[Altavia]

Originally Posted by RoadToad

IIRC NEC requires main breaker to now be external to dwelling thus allowing First Responders to kill the power without needing entry.

Do I understand correctly, surge suppression is also now required?

[TripleT]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

. No difference in shutting off each circuit vs. a main switch so not sure why you’re asking?

I wanted to add a new breaker for a 220v circuit to feed an EV charger in the garage. Given the homeowner can no longer power off the panel, I will need to hire an electrician. I built and wired a home in PA many years ago. The laws have changed since then and homeowner DIY projects are now limited.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by TripleT

I wanted to add a new breaker for a 220v circuit to feed an EV charger in the garage. Given the homeowner can no longer power off the panel, I will need to hire an electrician. I built and wired a home in PA many years ago. The laws have changed since then and homeowner DIY projects are now limited.

Did you open the outside panel? Mine has the main breaker and the local switch for the A/C condenser.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Do I understand correctly, surge suppression is also now required?

If you look in that outdoor box you will see that a surge protector is installed by code now. This is minimal surge protection and is better than nothing but for proper "whole house" surge protection you should add either the Eaton Ultra or the PSP-Vortexx surge protector.

We are coming close to the rainy/stormy season so it's a good time to consider whole house surge protection.

[CybrSage]

Originally Posted by Win1894

I think you mean 120/240v. This became the standard in the mid-20th century and almost everywhere in the US since 1984. The 240v service would likely be phased at 180 degrees.

Both 110 and 120 are acceptable terms. Like using the term Man instead of Humanity.

People sometimes say "110" instead of "120" because "110" is an older designation for the standard voltage in the United States.

120 volts has been the official standard in the US since 1984.
"110" is an older designation that's still used by the general public.
The terms "110V" and "120V" are often used interchangeably.

[phousel]

Originally Posted by TripleT

I have noticed that the new homes being built do not have a main breaker in the electrical panel. There is usually a large 200amp breaker at the top that shuts down power to the entire panel. How do you shut off power to the panel?

Utilities come through the slab. Are you sure that the main breaker is not at the bottom of the panel?

[Golfshopguy]

My CB box has a main shutoff inside on the bottom of the panel

[Topspinmo]

When I look at my MCP the power comes in from bottom and goes out at top. The circuit breaker cut power for wiring in house but does nothing for wires coming into box. For that have to go out and up plug meter. Putting the MCB outside before the MCP makes good sense. Now all power cut out side the house. At least that’s way I see it? My brain wired more mechanical than electrical… beings I was dinosaur mechanic…

[pikeselectric]

Originally Posted by TripleT

I have noticed that the new homes being built do not have a main breaker in the electrical panel. There is usually a large 200amp breaker at the top that shuts down power to the entire panel. How do you shut off power to the panel?

Good morning, the new construction homes (2024 and current) have the main breaker in the outside meter main. Current NEC code cycle in effect requires us to have the main disconnect on the outside of the home

[Andyb]

Originally Posted by gorillarick

"Look for the Main shutoff in the exterior meter box."

So that means only a licensed electrician or someone from your power provider can make any change to the main circuit breaker panel in your house?
If so, does that also mean an electrician would need a county permit to pull the meter?
aye yi yi yi yi

Your incorrect

[mambeg]

Originally Posted by TripleT

I have noticed that the new homes being built do not have a main breaker in the electrical panel. There is usually a large 200amp breaker at the top that shuts down power to the entire panel. How do you shut off power to the panel?

The newest National Electric Code requires an exterior main shut off switch so the Fire Department can shut off the electric without going into your house. It should accessible to you.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by mambeg

The newest National Electric Code requires an exterior main shut off switch so the Fire Department can shut off the electric without going into your house. It should accessible to you.

Personally I would prefer a second main shut off INSIDE the garage/house so I wouldn’t get soaked in a storm if I wanted to shut down the house. Also I would prefer having complete control over the power where I can observe it rather than outside where it could be energized while I was doing some small DYI electrical work (yeah I do suffer from occasional paranoia). Somehow I feel that construction costs or expediency may also be part of the rationale for this new code requirement

[VAtoFLA]

Originally Posted by Sandy and Ed

Personally I would prefer a second main shut off INSIDE the garage/house so I wouldn’t get soaked in a storm if I wanted to shut down the house. Also I would prefer having complete control over the power where I can observe it rather than outside where it could be energized while I was doing some small DYI electrical work (yeah I do suffer from occasional paranoia). Somehow I feel that construction costs or expediency may also be part of the rationale for this new code requirement

Building codes seldom produce expediency or cost savings for the builder.