As you work on your electrical panel installations, having the right type is absolutely crucial for safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Two of the biggest types you will encounter are main lug panels and main breaker panels. Though created to serve the same purpose of delivering electricity throughout a system, the two offer unique features, functionality, and application uses.
What is a Main Lug Panel?
Main lug panel is an electrical panel that disburse power, but not a main disconnect switch. The protection relies upon an upstream breaker instead. These panels are usually grouped together in subpanels, or auxiliary power system, since central disconnects are not necessary. In essence, a main lug panel is a really good option if you have already installed a main breaker that will service the power.
What is a Main Breaker Panel?
The main breaker panel has a built in main breaker that will allow you to disconnect the complete power supply of the panel. Therefore, this feature is greatly important for safety and maintenance. Homes or small businesses use main breaker panels as primary service entrance panels because in case of emergency or maintenance, you have to have an accessible way to cut off power.
Main Lug vs Main Breaker – The Key Differences
1. Design
- Main Lug
Incoming power is connected directly in a main lug panel to the bus bars through terminals and there is no main breaker. However, protection is based on an upstream breaker.
- Main Breaker
A main breaker panel includes a main breaker switch, which can directly disconnect electrical power from the panel. The existence of this switch forms a critical part of the design which allows for easy access to cut power for safety and maintenance.
2. Functionality
- Main Lug
Since a main lug panel does not have a main breaker as part of the panel, it is protected via an upstream breaker. As such, it is perfectly suitable for a subpanel or secondary power distribution system, but is not ideal for the main service point of a building.
- Main Breaker
A service panel may be found in your home or business; this needed main breaker panel can allow you to directly disconnect the power supply. This has the advantage of being a simple and safe way to take power off, and is a great part for points of service.
3. Space requirements
- Main Lug
Since no main breaker panel is needed, it leaves less room for main lug panels to be larger and have less holes. Therefore, they are ideal for use in subpanels or for secondary electrical panel installations, where there is limited space available.
- Main Breaker
A main breaker panel has a main breaker, so there is more space needed to install the breaker and its connections. Usually, the panel is larger than usual.
4. Cost Comparison
- Main Lug
Main lug panels are normally less costly than those with a main breaker, mainly because main panels are less complex and lack a main breaker. They’re therefore a budget option for many electrical systems.
- Main Breaker
The main breaker (so let me start with the most basic unit), stacks up additional components: the main breaker, main breaker panels, et cetera, and tend to be more expensive. This is an investment in safety, functional and legendary status of the primary service panel.
5. Application
- Main Lug
A case in which a disconnect switch is pre-installed, use auxiliary power systems or subpanels; in these examples, the main lug panel is used. While they aren’t the best option for primary main service points, they do work well for assisting secondary purposes.
- Main Breaker
Residential and commercial settings, where an immediate disconnect service is essential, use main breaker panels. These panels serve primary power service panels, where on demand power disconnection is frequently required.
Advantages and Limitations of Main Lug vs Main Breaker
Main Lug:
- Advantages
Cost-effective: These types of panels cost lower than main breaker panels because they are simpler in construction.
Compact: They can especially be used in subpanel installations where there is limited space to work with.
Straightforward installation: The main breaker compartment is removed, so the main lug panel is easy to install. It is suitable for secondary power systems.
- Limitations
No direct disconnect: Since main lug panels serve to provide power to the subpanel and do not afford any form of protection, they cannot be used as the main disconnect for protection of the subpanel at an electrical system within a building.
Limited use: Subpanels and auxiliary power partitions tend to be the place where main lug panels are utilized. A main service panel is not appropriate for a main service panel.
Main Breaker
- Advantages
Additional safety: Using a main breaker allows you to turn off the power to the entire panel, which is important for safety when performing maintenance works or in case of emergencies.
Regulation: A main breaker is generally needed for primary service panels under electrical codes.
Ease of access: A main breaker panel can be used in a centralized way for controlling power supply to a building, making it easier to turn off the power to the whole building if necessary.
- Limitations
Higher cost: Main breaker panels come with a higher cost compared to main lug panels due their additional functionality. Furthermore,
Larger size: They require more space since the panel itself is larger in order to accommodate the main breaker and other components.
Get Premium Main Lug and Breaker Panels from KDM Steel
Find top quality, main lug, main breaker, load center, and subpanel at KDM Steel. Whether you are looking for residential service panel or subpanel we have you covered with our strong and reliable products. See the full selection of electrical panels for your upcoming project at KDM Steel.
Conclusion
Your main breaker or main lug choice is project dependent. Main lug panels cost less and fit into less space for subpanels, Main breaker panels give you the protection all in one place which makes them great for back feeding a service panel. Contact KDM Steel for expert advice tailored to your installation.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a main breaker?
The main breaker is what allows you to cut off power to the entire electrical panel. A safety feature that’s standard in main service panels to power down everything immediately if necessary.
Can I use a circuit breaker instead of a main switch?
A Circuit breaker isn’t made to protect particular circuits. A main switch or main breaker is required to disconnect the amount of entire panel’s circuits.
What is the difference between a main switch and a main breaker?
A main switch will disconnect power to the entire panel, while a main-breaker will close off power during a fault or overload as well for safety.
What is a lug on a breaker?
A breaker’s Carbondale Lug, a metal connection that attaches firmly to a panel’s bus bars, anchors your breaker securely for your circuit.
Are you able to transform a main lug system into a main breaker panel system?
Yes, you can change the main lug panel to a main breaker panel but to do so, you have to replace the bus system and also install a main breaker. It’s recommended that you contract a licensed electrician to handle this conversion.
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