MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Code Enforcement
10/7/09 ELECTRICAL CONSISTENCY MEETING
QUESTIONS
1. (Q) We were turned down for not having a receptacle on a
screened porch. We had one beside the porch on the deck.
What was the problem?
(A) Balcony/Porch/Deck receptacles are required as per NEC
210.52(E)(3). If the porch was accessible from the inside of the
dwelling a receptacle would be required within the porch perimeter.
2. (Q)We passed the plumbing inspection but were turned down
for access at the hydromassage tub by the electrical inspector.
Why is there a difference?
(A) For electrical considerations NEC 680.71 requires a readily
accessible GFCI. Readily accessible means - Capable of being reached
quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to
whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to
resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
NEC 680.73 requires that equipment shall be accessible without
damaging building structure or finish. Accessible means - Admitting
close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other
effective means.
The above differs from the plumbing code requirements.
3. (Q)We were turned down on a service change for the rating of the
breakers in an existing sub-panel. How are we responsible for the
existing condition?
(A) The equipment rating must exceed the available fault current.
Generally the fault current decreases as you proceed downstream in
the riser system due to the resistance factors of the conductors and
equipment. Most plans have the fault current listed at the service or
serving transformer. If the bracing of the equipment is reduced a
calculation is to be provided showing how the reduction in fault current
level has been obtained. The level of the breakers must have been less
than the available fault current shown/stated. Protection must be
Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
Page 2 of 4
maintained throughout the system whether or not equipment is
existing.
4. (Q) We have experienced varying enforcement of appropriate
GFCI requirements with regards to commercial kitchens. What
is the correct approach?
(A) NEC 210.8 (B) (2) – Kitchens; GFCI is required in kitchens (an
area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and
cooking). We require the GFCI per the definition. If the cooking
equipment is integral to the business we will consider it as a permanent
provision. Installations such as an office break room with a nonattached microwave, refrigerator and sink, will not be considered as
integral and therefore will not qualify as a kitchen. Notice that the area
has to have both a (1) sink and (2) permanent provisions for food prep
and cooking.
5. (Q) What is the correct way to size OCP for a fire pump?
(A) While capable of carrying the locked rotor current has long been
the standard for most applications. fire pump breakers at the genset
are allowed at 250% instead of locked rotor OCP units per NEC 695.4B
which refers us to NEC 430.62.
6. (Q) There seems to be confusion on the requirement for fire
pump disconnects being sufficiently remote from other
disconnects. What is the correct code application?
Fire pump disconnects are required to be sufficiently remote from other
disconnects per NEC 695.4 (B) (2) (4). If the disconnect is on the
generator of the system this requirement may be exempted if the
genset is listed for the purpose. (NCDOI interpretation pending)
7. (Q) Are GFCI units required to be accessible?
(A) GFCI units are not required to be readily accessible except for
hydromassage tub receptacles and circuit breaker types, the rest must
be accessible only. (this is expected to change in the next code cycle)
8. (Q) When are selective overcurrent studies required?
(A) Supply the inspector with the required sealed Selective OCP studies
before electrical systems are energized. See NEC Articles 517, 620,
700, 701 & 708 for specific conditions that require these reports.
Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
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9. (Q) What is the current code requirement for protections when
oil filled transformers are in or near the building?
(A) The NCBCC RULED IN OUR FAVOR IN THE OIL FILLED
TRANSFORMER APPEAL, which should make the issue clearer. NEC
450.26 & .27 are enforceable have been a part of the code for at least
back to the1971 edition. Due to the increasing use of infill lots, super
block style development, the IBC code definition of inside and outside
of the building, and focus on density developments, we are seeing
more and more challenges and violations. Per the code we are
protecting the buildings from the dangers imposed by oil filled
transformers. As an alternate method of compliance we will readily
accept Duke Energy’s Standard or FM Global Data Sheets 5-4. We will
consider any alternate methods and means submitted per Section 105
of the NC Administrative Code.
10. (Q) We were turned down for not having a disconnect at the
building for a temporary & portable genset connection to back
up the building service. Why can’t the disconnect be supplied
with the genset?
Per the NEC the system must include the disconnect, transfer and
grounding when installed. Notes for disconnect or transfer on the
equipment to be brought in will not be acceptable in that the
installation would then be incomplete.
11. (Q) We were turned down because the transfer switch could
not carry the entire house load. Why?
(A) It would depend on the type of switch used. If manual there is no
requirement to carry the full load, if automatic there is.
Per the NEC 702.5 Capacity and Rating
(A) Available Short-Circuit Current. Optional standby system equipment
shall be suitable for the maximum available short-circuit current at its
terminals.
(B) System Capacity. The calculations of load on the standby source
shall be made in accordance with Article 220 or by another approved
method.
(1) Manual Transfer Equipment. Where manual transfer equipment
is used, an optional standby system shall have adequate capacity
and rating for the supply of all equipment intended to be
operated at one time. The user of the optional standby system
shall be permitted to select the load connected to the system.
Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
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(2) Automatic Transfer Equipment. Where automatic transfer
equipment is used, an optional standby system shall comply with
(2)(a) or (2)(b).
(a)
Full Load. The standby source shall be capable of supplying
the full load that is transferred by the automatic transfer equipment.
(b) Load Management. Where a system is employed that will
automatically manage the connected load, the standby source shall
have a capacity sufficient to supply the maximum load that will be
connected by the load management system.
UPDATES/PROCESS
1. We continue working with DOI on fire pump interpretations for required
separation
2. Bill H1409 is in committee and rewrites are probable
3. We’re still having questions regarding PPE impact on service time. Please
remember to structure inspection request to avoid energized equipment
and help us inform your clients.
4. The Re Org process is ongoing, brown bags & staff meetings are to be
scheduled.
5. Inspectors will try to accommodate AM/PM inspection when possible. If
you have to get the inspection per an imperative schedule use the IBA
program.
6. LV permit process;
P lease help us to be proactive in resolving issues and getting the
w ord out
 inspection result entries – We will not fail or RT other contractors
work for unpermitted LV. An electrical CO hold will be issued.
When the permit for LV is issued we will release the hold.
 stickers & notes on jobs – Notes on site and in system should
qualify to everyone what’s done and what needs to be done. Notes
are to differentiate between interior and exterior LV systems. Notes
are to differentiate between LV and Line voltage systems.
 permit options – a) listed on master permit, b) added to master
permit, c) (stand alone) Trade permit.