[fdasilva]

Why is there a single electric plug hooked up to the panel directly (own circuit) in new home construction?

 

[gregzoll]

Really need a picture to see what you are talking about.

 

[fdasilva]

Let me clarify.
I just bought a house and besides all the reqular wiring and circuits in the panel there is a sole electrical plug with its own circuit breaker located right beside the panel. What is the reasoning for this? I'm sure the builder wouldn't add a separate breaker if not required.

 

[gregzoll]

Let me clarify.
I just bought a house and besides all the reqular wiring and circuits in the panel there is a sole electrical plug with its own circuit breaker located right beside the panel. What is the reasoning for this? I'm sure the builder wouldn't add a separate breaker if not required.

Let me clarify your question. Need a picture of what you are talking about. Really can not tell you about your set up, unless A) You talk to the electrician that wired the house, or b) post a picture showing this set up, and if possible, you may have to open the panel up and trace the wire to see where they go to see which breaker they attach to.

I put an outlet on my panel for use for my home network equipment, and to have a convenience outlet there, when I had my workbench in that spot. Everyone's set up is different, not all are going to be the same purpose or reason why there is an outlet on the panel.

 

[jbfan]

If the panel is in the basement, that covers the required receptacle for the basement.

 

[brric]

If the panel is in the basement, that covers the required receptacle for the basement.

And it is probably used for construction power.

 

[Speedy Petey]

What is the reasoning for this? I'm sure the builder wouldn't add a separate breaker if not required.

Don't be so sure.
See post's 5 & 6.

 

[electures]

Why is there a single electric plug hooked up to the panel directly (own circuit) in new home construction?

Some Poco's require atleast one receptacle outlet in order to turn the service on. Could also be for temp construction power, or could be the required basement receptacle outlet. Regardless, it needs to be GFI protected.


Also, it is not a "plug" it is a receptacle outlet.

 

[Big N8]

The basement does need a plug so yes it would cover that. It is a common misconception that a "Panel Plug" is code when in fact there is no such code. But it is code for the basement to have at least one plug and the most convenient cheapest place for the plug is right next to the panel.

 

[Leah Frances]

The basement does need a plug so yes it would cover that. It is a common misconception that a "Panel Plug" is code when in fact there is no such code. But it is code for the basement to have at least one plug and the most convenient cheapest place for the plug is right next to the panel.

It may not be code but it's really, really handy. One if the first things I ever did was add one!

 

[sirsparksalot]

It is a common misconception that a "Panel Plug" is code when in fact there is no such code.

Okay, (took me a moment, but) so you're saying that there's nor requirement for a receptacle to be located on or near the panel. OK! But, I've never heard that this was a "common misconception".

 

[Leah Frances]

Okay, (took me a moment, but) so you're saying that there's nor requirement for a receptacle to be located on or near the panel. OK! But, I've never heard that this was a "common misconception".

Sparks: you must not be a common misconceiver. :laughing:

 

[sirsparksalot]

Sparks: you must not be a common misconceiver. :laughing:

LOL, I was actually misconceiving when I first read the post :yes:

 

[frenchelectrican]

Majorty of the time with new panels I will installed RCD'ed protected recetpale next to the breaker box that is pretty much SOP for many new home consturuction as post #5 et #6 did mention clear on that.

And when I upgrade the service I do the same thing as well.

Merci,
Marc

 

[gregzoll]

It is funny how the SOP is, and what I thought I was doing, was just for my convenience, since I looked at having the outlet by the stairs for the upright freezer as the "one" outlet needed in the basement, under the requirement. I just looked at the spot underneath the stairs as the best place to put the networking equipment, and the modem/router for my ISP provider, with the outlet on the panel, since they sit next to each other.

Now, if it would only be standard SOP to have whole house surge protectors on the panels. Mine has saved my butt plenty of times as first level of protection.