CL and NCL Panels and Circuit Breakers
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How to Select the Right Circuit Breaker for an Electrical Panel © By: Dave Rongey |
Current Limiting Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have a Murray LC2040L1125 main lug center as my main service panel in my house. Main line directly from meter comes in through two pole back fed 100A main. There are extra spaces in this load center, and it currently only has 19 circuits on it, far less than the 40 that are allowed.
- While I was at home depot yesterday, I noticed that there was a 15/15 tandem for $10 and a 15/15 tandem for $18. One was called “CL” ($10) and the other was “NCL” ($18).
- The person in the electrical department described the difference as the size of the socket that clicks in to the panel. She suggested that I simply buy both and return the one that doesn’t fit.
Does anybody have experience with this load center?
Can somebody suggest which breaker to buy?
- Should I get the “Main Breaker Kit” (MBK100M: $120) so that I could remove the back fed main and create an actual main for this load center?
- OR, is this back fed breaker alright? It DOES shut off all electric in the house with one hand motion.
Thanks!
Background: Patrick, a Homeowner from Patchogue, NY
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Patrick.
How to Select the Right Circuit Breaker for an Electrical Panel
CL – Current Limiting is a mechanical design that prevents the use of some tandem breakers which may lead to exceeding the number of circuits that can be connected to the panel which could lead to an over current condition.
NCL– Non-Current Limiting is where the design of the panel will allow the use of tandem circuit breakers however you may not exceed the maximum number of circuits as specified by the panel.
RESOURCES
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House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
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