200 amp service drop

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marcopoloc19

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Hello fellow electricians out there. My situation is that I have a 200A overhead service that was rejected because it was less than 3ft from the window. I am between two windows that have about 5ft between them (i am about 2.5ft from the window). There is also about 1ft from the top of the window to the soffit(i am above the window). Although I know this is not stated in the NEC, I was under the impression that if you are above the window it is all right. Can I get your opinion on this? Now before you go straight to the book can you please think about it.
 
Re: 200 amp service drop

This sometimes happens over poor planning.The intent is to keep someone from reaching out and being able to touch it.Solved one by putting a 90 on it to get away from window. Your caught between 2 windows.Any chance you could go thru roof.Very few inspectors will let this slide.If you can't do this any other way maybe go underground (i know that will cost like hell )

[ January 27, 2004, 02:18 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: 200 amp service drop

Poor planning is not the problem. GC does not want to go underground because there is a garage and the POCO pole is right in the way (he does not want to bother with that). I am also about 18ft high already and going through the roof would look pretty stupid since i would be about 6 ft above the POCO pole.
 
Re: 200 amp service drop

Art.230.9(A) gives the exception if the conductors run above the top level of the window, then they can be permitted less than 3 feet. There is no indication on what less than 3 feet is ment to be, however I would guess if no portion of the service drop or service loop hangs below the top level of the window then centered between the windows would be acceptable.
 
Re: 200 amp service drop

Thanks for the reply Inspector 102. I was not quite sure that it was an exception because I don't have a NEC book with me at this moment. Like I said I am about 2.5 ft from the windows and above them with the service drop. I should be fine but you never know. Thanks again.
 
Re: 200 amp service drop

I have seen this confusion before.
1. If the service conductors that run between the windows are not open conductors, say they are in a raceway or a cable assembly, there is no minimum distance that they have to be installed away from a window. So SE cable can be secured to the window frame if you like ( I don't recommend that).
2. The open conductors or the cable or raceway have no distance restriction when installed above a window.
230.9(A) and exception.

Pierre
 
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