Contactor in service panel

[bigdog]

Hi Jerry

8 unit multifamily building. 2 service panels @150A each feeding 4 units with 60A panels.
Inside one of the panels was mounted a set of contactors like you would see for a A/C compressor. It appeared to be 120V but I have never seen one inside a service panel before. Wish I could figure out how to insert a picture here. Doesn't seem like it should be in there.[img][img][/img][/img]

Also saw a couple of backfed Breaker blocks in the unit panels that were not mains in that they had no operable switch handles. What would be the purpose of those? How much more would it have cost to by rear breakers?

David

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

David,

First, 60 amp panels at each dwelling unit?

How old is the building? The minimum has been 100 to each dwelling unit (apartment) for many decades.

That contactor, even with a 120 volt coil, should not be in the panel ... unless the label on the panel shows it on the schematic.

Those no-handle 'breakers' you describe sound like plug'in taps which just tap off the bus in the panel to feed a remote panel - the conductors and those taps need to be rated at least as high as the breaker protecting the panel as there is no other protection for them.

[bigdog]

Those blocks are back feeding the sub-panels but I have never seen them before. Look just like a breaker but No handle and power is running through them to feed the panel. Couldn't have cost much more to by actual breakers.

Building is 1968 and only the exterior service was done upgraded correctly (1996). Larry, Curly and Moe have been onsite and attempted to upgrade the sub-panels but have not been successful.YUK YUK