"John Beckman" wrote in message
...
Greetings,
I was looking at a 1955 bungalow with what is probably an updated
electrical panel. However, there was no typical "main breaker" at the top,
there were just two rows of breakers on each side. the stove and water
heater had the typical tied breakers that would indicate that it is a 240
volt breaker. However, at the top left side of the panel there were three
100 amp breakers, side by side with their handles tied together. If it was
just two tied together, I'd just say OK 100 amp service and these are the
mains, BUT there were three of them. What gives, I'm thinking of buying
the place and want to know what kind of elec service it has. Unfortunately
I did not remove the panel cover, and I don't know the brand. Suggestions?
Speculation

John

That would tend to indicate a 3 phase service, which is uncommon but not
impossible in a residence. More investigation is called for, such as the
number and type of conductors feeding the service and the number of
transformers on the pole, if overhead service. Inspection of the panel can
also tell if there are 2 or 3 main connections in addition to the neutral.
The panel label should tell if it is a 3 phase panel. A three phase service
would have two or three transformers and four wires from the pole and single
phase would have one transformer and three wires. The meter would also say
"3 Phase" or "Single Phase". If it is a single phase circuit, the triple
breaker is a mystery to me unless it was used to also disconnect the neutral
as is sometimes done when generators are used.

Don Young

Don Young