I want to install a subpanel in the same building (my house) as the main panel.
Do I have to have to have a main breaker in the subpanel? I am feeding it from a 50 amp breaker in the main panel.
Thanks, Pat
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Replies
If you have more than 6 breakers in the subpanel you need a main breaker. This may not apply if it is in line of sight to the main panel.
You do not need a main breaker in a sub if it is in the same building. That requirement appears in article 225 where they are talking about outside feeders and feeding a second building.
There used to be a rule about "lighting and appliance panel boards" that required a main (no more than 2 breakers to disconnect) but that went away about 2 cycles ago along with the L&A designation of panelboards. As long as the feeder is protected on the lkine side, you can use a MLO sub panel.