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#94700 08/09/05 12:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 49
F
Member
Here's the skinny. I'm doing simple track houses and I'm in an upstairs only unit, so the service wire comes from under the panel.
I decided that it looked too ugly to run the service into the panel then all the way around to teh lugs up top.
So I turned the panel upside down being that it is a Square D QO panel that has LINE written upside down and rightside up overtop the lugs.
Inspector says he doesn't like it, my supervisor has no problem with it...
Any possibility the inspector could push the issue?

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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
I never underestimate what uninformed inspectors might "push" but what you are doing sounds perfectly legal.
Get the instructions from the panel and highlight the line where it says it can be mounted either way.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 806
Member
If it's MLO, I can't see any problem and I don't think there's any Code issues either.

Main Breaker? Again, I don't see a problem. I don't recall ever seeing a Code requirement that the Main breaker be on the top.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? [Linked Image]


Stupid should be painful.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 316
L
Member
I always thought that circuit breakers that are mounted vertical, off must be downward
same as a disconnect.? Will have to research the big red book on this (05 nec)

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
Go to this SQ D FAQ page and type in "upside down" in the search window.

Roger

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
It's not a violation. I also don't like it because the numbering stamped into the cover isn't reversable. I wish they made a door that was numbered for the upside down installation.

I install QO panels commercially from the bottom & running 3/0 around the inside of the panel to the top is no treat.

Dave

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Quote
I install QO panels commercially from the bottom & running 3/0 around the inside of the panel to the top is no treat.

Buy commercial panels and you will not have that problem. [Linked Image]


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
Sorry, you lost me on that one, iwire. I'd consider a 200-amp, three-phase, main lug panel a commercial panel.

Dave

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Is it in a 14.5"W x 3.5"D cabinet or a 20"W x 6.5"D tub?

We only use the 14.5"W x 3.5"D cabinet panels once in a wile for temps.

The reason i brought it up was this statement.

Quote
I also don't like it because the numbering stamped into the cover isn't reversable. I wish they made a door that was numbered for the upside down installation.

I was just working on two Square D 100 amp MLO panels and they came with doors that hang right side up regardless of the interiors position and they come with stickers to number the dead front with so they are right side up.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
Dave, actually a QO series is listed under SQ D's "Loadcenters" whereas say a NQOD would be listed under "Panelboards".

Generally speaking "Loadcenters" are more residential and / or lightweight in nature than a "Panelboard"


Roger

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