Building Code and Building Construction - Questions and Answers
Or when you want to know how construction is supposed to be done.

|
AskCodeMan.com
|

Custom Search

Contactor in service panel

Contactor in service panel

New postby bigdog on Mon Dec 05, 2016 11:44 am

Hi Jerry

8 unit multifamily building. 2 service panels @150A each feeding 4 units with 60A panels.
Inside one of the panels was mounted a set of contactors like you would see for a A/C compressor. It appeared to be 120V but I have never seen one inside a service panel before. Wish I could figure out how to insert a picture here. Doesn't seem like it should be in there.[img][img][/img][/img]

Also saw a couple of backfed Breaker blocks in the unit panels that were not mains in that they had no operable switch handles. What would be the purpose of those? How much more would it have cost to by rear breakers?

David
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
bigdog
 
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2012 10:54 pm

Re: Contactor in service panel

New postby Jerry Peck - Codeman on Mon Dec 05, 2016 12:13 pm

David,

First, 60 amp panels at each dwelling unit?

How old is the building? The minimum has been 100 to each dwelling unit (apartment) for many decades.

That contactor, even with a 120 volt coil, should not be in the panel ... unless the label on the panel shows it on the schematic.

Those no-handle 'breakers' you describe sound like plug'in taps which just tap off the bus in the panel to feed a remote panel - the conductors and those taps need to be rated at least as high as the breaker protecting the panel as there is no other protection for them.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired
User avatar
Jerry Peck - Codeman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 1199
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:06 pm

Re: Contactor in service panel

New postby bigdog on Mon Dec 05, 2016 3:19 pm

Those blocks are back feeding the sub-panels but I have never seen them before. Look just like a breaker but No handle and power is running through them to feed the panel. Couldn't have cost much more to by actual breakers.

Building is 1968 and only the exterior service was done upgraded correctly (1996). Larry, Curly and Moe have been onsite and attempted to upgrade the sub-panels but have not been successful.YUK YUK
bigdog
 
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2012 10:54 pm


Return to Electrical: Service Equipment, electrical panels, wiring, lighting, switches, receptacles, etc.



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


cron