This panel has plenty of issues my first question here is about the main disconnect. It is a double pole 50 amp. Is this allowed? Im attaching a bunch of photos and also of the outside. I have missing knockouts , excessive debris and double taps any help from the pros would be greatly appreciated. FYI this is a single bedroom condo but everything is electric including baseboard heat. Im still learning about service panels and have a lot to learn. Thanks for the help guys
That’s a split bus panel. The breaker labeled “Main” is for the circuits controlling the lights and receptacles.
That is also a Sub-panel. The Service Disconnect (Main) is at the Meters.
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Where do you see the main at the meters?
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perhaps in the main gutter that wasn’t opened under the very top meter?
That appears to be on the line side of the meters so there would be no service disconnects on the outside. A split bus panel has no single service disconnect.
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What Simon said. I’m assuming being that it’s a condo and all of the ones I’ve inspected that is where the service disconnect is located.
Either way it’s a split bus and the 50 amp breaker in question is not the “main” disconnect.
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Wouldn’t those be sub-meters? there is main meter, disconnect, sub-meters -> remote panels. How else would the entire building’s power be shutoff?
That panel between the meters was sealed and was not able to be opened there was no other place for a main breaker outside, but I just want to make sure were looking at the same thing here, would the main shut off normally be before the actual meter itself? Also if this is a sub panel the grounds and neutrals appeared to be bonded, so then that would be an issue as well?
There is no service disconnect at the meter if the meters shown in your last photo are for this panel. That makes the panel a service. Since it’s a split-bus panel there can be up to 6 service disconnects typically the top three 2-pole slots on each side which gives you max of 6 service disconnecting means. Since it’s a service the bonded neutral and EGC rules apply. A meter main should look something like this:
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Since I wasn’t there I’m not hundred percent sure what’s going on as far as location of disconnect.
Just report All of the issues you observed and recommend that a Qualified person repair those and Any other issues they may discover.
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So there is no building disconnect? this is allowed ?
I know looking at pictures never does it justice, I appreciate the help with this though. Thats basically what I am going to do, one way or another an electrician needs to fix the issues in this panel there just may be some additional ones.
Thanks again Robert, that picture you posted is what I am used to seeing. The meters are for this panel and there were no disconnects. There was quite a bit going on with this panel that an electrician is going to need to evaluate and repair it regardless.
The disconnect should be under the rectangular cover panel. The double pole 50 is for the electric range.
Yes, the Top 50 amp is for range. There are Two double pole 50 amp breakers.
are you saying there is NO disconnect? if there is fire, how do they shut the power off? run to each unit? pull the meters?
Yup pull the meters. Modern installations require that all of the service disconnects are grouped at one location. This is set up like a single family home with the service disconnect on the inside and the meter on the outside.
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Following up on Simon’s question, would firefighters be able to pull a bunch of meters safely without first running around to the units involved and shutting off all inside loads first?
I really dont know, but that metal panel between the meters didnt come off it was sealed shut. Kind of weird and not what i am used to seeing.