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	Subject - Main breaker panel BASE When installing a meter and disconnect in residential, do you install the panel with a Main breaker or just main lugs? Do you do it for preference or for your area code? Electricman Base I dont really understand the question. Usually in my area the install will be a meter socket on the outside of a residence then cabled to a disconnect inside (usually a basement) the main disconnect usually is the main breaker in the main service panel. But I have done it many other ways as well, depending on the situation. There may be times when the main point of disconnect may be on the outside then cabled to a panel inside the dwelling. BASE In my area, if the panel is more than 10 ft from the meter, it must have an outside disconnect. sparkie2170 Are you sure you are not mis reading the code? Normally the disconnect has to be located within 5 feet of where the conductors enter the building. Ryan_J Sparkie: The "code" you cite is not code either. Perhaps it is a local amendment? lctrc789 If you have a local code that states that you need a disconnect (say outside ) because of the distance of the panel and the meter are farther apart then they reqiure, then you could have a main breaker at the disconnect with out the panel having a main breaker. If you do this remember that the disconnect is now your main neutral panel and all grounds must go to this neutral bar and the panel becomes a sub panel and must be wired as such. sparkie2170 You are correct Ryan, City of Chicago 18-27-230-70. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location in the basement or first floor area of a building or structure, within the main wall, at a point not exceeding 5 ft (1.92 m) from the point of entry. jdcastle4ttu Going back to BASE's original question, I don't think anyone has answered it. Is it acceptable/preferred/unusual to install a main breaker panel down-steam from a service disconnect at the meter base, even though only a main lug panel is required. I think so, but curious what others have to say, and I think that is what BASE is asking, but I could be wrong. BASE jdcastle4ttu, that is exactly what I am asking. What you prefer or your area requires. I maybe should have said that the disconnect be at the meter. Thanks for the discussion. kbsparky Sometimes, the cost for a main breaker panel is not significantly higher than a main-lugs only panel. In that case, use a main breaker panel, and be sure to use the "Main" label on the main breaker. Do not use the "service disconnect" label there, that is reserved for the outside disconnecting means. In my experience with connecting up modular homes, the inside panel is already in place, with a main breaker. We install either a meter-service combination box, or a separate meter box, and outside disconnect box, then run the sub-feed to the existing inside panel. Often times, we have to remove the neutral-ground bonding jumper to comply with the grounding/bonding requirements of the Code. On rare occasions, if the modular home comes with its panel located in or adjacent to the outside wall, we can feed it directly from a meter box without an outside disconnect, saving the customer the cost of the disconnect and sub-feed. We keep the bonding jumper intact in those instances. -Ken BASE Again, it was a simple "what do you prefer or are required to do?" I personally don't like to go with the main LUG as a subpanel (just my preference, I like to have the disconnecting means within the home. This is a residential question. jdcastle4ttu Well, in my area, you would be hard pressed to find a standard residential service that doesn't have the panel mounted directly on the other side of the meter, and thus, no exterior service disconnects. In the cases where a detached service disconnect is required, main breaker panels are still the standard, even though it is not required. People in my area would think you were crazy for not installing a main breaker inside their home, and since the price difference is small, why not? blackrd Any installation you do must be acceptable to the authiruty having jurisdiction. You would better to ask whoever that is, in your area. lctrc789 Main panel is the 1st panel coming form the utility, be it a disconnect or a main panel. So if you have a main breaker installed at the disconnect you more then likely by any local code will not be required to have another main disconnect. I like the idea of having a main breaker for access in the home as well as outside, as the case in mobile homes or modulars etc. It is a matter of preference and I say it depends on the cost of the job a panel with a main breaker or not.