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What is the definition of a load center in the 2008 NEC code book?
In the CEC there is no definition for a load center. In layman terms a load center is; A distribution panel that does not have a disconnect breaker in the same enclosure. A distribution panel that does have a disconnect breaker within the enclosure is called a combination panel.
What is the maximum amps for a sub panel?
The size of the sub panel is dependant on the amount of connected loads and the amperage of these loads, or the total load in amps on how many new circuits that you will require.
What would happen if a 200 amp breaker is used in a 100 amp sub panel?
There are two things to think about here. First of all a 200 amp breaker will not physically fit into a 100 amp panel. This is so designed because the panel buss is not designed to conduct 200 amps before the current is cut off. A 100 amp rating on the panel is the maximum amount of current that the manufacturer states, that can be handled safely. Second if the 200 amp breaker is in the main panel then everything downstream from that breaker has to be rated for 200 amp conductivity. The wire size will have to be 3/0 from the breaker to the first over current device in the sub panel which will be the sub panel's main breaker. The sub panel can not be a load center but will have to be a combination panel. I doubt that the 100 amp sub panel's main breaker lugs would be large enough to connect the 3/0 cable.
Breaker box is full?
You have two options, one is a complete service change. The average house service these days is 200 amps 42 circuits. The second option is to install a sub panel off the existing service. Depending on how many circuits you need will govern the size the sub panel. Here is where it gets tricky. Two side by side single pole breakers or one two pole breaker will have to be removed from the original service panel and replaced with a new two pole breaker. The size of this breaker will be governed by the total load of the new sub panel. The wire from the new sub panel to the two pole breaker is also governed by the load of the sub panel. As an electrician I would recommend that you not do it yourself but get a qualified electrician to do it for you. He would (should) take a permit out for the job and get it inspected.
Can you feed a 60 amp sub panel from another 60 amp sub panel?
Yes
What is the definition of a load center in the 2008 NEC code book?
In the CEC there is no definition for a load center. In layman terms a load center is; A distribution panel that does not have a disconnect breaker in the same enclosure. A distribution panel that does have a disconnect breaker within the enclosure is called a combination panel.
What is the maximum amps for a sub panel?
The size of the sub panel is dependant on the amount of connected loads and the amperage of these loads, or the total load in amps on how many new circuits that you will require.
What would happen if a 200 amp breaker is used in a 100 amp sub panel?
There are two things to think about here. First of all a 200 amp breaker will not physically fit into a 100 amp panel. This is so designed because the panel buss is not designed to conduct 200 amps before the current is cut off. A 100 amp rating on the panel is the maximum amount of current that the manufacturer states, that can be handled safely. Second if the 200 amp breaker is in the main panel then everything downstream from that breaker has to be rated for 200 amp conductivity. The wire size will have to be 3/0 from the breaker to the first over current device in the sub panel which will be the sub panel's main breaker. The sub panel can not be a load center but will have to be a combination panel. I doubt that the 100 amp sub panel's main breaker lugs would be large enough to connect the 3/0 cable.
Can you put a 60amp breaker and a 50amp breaker on a 60amp subpanel just as long as they are not being used at the same time?
You can. Using these size breakers in a 60 amp sub panel might be pushing the limit for breaking the sub panels feeder breaker. The breaker feeding the sub panel will have to be no bigger than 60 amps because of the main bus bar capacity of the sub panel. It would be better to install a 100 amp sub panel and then there would be a bit of a buffer and you will have the ability to add additional small load circuits.
Should wires come in the top of a panel box?
They can come in the top or bottom whichever is the best. <<>> If the distribution panel is a load center (no Main disconnect) the above statement is true. If the distribution panel is a combination panel (main disconnect at top of panel) then the load feeds can only be brought in the two sides and the bottom. A combination panel has an internal barrier to separate the main disconnect from the load side of the distribution board.
Breaker box is full?
You have two options, one is a complete service change. The average house service these days is 200 amps 42 circuits. The second option is to install a sub panel off the existing service. Depending on how many circuits you need will govern the size the sub panel. Here is where it gets tricky. Two side by side single pole breakers or one two pole breaker will have to be removed from the original service panel and replaced with a new two pole breaker. The size of this breaker will be governed by the total load of the new sub panel. The wire from the new sub panel to the two pole breaker is also governed by the load of the sub panel. As an electrician I would recommend that you not do it yourself but get a qualified electrician to do it for you. He would (should) take a permit out for the job and get it inspected.
Can you feed a 60 amp sub panel from another 60 amp sub panel?
Yes
What is the conductor called that feeds current from a residential meter to the residential load center or circuit breaker panel?
Meter 'tails'.
How to calculate power loss in power cable?
The length of the cable is determined by the distance from the center of the distribution panel to the center of the load.
Can you use a main lug panel for your home or do you have to use a panel with a main breaker?
The service distribution needs to have a disconnect from the utility supply. Most homes use a combination distribution panel. If the home owner wants to have a load center installed then there has to be a fused disconnect ahead of the panel. The less costly of the two options is the combination panel. Labour costs drive the load center, main service switch option much higher because there are more materials to assemble.
What size of wire do I need for 130 ft run sub panel?
Wire sizing is based on the amperage of the load. Without this amperage the wire size can not be calculated. Also with sub panels it should be stated whether it is under the same roof as the main panel or separate from the main building. Different code rules apply to each application.
Can you add a second main breaker box to control breakers in the out buildings on a farm?
yes. But this is not a handyman level project. It is suggested you "Call a pro." What you're looking for is not another "main breaker" but a "sub-panel" that is fed by a "feeder" cable from the main panel. Have your electrician calculate the load you'll need in the out-building, then design and install a new feeder circuit and sub-panel for it.
