60 Circuit Panel - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

yankeewired · 07-14-2008, 09:46 PM

The 2008 NEC removes the 42 circuits max. per panel requirement. I have heard that Canada has allowed 60 circuit panels for a while. I inquired at my local supply house about availibility of these panels but they could not come up with information.I personally would find these quite usefull for some jobs where I typically install a 200 A 40 cir main breaker panel and end up using all 40 slots and they havent finished the basement yet. My load calcs figure that a 200 A main is correct but It would be convienent and a cleaner install if these we available in the U.S. Has anyone seen these in their neck of the woods yet, or are we waiting for U.L.?

nap · 07-14-2008, 10:01 PM

No, but what I did even before the rule changed was use a 2oo amp 42 circuit feed through panel and an MLO panel. That gives you 84 circuits.

kbsparky · 07-14-2008, 10:02 PM

I'm going to Canada next week on a short trip. Want me to fetch you one of those babies?

yankeewired · 07-14-2008, 10:14 PM

I'm looking to stay away from subpanels on certain jobs such as when the panel is in a finished wall and I want to stay in 1 stud cavity. I have found it fantastic when 100 A 32 circuit factory main breaker installed were allowed, They are terrific for smaller homes and panel/service changes where 20 full size slots isn't quite enough but 200 A is overkill especially when a 100 amp service feeders/meter ect. are already in place.

nap · 07-14-2008, 10:43 PM

I understand.

how about an over and under 100 amp 32 circuit MB FT and a 32 circuit MLO?

work with me.

200 amp 42 circuit MLO with a backfed 100 amp breaker?

480sparky · 07-14-2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nap

....200 amp 42 circuit MLO with a backfed 100 amp breaker?

Would be legal if:
1. The breaker was held down properly.
2. A load calculation determines the 100a will suffice.

itsunclebill · 07-15-2008, 09:31 AM

I find it ironic that the year they allow panels over 42 circuits that the breakers to fill them will be $32-$45 (the current price range I'm seeing).

Yillis · 07-15-2008, 06:42 PM

One company has had 60 circuit panels here in Canada for awhile, but our preferred brand just came out with one, and we've installed two in the past two weeks.