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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 114
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I've been asked to install a specialized load center that has low resistance. The owner feels this will improve his audio experience for his home theater. Currently he has a subpanel from which the circuits for the theater/audio is run. This new panel will replace it.
From what I can tell it is a 120V system. It looks like the hot and neutral go into the main breaker and then the hot goes to the buss bar and the neutral(black) goes to the neutral bar. I'd like to find some info about this panel before I install it.
Here are a couple of pics I took of it. The owner says it is around 6k.
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=266357410&context=set-72157594301299815&size=l http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=266357158&context=set-72157594301299815&size=l

Thanks,
Byron

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 73
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Audio guys are funny creatures.May all your grounds have low resistance.And have a good night.

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 806
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Definitely looks like a European design, and appears to be intended for use on a 240V system, not 120/240 as we use here in the states. Check the ratings on the main breaker.

Probably gold plated by one of the audiophool "tweaker" companies, to be sold to folks with more money than brains.

Before installing it, I would definitely run it past the AHJ to see what he says about installing it on a 120V system. He may not be too happy about the switched neutral, either.

Are you planning to feed this with oxygen-free liquid nitrogen-cooled superconducting romex? And call the PoCo for a platinum-wound pole transformer? [Linked Image]

Seriously, if you do install it, make sure the customer understands you make no claim that this install will have any effect on anything but his wallet. Working for the "golden ear" crowd can be an exercise in frustration, as they moan and complain about problems that they claim to hear, and treat you like an idiot because you (and your best instruments) can't find anything wrong.



[This message has been edited by NJwirenut (edited 10-10-2006).]

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 821
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That's definitely some european creation. Here's a closer look at that main breaker (there's actually (2) links that were posted).
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=266357410&context=set-72157594301299815&size=l

230/ 400 volt single pole breakers?

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Shockme that is a two pole breaker.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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Moderator
bwise121 I think your customer is an idiot.

That said I would have no problem installing whatever 'High end' gear he can find as long as it's safe.

The NEC allows a switched grounded conductor as long as it is switched with the ungrounded conductors.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 787
L
Member
They look like the standard Siemens control circuit breakers with gold plated screws. I'm not sure about the selection of 32 Amp breakers. Does that mean that the wiring to the outlets have to be 10 AWG?

Data sheets: http://www.sea.siemens.com/contrlbu/upld/files/p768.pdf http://www.sea.siemens.com/contrlbu/upld/files/p772-773.pdf


I believe the main 2 pole breaker is a GFCI. I think that may cause issues if "Golden Ears" connects to a cable box or satelite audio source.

Merlin Gerin catalog
.......... see pages 10 & 11

http://sdk.snb.leon.se/CD%20Externa...arch=%22NS100N%20%22Merlin%20Gerin%22%22

Larry C

edit for wire question.

[This message has been edited by LarryC (edited 10-10-2006).]

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 599
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Member
That load center is definitely European and "custom" built.

The main breaker is a Merlin Gerin from Schneider Electric the same company that owns Square D. The branch breakers are from Siemens. Very few of those style breakers are UL listed for branch circuit protection (most but not all are only supplementary protectors).

The NEC has no problem with switched neutrals on breakers.

Joined: Sep 2006
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I'm gonna have to agree with iwire, your customer is an idiot. Ask your local inspection dept what they think.

Ladies and Gentlemen: we're in the wrong business...

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
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Junior Member
Sure is nice looking though!!

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