ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues SERVICE ENTRANCE

A little late for this one, but I'd make the argument that the "5 foot rule" is meant to apply to horizontal distance inside a building, not vertical.

As long as the panel is within 5' H from point of entrance this argument might work.

Here in NJ, most (but not all) AHJ's allow a "reasonable" amount of UNPROTECTED SE within a structure.

There is no 'black or white' type answer.

As an AHJ, "reasonable" is determined on a case-by-case basis, and I, nor anybody else will commit to a measurement.

Basically, enter at the sill plate, run STRAIGHT down into the panel, and you should be OK. Venture to the right or left, and you get a red sticker. Our utility co's have no jurisdiction past the meter pan, and they usually don't comment on anything past the point of attachment.

Options are exterior disco, or concrete encasement (NOT SEU); choices are left to the EC.

John

Thanks, The issue was cleared with 2 inspections agencys, but the other 3 are still reviewing the information. Upon entering the building from a cill plate for ( SEU cable ) or PVC conduit system. AHJ will set a 5 to 8 Ft limit, pending a ( as Per Job Basis ). The utility is concerned up to the MAIN Breaker, as to Fault protection and other interests of concern the utility has a voice in the matter. The electrical meeting for September will have an updated ( question & Answer Period ) on this topic.

There is no 5' rule in the NEC, you may have a local amendment with a 5' rule but as far as the NEC is concerned it is "nearest the point of entrance"

There is/was an errata in the NEC in Art 338, where it mentions that the cable can enter the building to 6 feet. This and other local codes have kept the "myth" of some kind of allowance into the building before a disconnect is required.

I totally disagree. Just my opinion. The municipalities that restrict the disconnect to the outside of the building in my mind seem to understand the potential danger of allowing unprotected service entrance conductors inside of any structure or building.

There are all kinds of arguments against an outside disconnect for services, but the municipalities that require this seem to have none of those problems...HMMM!!!

The NEC is a safety document, and I still think that keeping the disconnect outside is a great idea.

Maybe a proposal to change the language is in order.

There are also all kinds of arguments against a disconnect inside. The municipalities that allow this don't seem to have these problems.

Pierre


I am sure that is 100% accurate.

Now can you document any problems with going in 6' other than a gut feeling that it's unsafe?

I do not mean to be a wise guy here but in this area an outside disconnect is a rare thing.

Also rare is a problem with the service conductors inside the building. HMMM!

I have never seen an incident with this installation in my 41 years on the planet.

Now if you could show a history of problems with the status quo then you could put in a proposal.

Of course MA would probably amend out any changes to the current wording.


Bob

Look at how these two Redsox fans are picking on a Yankee fan, just because the Yankees won today

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(I hope you really do not feel picked on)

Here is a service I saw while in NY last summer it is on East Main St in Washingtonville, NY.

Are the black boxes under the meter service rated disconnects?

From this distance they look like HVAC cut outs.



Nice protection on the SEs