Went to inspect a 400 amp service today for a storage building. The electrician mounted an underground meter socket feeding a panel with 500MCM. The problem... The panel was 120/240 single phase. Main Lug Only,40 circuit. No main breaker.

He said that he was only installing 3 2-pole breakers to feed the buildings and didn't need a main because it was less than 6 switches. He also said that this installation has been approved before (on a smaller scale) on bill boards.

Am I wrong not to approve this installation?

I couldn't find anything, scanning through fast, in the NEC stating how to assure that no more than 6 mains are installed in the future.

Also, I could not find a label on this panel saying "Suitable for use as service equipment".

Nothing to assure no more than six, just that no more than six are installed. Not suitable as service equipment is another story. Thats 230.66...

This question has come up before. Are you,
as an inspector, required to judge what will happen in the future or is you job to judge the existing installation. As installed, the panel meets the 6 breaker rule. He shouldn't
have installed the panel as is but what are you to do?

Vote me with e57. It has to be suitable for service equipment.

230.71 indicates we could have more than six switches.

Does he need to tell you now, that he MAY plan on installing TVSS, or power monitoring equip?

master 66, why did he build a 400 amp service for just 6 breakers any how? couldn'the have built a 100 amp service for the storage buildings?it may not be allowed to be less than 200 amp for anything out your way.but a 400 amp sounds mighty big for a couple of storage buildings.belive he might have other plans.

These are to be "Climate controlled" storage units.

Bust 'em! Make him ad a disco...

I'd question the 500MCM he's got it wired with. If the terminal ratings are 75 degrees, the 500's ampacity is 380 Amps.

One wonders why he put in that panel instead of a 12-pole, 400A, MLO panel that's service rated.

Found out today that another inspector passed the installation as is.

In our area, an electrician can call any inspector that he/she wants.

Really, ours goes to a roll of dice to see what area they are ASSIGNED. One district, one Inspector, you want another you have to wait for thier vacation.