nhlavsfan67
Member
Yesterday I walked a job for an upcoming remodel. This building has a 120/240V Delta 3 phase service. There are 6 panels all with 200A MB. All but one of these panels are 3 phase panels.
All 3 phase panels have 2 and 3 pole breakers installed. All of these breakers are slant rated 120/240. The panels them selves are standard QOC Sq D Loadcenters.
My interpretation of 240.85 would mean this is a code violation. If I am correct, why are so many people in violation of the code, and why are inspectors not enforcing it. At least not around here.
In search of this topic last night I came across the Green Wire for Traffic Light GO signal topic. In this conversation Lawn Guy stated although the traffic signal community does not recognize and therefore does not meet or exceed the NEC codes, who cares as long as only 1 in 3,000,000 people are injured. (sorry, I think this was the right #).
Point being In Houston Texas I could could show you thousands of services with "3 phase panels for 3 phase loads" and "single phase panels for single phase loads" but both panels using the same breaker types. No one or thing has been hurt that I know of because of these installations, and yet I can see were (if Im understanding the code correctly) breakers installed on the wrong voltage pose a serious risk to property and personnel.
So now I ask, do I expect my customer to pay me to replace or rework his service? This would add considerable cost obviously. This is a competitive bid project, but the service was not intended to be reworked. If I try to inform the customer of the danger involved with the existing conditions, and someone else, and or the AJH disagrees with my position and the project is completed with no service changes, I would look pretty stupid.
So am I all wrong about 240.85? If not how would you handle this situation.
Why do single pole breakers have a 120/240V rating? Does this imply they are tested at 240V?
All 3 phase panels have 2 and 3 pole breakers installed. All of these breakers are slant rated 120/240. The panels them selves are standard QOC Sq D Loadcenters.
My interpretation of 240.85 would mean this is a code violation. If I am correct, why are so many people in violation of the code, and why are inspectors not enforcing it. At least not around here.
In search of this topic last night I came across the Green Wire for Traffic Light GO signal topic. In this conversation Lawn Guy stated although the traffic signal community does not recognize and therefore does not meet or exceed the NEC codes, who cares as long as only 1 in 3,000,000 people are injured. (sorry, I think this was the right #).
Point being In Houston Texas I could could show you thousands of services with "3 phase panels for 3 phase loads" and "single phase panels for single phase loads" but both panels using the same breaker types. No one or thing has been hurt that I know of because of these installations, and yet I can see were (if Im understanding the code correctly) breakers installed on the wrong voltage pose a serious risk to property and personnel.
So now I ask, do I expect my customer to pay me to replace or rework his service? This would add considerable cost obviously. This is a competitive bid project, but the service was not intended to be reworked. If I try to inform the customer of the danger involved with the existing conditions, and someone else, and or the AJH disagrees with my position and the project is completed with no service changes, I would look pretty stupid.
So am I all wrong about 240.85? If not how would you handle this situation.
Why do single pole breakers have a 120/240V rating? Does this imply they are tested at 240V?
