In Can I use a main breaker as an “occasional” disconnect switch? I asked whether I can put (back) my 200A breaker and use it as "occasional local disconnect" in my 200A sub panel that is fed by a 100A feeder and protected via a 100A breaker in the main service panel. Surprisingly and to my big content, the answer was yes. (The only concern that was brought up was the "switching action" because the breaker is not designed as a switch and can't be used as such on regular occasion).
Now, very excited, I was about to put it in. But I want to ask again from a different angle: I mentioned that the feeder is 100A and it's size is 2AWG. But the breaker is still a 200A breaker. Can I put the AWG2 in its screw terminals? (Note: I previously though it was 4AWG)
This is how the breaker in question looks like:
On the label, it says "75C Wire Only, Torque 250 lb-in. Wire Range – 1-300kcmil CU-AL"
Best Answer
That actually is #1 AWG thru 300 kcmil. The #4 is technically too small for a listed termination. To make a compliant termination will require use of pin reducers, or insulated lugs which can splice your #4 to a piece of #1 (or bigger) which is allowed in breaker.
Response to comment;
Welllll, there's a lot things you CAN do, many of which I'm sure would never give you a problem. Just because something is, or should be, bullet proof, does not make it code compliant. For a compliant install go to home Depot, grab 2 of these,
And 1 foot of #1 thhn wire.