230.71(B)

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anbm

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TX
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Existing main service switchboard is MLO has (6) main breakers (each breaker is not in a separate enclosure), we plan to replace
the main underground feeder to this switchboard with new feeder per owner's request. Can we use below exception to avoid
replacing the switchboard and code compliance?

230.71(B)
Exception to (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6): Existing service equipment, installed in compliance with previous editions of this Code that
permitted multiple service disconnecting means in a single enclosure, section, or compartment, shall be permitted to contain a
maximum of six service disconnecting means.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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If all you are doing is replacing the feeder or service entrance conductors than there is no need to change anything else, IMO
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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He may be correct. The exception does not mention 1)

Is this a feeder or are these service cables? Is the meter on the building thus bringing the new service conductors to the meter?

Btw, this is the 2023 Nec



(B) Two to Six Service Disconnecting Means.

Two to six service disconnects shall be permitted for each service permitted by 230.2 or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5. The two to six service disconnecting means shall be permitted to consist of a combination of any of the following:
  • (1)
    Separate enclosures with a main service disconnecting means in each enclosure
  • (2)
    Panelboards with a main service disconnecting means in each panelboard enclosure
  • (3)
    Switchboard(s) where there is only one service disconnect in each separate vertical section with barriers provided between each vertical section to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from the adjacent section(s)
  • (4)
    Service disconnects in switchgear, transfer switches, or metering centers where each disconnect is located in a separate compartment
  • (5)
    Metering centers with a main service disconnecting means in each metering center
  • (6)
    Motor control center(s) where there is only one service disconnect in a motor control center unit and a maximum of two service disconnects provided in a single motor control center with barriers provided between each motor control center unit or compartment containing a service disconnect to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from adjacent motor control center unit(s) or compartment(s)

Exception to (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6):
Existing service equipment, installed in compliance with previous editions of this Code that permitted multiple service disconnecting means in a single enclosure, section, or compartment, shall be permitted to contain a maximum of six service disconnecting means.
Click to expand...
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

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Dennis Alwon said:
He may be correct. The exception does not mention 1)

Is this a feeder or are these service cables? Is the meter on the building thus bringing the new service conductors to the meter?

Btw, this is the 2023 Nec
Click to expand...
One is always compliant as there cannot be more than one disconnect in the enclosure.
The OPs installation would be (2). (3), or (4).
 
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anbm

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TX
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Dennis Alwon said:
He may be correct. The exception does not mention 1)

Is this a feeder or are these service cables? Is the meter on the building thus bringing the new service conductors to the meter?

Btw, this is the 2023 Nec
Click to expand...
The project is under NEC 2020.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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I agree with Don however you may mention that the code panel changed the section to have the exception in 2023. He may then realize that it shouldn't be required but don't count on it
 
Sierrasparky

Sierrasparky

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Dennis Alwon said:
He may be correct. The exception does not mention 1)

Is this a feeder or are these service cables? Is the meter on the building thus bringing the new service conductors to the meter?

Btw, this is the 2023 Nec
Click to expand...
Hi all,
Been a while since I have posted. I don't really get this new wording or intent of 230.71
What is the point of allowing up to six discos if they have to be in separate enclosures. I just got a quote for a six meter stack to replace a existing. The supply house gave me some monstrous panel that looked like six meter/main with a common bus. What gives. I don't get it. What is the purpose of this craziness.

Here in CA we are not on the 2020 NEC

Thanks for the help!
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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Sierrasparky said:
Hi all,
Been a while since I have posted. I don't really get this new wording or intent of 230.71
What is the point of allowing up to six discos if they have to be in separate enclosures. I just got a quote for a six meter stack to replace a existing. The supply house gave me some monstrous panel that looked like six meter/main with a common bus. What gives. I don't get it. What is the purpose of this craziness.

Here in CA we are not on the 2020 NEC

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

The idea is safety. When you have 6 separate enclosures, turning off the main will kill the busbar and anything else in the panel. The service conductors are covered with some plastic.

With 6 disconnects in one enclosure, there isn't a main, and when you work on the panel, the busbar is always hot. Believe I know, I slipped and shorted out the power company trany.
 
augie47

augie47

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Dennis Alwon said:
The idea is safety. When you have 6 separate enclosures, turning off the main will kill the busbar and anything else in the panel. The service conductors are covered with some plastic.

With 6 disconnects in one enclosure, there isn't a main, and when you work on the panel, the busbar is always hot. Believe I know, I slipped and shorted out the power company trany.
Click to expand...
That likely resulted in a change of underwear :)
 
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anbm

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Location
TX
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Designer
The existing swbd has (2) main CBs (red box), does the configuration meet code for separate vertical section for each main? The one on the right shares same its section with downstream CBs but it does not share same vertical section with 1st main CB on the left. Thanks.
 

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Sierrasparky

Sierrasparky

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Location
USA
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Electrician ,contractor
So how does this make better safety for a six stack meter box. Yes I know the dog house should not be there it will be removed. 20230724_134612.jpg
 
Sierrasparky

Sierrasparky

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Location
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Electrician ,contractor
don_resqcapt19 said:
T

That type of meter stack is not permitted under the 2020 code unless you have a main on the line side.
Click to expand...
I am sort of getting that, but I disagree as to the interpretation. Lets agree to disagree. However my question still stands. What is the purpose of this new wording of the code and how does it make things safer? Please note. That removing the covers expose live parts in this type of cabinet. The same goes for ones that only have a single breaker. If you pull the breaker there are live parts. Am I missing something?
 
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