looking straight at the panel, one was behind the other, and I can't recall how many wires were coming in from the meter.

   Edited 3/16/2004 12:25 pm ET by Aaron

1. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 16, 2004 07:25pm | #3

   The ground bus bar is "bonded" to the case with a bonding screw or a strap.

   Some pannels could with two separate bus bars, one grounded, and strap between them. Remove the strap and the second bus bar becomes the isolated neutral.

   On others you remove the bonding screw and the bus bar becomes the isolated neutral (look for the plactic mounting parts). Then you buy a separate ground bar kit that scews directly into the case.

1. 
   ackwik | Mar 16, 2004 07:38pm | #4

   Does anyone have pictures of this or a diagram so I can actually see the proper setup of the subpanel and main. I would like to verify some work that was done to my current home.

   Thanks

1. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 16, 2004 08:21pm | #5

   Here are a couple.

   http://www.electrical-online.com/howtoarticles/subpanel.htm

   http://www.homewiringandmore.com/homewiringusa/2002/maindwelling/meter/metershow.html#12

   http://www.selfhelpforums.com/showthread.php?t=7

   http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00009.asp

2. 
   ackwik | Mar 20, 2004 05:43am | #9

   Thanks for the sites, they made great reading.

3. 
   rjw | Mar 16, 2004 08:33pm | #6

   Check the inside of the panel cover - there is usually a diagram for that particular panel

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4. 
   brownbagg | Mar 17, 2004 02:30am | #7

   the netrual bar on a subpanel cannot be touching metal anywhere, it will even have isolated screws that hold the bar to the box.

2. 
   JohnSprung | Mar 20, 2004 02:51am | #8

   Here in LA it's very common to have everything in a main panel on the outside of the house, and no subs.  What you have, if done right, is a much better idea.  A main at the meter containing a couple big breakers, and conveniently located sub panels inside, means that you can stay warm and dry when the lights go out on a rainy night.

   -- J.S.