HOUSE CONSISTENCY MEETING
Date: 5-8-2013
DEPARTMENTAL GOALS:
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85 - 90 % 1 DAY TURN AROUND
80 - 85 % CONTRACTOR PASS RATE
QUALITY INSPECTIONS!
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
SAFETY ISSUES:
REMEMBER COUNTY CELL PHONE POLICY, USE ALL APPROVED SAFETY
EQUIPMENT ISSUED TO YOU. (I.e. HARDHAT, SAFETY GLASSES, SAFETY SHOES,
PPE)
Q: WHY ARE WE HERE? A: TO SERVE THE CUSTOMER
1. Is an equipment grounding conductor always required in a PVC raceway between the utility
meter and service disconnect?
Usually equipment grounding is required in PVC, and when that is the case, a separate
equipment grounding conductor of the wire type must be installed within the conduit 300.3(B)
and 352.60.
However, there is an exception that deals with service raceways:
352.60 Ex 2: An equipment grounding conductor isn’t required in PVC conduit if the neutral
conductor is used to ground service equipment, as permitted in 250.142(A) also see250.24(C).
2. Is this a Kitchen, or kitchen and dining room (area)?
Yes. This will have to be worked out with the contractor at the time of rough. The Building Code
says a dwelling unit must have permanent provisions for eating so there should be an area or
areas designated for dining. Once we have this knowledge, we then get it wired per the NEC.
3. Please cover the interpretation for 210.52(E) (3). (See Photo)
After receiving clarification from DOI and further code research, the balcony must have a
platform (surface) in order to apply 210.53(E). In the photo below the doors with a balcony
surface extending from them must have the receptacle installed while the doors without a
balcony surface don’t require the receptacle.
FOR PATIOS:
The dictionary definition of patio is: an area, usually paved, adjoining a house and used as an
area for outdoor lounging, dining, etc.
Article 250.52(E) does not directly address patios even though it appears the intent is to provide
a receptacle there. Therefore, when we have a patio installation any receptacle that is in the
footprint of the patio or within 6’ of the edge shall be considered as satisfying that intent.
4. Do you have to apply article 514.11(C) to a fuel dispensing island that only has a diesel fuel
pump?
Yes. The article doesn’t specify if an island is classified or not, it just addresses fuel dispensing.
Some classified wiring method may or may not also be required. See also the requirements at
514.9, 514.13 and 514.16
5. Can a transfer switch for a standby power system be located between the meter and an
existing panelboard? Does the grounding electrode conductor and the main bonding jumper
need to be relocated from the existing panelboard to the transfer switch?
Yes, see 230.82(5). However, UL product category WPTZ states that transfer switches intended
for use as service equipment is marked "SUITABLE FOR USE AS SERVICE EQUIPMENT.“ Also
transfer switches are not intended for connection to a supply capable of delivering currents in
excess of the maximum available short-circuit current marked on the transfer switch.
Maybe, 250.24(A) (1) states that the GEC connection is to be made at any accessible point from
the load end of the service drop or service lateral to the service disconnecting means. A transfer
switch on the line side of the main OCPD would be considered the service disconnecting means.
The OCPD for service equipment is required to be an integral part of the service disconnecting
means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto per 230.91. If that existing panelboard
is immediately adjacent thereto, and the standby power is not separately derived, the GEC could
stay in place; provided it was already in the existing panelboard. Also, Article 100 defines
service equipment as the necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker(s) or
switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories, connected to the load end of service conductors to
a building or other structure, or an otherwise designated area, and intended to constitute the
main control and cutoff of the supply.
Keep in mind that 230.66 states that service equipment shall be marked to identify it as being
suitable for the use and that all service equipment shall be listed.
6. On a single lot you have a 200 amp main breaker single phase meter/main pedestal located out by the
front sidewalk of a zoned single family residential neighborhood. The 200 amp electrical panel is located
on the basement foundation load bearing cement wall within 5 ft of the “point of entrance” of the wire
penetration. How many conductors are required? What type of grounding is required both at the
pedestal and the dwelling structure? You have plastic water line, CSST gas line, Satellite / telephone
compatible, Ufer
This installation would require 4 conductors (2-phase, 1-grounded and 1-equipment grounding).
230.70(A) (1) requires that the service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily
accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of
entrance of the service conductors. The feeder disconnect is required by 225.31 & 225.32.
As for grounding, 250.32 requires that a building fed by a feeder shall have a grounding
electrode or grounding electrode system installed in accordance with Part III of Article 250. The
Ufer (concrete encased electrode) would be used to satisfy the 250.32 requirement for the
basement panelboard, and most likely, a made electrode described in 250.52 would be used at
the meter/main pedestal
NEXT MEETING:
Contractors – Wednesday June 12, 2013
Inspectors – Wednesday June 12, 2013