680.25 (NFPA-70 2005

[gae111]

Are the wiring methods described in 680.25 to be used ahead of the main switch ? There are some inspectors in my area who are interpreting 680.25 to apply to the service equipment including the conductors from the service drop to the meter pan. I put this question to one inspector: "If I was wiring a new house with a swimming pool which had a 200 Amp overhead service you would not pass the job if I used 4/0 Aluminum, SEU cable to a 200 amp meter pan whether the meter pan has a main or not, his answer - No it would not pass.

So the issue seems to be that if your revamping the service or it's a new service with a pool, you can not use SEU or SER (do to the uninsulated grounded and/or grounding conductor) anywhere between the utilities connection and the main disconnect.

There is no issue with 680.25 beyond the main disconnect, only only up to it.
If the inspectors are correct, I don't see the reasoning behind it. Are the power companies going to have to use an insulated messenger wire? It's my belief that the requirement of 680.25 should start where the neutral is grounded at the main disconnect.

What do you think?

 

[curt swartz]

It sounds like this inspector needs to learn how to read or learn the difference between service conductors and feeder conductors. The requirements are clearly for FEEDER conductors. No where does it say SERVICE conductors.