Main disconnect box before service panel

Cellomangler · 02-03-2008, 10:45 PM

I am installing a new service panel in a small building. I have the masthead, meter box and temporary service available outside the wall. I'm going to go straight through a brick & cinder block wall and put in a service panel. I'll have a licensed electrician do the high voltage hookup. Question is.. I'd like to put a separate main disconnect, like a lockable double throw switch, before my service panel, which, of course, will have it's own main disconnect. I want to do this so I can totally disconnect power and work on the service box without having any hot wires near me. It would also be nice if the disconnect box had a single outlet that I could use for temp power prior to the disconnect. Is anything like this possible ? Thanks..

nap · 02-03-2008, 10:52 PM

You can do the disconnect. This will become your main service disconnect and the ground/neutral bond and the GEC will all be in this disconnect.

You cannot install a recep prior to the disconnect.

goose134 · 02-04-2008, 12:14 AM

As for the receptacle, use your neighbors. How often will you need to do this anyhow?

Cellomangler · 02-04-2008, 01:26 AM

"As for the receptacle, use your neighbors. How often will you need to do this anyhow?"

True... I'm mainly concerned about the construction phase. I know I could just keep the temp power outside at the meter until after I've totally wired my small building and installed the service panel. But I figured it would be nice to use a few outlets in progress but also be able to totally safeguard myself when I needed to work in the service panel.

"You cannot install a recep prior to the disconnect."

So.. when they connect from my masthead/meter to my inside disconnect box (and then to the service panel) they must eliminate the temporary outdoor receptacles that are below my meter ? Or can I have them leave that up for a while ? Thanks...

handyman78 · 02-04-2008, 08:43 AM

I saw a small panel in Lowes the other day for just the purpose of temporary power such as construction. I think it was GE or Siemens. It had breakers and a GFCI outlet or two. In any case, considering having outlets downstream from your meter and main disconnect will still need breakers appropriate for the load of those outlets.