Photo Cell in Panel

[Cavie]

Can a photo cell be mounted inside a weatherproof panel for house lighting? I've been asking for a bell box under the panel stating that the panel is not listed for the application. Am I wrong??

 

[infinity]

What Article do you cite as a prohibition of installing it in the panel?

 

[triphase]

why would one install a photo cell "inside" a panel?

 

[LarryFine]

why would one install a photo cell "inside" a panel?

Okay, how about poking it through a KO?

While it could be argued that it's not a listed way of doing it, I think it'd be better than the bellbox, really; more weather resistant.

 

[triphase]

Larry I was joking why would You install "INSIDE" the panel "PHOTO CELL" it won't work.......and Yes I do Install them "ON" the panel....with gasket

 

[Cavie]

These are mounted inside the panel with the eye sticking out and the round gaskets installed. usually thru the bottom.

 

[George Stolz]

I agree with Trevor's implication: Cite a code reference.

I'm going to say it: It's done all the time.

Can we install SWD breakers in a panel? They are switches too.

 

[LarryFine]

Can we install SWD breakers in a panel? They are switches too.

You'd have trouble claiming that's not a listed use.

 

[tufts46argled]

To me it's just like the one's that say you can't make a wire connection inside a panel, a panel is not a raceway! It is a junction box, so why not treat it as such. If I'm wrong please tell me becuase I havn't found in the code I'm wrong.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

I think its fine and have seen it done.Why would you not do it ?

 

[Minuteman]

There is nothing wrong with putting a listed photo cell in a NEMA 3 enclosure. Our friend Cavie is a novice inspector and is sorting out the myths and urban legends of "can you do this", by playing the devils advocate.

Like he says, "Please correct me if I am wrong, I am here to learn."

Keep 'em coming Cavie!

 

[dduffee260]

We do this sometimes also. If you really want to make friends with the POCO then put a photocell on the side of their sealed meter socket. That way when you have to work on the photocell you can cut the sealed tag.

 

[77401]

To me it's just like the one's that say you can't make a wire connection inside a panel, a panel is not a raceway! It is a junction box, so why not treat it as such. If I'm wrong please tell me becuase I havn't found in the code I'm wrong.

You can make as many splices inside a breaker panel as long as it does not exceed 75% of the fill area.

Wait til you get to hook up an emergency transfer switch on a residence.
Splice City!

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

We do this sometimes also. If you really want to make friends with the POCO then put a photocell on the side of their sealed meter socket. That way when you have to work on the photocell you can cut the sealed tag.

Dont think that would fly.You would now have unfused in same raceway as fused

 

[George Stolz]

We do this sometimes also. If you really want to make friends with the POCO then put a photocell on the side of their sealed meter socket. That way when you have to work on the photocell you can cut the sealed tag.

Dont think that would fly.You would now have unfused in same raceway as fused

Agreed, 230.7 would preclude an offset nipple being used for both.

 

[dduffee260]

But Jim, the meter would too be fused. We just had a lightning storm here tonight and I helped the Xcel Energy man change one out on the pole. I was a 2 amp fuse on a 15kva pot on a 12470/7200 line but still was a fuse. Can't we get creative in the fusing department?

 

[George Stolz]

But Jim, the meter would too be fused. We just had a lightning storm here tonight and I helped the Xcel Energy man change one out on the pole. I was a 2 amp fuse on a 15kva pot on a 12470/7200 line but still was a fuse. Can't we get creative in the fusing department?

I feel my leg being pulled on two counts.

 

[kbsparky]

SOME photocells are not meant to be installed "upside down"

I believe that some TORK models have problems with operation when installed that way. The nipple is not sealed, and any moisture that enters in can't leave, and you eventually end up with a bad eye full of water.

We "fixed" that problem with some clear caulk on a couple of occasions, so be aware that orientation can make a difference.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Whats sad is i actually did see a photo cell mounted on a meter can and they ran the wires thru the nipple.Not asking how the seal got put back.

 

[Cavie]

Minuteman. You are correct. I am trying to sort out what is code and what is urban legend. I have 35 years experiance in residental wireing in two counties in Florida. I learned how to keep the inspectors happy and never had a turn down inspection. Now I am forced to do it the NEC way and not the local gods way. There is a big differance. Hittinig the books at 55 is trying. When I can't find the answer I am looking for, I turn to this forum.