service disconnects

[generaltzao]

following NEC codes disconnect must be listed as "SUITABLE FOR SERVICE EQUIPMENT" having said that, i have a workshed w/ 60A 240V service to a main lug pannel with a 60A Main breaker, and a 8 space distribution lug.

i found a very heavy duty 2-pole non-fusable 240VAC 60A switch, same mechanics as the big square D ones, take down to #3AWG, but its a MUCH! smaller footprint, but does NOT state "SUITABLE FOR SERVICE EQUIPMENT" but could i put it after the main lug and before the distribution pannel as it is allready protected from faults, and the 60A Main is the "Actual service disconnect"?? :?

[Sparks]

I'm a little confused. You say you have a main lug panel with a 60a main breaker or are you feeding the main lug panel with a 60a breaker from another panel. If you indeed have a main breaker in your panel why would you put another disconnect at the same location :?:

[generaltzao]

ok 2 pannels
from conduit the firstpannel is an exterior 60A Main LUG with a 60A Main breaker...

wire runs inside to the workshed and connects to a 8 space disrtibution Pannel (no main) breakers are a 2-pole 20A for Welder, 1-pole 20A for heavy duty outlets, 1-pole 15A for general outlets and 1-pole 15A for floressent lights.

i want to put a switch INSIDE next to the door to disconnect the whole DISTRIBUTION PANNEL. is it ok to use a non-fused 2-pole 240VAC 60A switch to do this as it is protected by the outdoor 60A breaker? or do i need a big, expensive, fused job if i wanted to do that... probably follows my rules listed in my own sig but though id ask LOL

[Sparks]

OK, first of all a main lug panel does not have a main breaker but I won't dwell on your use of terminology. The panel that your feeding from is probably your service panel and the 60 amp breaker is not a main breaker, it is a feeder. Regardless, what your proposing to do is fine. Garages and outbuildings are allowwed to use snap switches for disconnects in certain circumstances, see 2002 Nec Article 225.36 exception. Its also allowed to have up to 6 disconnects on a single building so either way your ok. I'm assuming this is a separate building so you will need a ground rod and you will need to isolate the grounding conductor from the grounded(neutral) conductor if your using a 4 wire feeder. 2 hots, one neutral with a separete ground. If your using a only 3 wires, 2 hots and a neutral you have to bond the neutral and ground at the subpanel. You may already know this (hopefully since your doing the work) but I'll say it just in case others are reading this post and do not know this. If anyone cares to argue please consult the NEC before you do cause it's all in there.