How do you install a master breaker cut off?

Question

The fire marshall just inspected my business and said I have to have a master breaker cut off switch on my breaker box in order to get an occupancy permit. Can my husband do it instead of us hiring an electrician difficulty-wise? Would it require wiring one switch to EVERY breaker or is there something that's sold that you can simply put between the two lines at the top of the breaker box that interrupts them? Does something like that exist? Is it as simple as installing it on the top between where the two electric lines come down and the breakers start?

Answer 1

The main breaker would need to be installed between the Electric Meter and the Breaker panel, or at the point where the Service Entrance connects to the breaker panel. In older systems it is not uncommon to see a breaker panel without a main breaker. This job is not one that you need to attempt unless you are VERY familiar with electrical systems. You will probably need a LICENSED electrician to examine your work and to sign off on the job before the Building Official or the Fire Marshall will reinspect to issue a CO.  

Answer 2

In a place of business, almost anytime electrical work is done; it must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. (The rules may be different regarding your home.) In a public place or a business that invites the public or employees inside; the health & welfare of the other occupants comes first. Hire a qualified, licensed electrical contractor to install a main disconnect between the meter and the panel.

Besides, this is not a job for an amateur.  NFPA 70E (The National Electrical Safety Code) requires  that anyone doing electrical work be qualified not just to do the job; but also be qualified to assess the dangers involved and to use the required level of personnel protective equipment (PPE). When working with energized power lines, every precaution must be taken to ensure the safety of the worker. The only way to install a main disconnect for your panel is to do it with the incoming lines “hot”, unless you can convince any other tenants of the building to allow you to shut down their power, also, while the work is done.

Unless a divorce is in your near future, it would be in your best interests to save your husband from being roasted by an “Arc-Flash” (give or take, about 36,000°F).

Answer 3

This is not a task for 'hubby'.

It might require replacement or addition of a main circuit breaker

to the incoming line and a service interruption.

Call a Licensed Electrician for this one.

Answer 4

I agree that you need an electrician to do this because this one thing makes me wonder what else is wrong with the electrical.

I'm very frugal with money but this is no place to cut corners.

Answer 5

Power comes directly from the electrical company's power line, through the electrical meter on the outside of your house and into the electrical service panel. The "Main" circuit breaker controls the live power from energizing the circuits in the electrical panel.

This web sits explains electrical panels and shows master switches on page 4 of 9: http://homerepair.about.com/od/electrica...

This is not a job for the average Joe-handyman-good-household-repairs-and-... Unless you really know what you're doing, hire an electrician. It will cost less than an emergency room visit -- and much less than a mortuary.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Get the power company or a licensed electrician.  Power has to be cut off at the meter and the master installed.  Best to put in a breaker panel with one built in for a business.  

It is very dangerous to work with live wires straight from the meter.