If you live in New Jersey you would be covered under the Rehab Code,
and it would be OK to keep it at the 6'6" plus 15". The other solution
is to put the main breaker on the bottom of the panel. This is why
panels come with field installable labels.


zxcvbob wrote:
Chris Friesen wrote:

I'm looking at upgrading my main service to 200A. I've got underground
service, and the existing service and meter base are rated for 200A.

However, the existing panel is mounted such that the highest breaker is
about 15" higher than current code allows.

Does anyone know how this is usually handled? Can I get grandfathered
in? I'm not sure how one would even go about lowering the panel given
that the wire for the existing circuits generally comes down from above
and is cut to fit the current height.

I'll be asking the local inspector, but they're closed today.

Thanks,

Chris


I think you'll have to put a junction box where the current panel is and
splice onto the wires. (Exception #5 in section 230-46.) Connect the new
panel to the J-box with a 2" metal conduit.

Bob