Submitter: George Stolz, II, Pierce, CO
Recommendation: Delete this section and its subsections.
Substantiation: Currently, this section is unclear as to what the ?rating?requirement is referring to. Some view it as an addition of the ratings of thebreakers installed at the separate structure in the panel(s). Some view it as arating requirement for the enclosure itself. Some even view it as the rating forthe OCPD that is installed at the supply side at the originating building,protecting feeder conductors. In any case, it appears evident that the size ofconductors feeding the disconnecting means are truly what constitute thecapacity of the system, and those conductors are sized and installedindependent of the requirements laid out in this section. Given the requirement given in 225.36, it appears that the purpose of thisarea of Article 225 is geared towards the ease of future expansion: should aseparate structure at some point be supplied by a separate service, such animprovement would be made easier if the existing equipment were alreadysuitable for such use. The requirements of this area are a reflection of nearlyidentical requirements of Article 230. However, section 90.1(B) states that compliance with the NEC ?...will resultin an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarilyefficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion ofelectrical use.? There is no hazard that is prevented by this section, it appearsto exist solely for future expansion, which is explicitly outside the desiredscope of the NEC per 90.1. Further, if such an improvement is made to a structure at a later date, it isprobable that most if not all equipment supplying that structure will beremoved due to age or fundamental changes in the use of the building requiringgreater capacity. Given the rampant misunderstanding of the nature of thissection, if it is retained, the language should be clarified to reflect what exactcomponent of the system is to bear the ratings listed in (A) through (D).
Panel Meeting Action: RejectPanel Statement: The title of the section clearly states the ?Rating ofDisconnect?. Simply stated, this is the minimum ampacity rating of thedisconnecting means regardless of type. The fact that it is service rated doesnot establish an ampacity rating. Future expansion has nothing to do with thisrequirement