2 service panels connected to meter

Rick Danya

I have an older house with two service panels connected to the meter outside the house. The first is the original 100 amp fuse type service with a main disconnect. The second service was added later to power an electric furnace and contains only a 100 amp breaker and there is no other disconnect. Needless to say, the furnace breaker has failed (it was 6 below last night) and needs to be replaced. It can't just be pulled off a bus as the main feed cables are screwed into lugs at the top of the breaker.

I know I can get the power company to turn off the power at the power pole, but as I get this fixed shouldn't I make sure that this secondary service has it's own main disconnect?

Jim Port

You do not need a disconnect ahead of a disconnect. You will have the power company disconnect the power and have the repairs made.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

rrolleston

Even if those 100 amp breaker disconnects are fed from the bus and not the breaker I like the power turned off feeding them or the meter pulled because just pulling them out sometimes the plastic holding the buss together is brittle and falls apart sending wires bouncing around inside the panel.

Maybe you could see about a 100amp disconnect being allowed that could be used in the event this happens again.

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Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.