Code Violation?

[iwire]

Bob,

Your answers seem to be based on "I don't like it".

Your right I don't like it.

I have also provided code references to back that dislike up with violations.

IMO, 408.3 only applies to equipment used on polyphase systems.

That is not what is says.

It says....

....."The phase arrangement on 3-phase buses shall be "....

It does not say "panels supplied with polyphase system".

IMO If the panel ships with 3 phase buses that section applies

]All I ever said was to check with the manufacturer not just assume based on appearances.

I am not assuming anything based on experience I am saying we must follow the listing and labeling provided.

According to the Square D FAQs:
Question: Can we make a 120 volt only NQOD panelboard?

Answer: We can make a 120 volt only panelboard as a special. It can be main lug or main breaker type providing that a 1 pole breaker is available for use in the application. The bus bars in a 1 phase NQOD interior will be jumpered to create one continuous bus.

The key there is they can make one they did not say to make one in the field. I don't imagine they do much other than placing a jumper in and re-tagging the equipment for it's new use.

Truly I just don't understand your resistance to this, it seems very clearly a 110.3(B) issue.

If this is not, what is?

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Bob,

No one will dispute that you are very knowledgeable on the code and good electrical practices. Let's just set the code verbiage aside for a second and ask, what is dangerous about installing the jumpers in the field?

Are we electricians so incompetent that we cannot do in the field what "they" can do in a manufacturing shop with robots or robotic type workers (you know, those that cannot or will not think)?

 

[LarryFine]

It says....

....."The phase arrangement on 3-phase buses shall be "....

It does not say "panels supplied with polyphase system".

IMO If the panel ships with 3 phase buses that section applies

One could argue that it's not having three buses that mnakes a 3-phase panel, but having three buses being supplied by 3-phase power.

 

[e57]

"This application was installed on a US military base in Iraq. Being a QA/QC inspector we are required to inspect everything and ensure that the installations are per the NEC."

This installaion does not fall under the NEC, for one it its a miltiary base (NEC not adopted - BUT often followed) and what is reffered to as "Field Expediant", on a foriegn (Disposable) Base. And then only if done by Military personel! However, if it were done here, it would be hack work, or if Halliburton, KBR, and our many other money pit companies, it might violate some contract agreement.

Either way, it is not a safety issue, unless the rest of the work crappy, just think, "No lost neutral". So in one way, its safer...

 

[steve66]

This is common practice in the trailer park I live in. All the hook-ups are 120v. So, when ever a new trailer comes in they put jumpers between the phase lugs. Nobody is allowed to have 240v appliances because each lot is limited to 40A. The whole park (85 units) runs off one meter and service panel.

That would be a different set of violations. See 230.79 (C) for example.

Steve

 

[steve66]

Bob:

I'm still undecided on this issue, but have two things to add:

1) You left off the last sentance of 408.4(E):

"Other busbar arrangements shall be permitted for additions to existing installations, and shall be marked."

I'm not sure it applies, in this case, though.

2) One other thing to consider; If a panelboard is marked 208/120V 3 Phase, 4 wire, is it a violation to install it without a neutral wire in the feeder?

If not, can we call that code compliant, yet a call the three phase panel wired as single phase a violation? They seem to be very similar.

Steve

 

[jim dungar]

Truly I just don't understand your resistance to this, it seems very clearly a 110.3(B) issue.

If this is not, what is?

Bob,

In my mind:
Clear violations include; installing indoor rated equipment outdoor
Possible violations include; applying equipment labeled for AC on DC systems (many manufacturers have self-certification rather than UL listings)

Now in your opinion what about, a panel labeled for both 120/240V 3-wire single phase and 240V 3-wire three phase, grounded B. Is it a clear violation of 110.3(B) to connect this to a 240V 2-wire single phase supply?


In the case of the OP, if the jumpering was field installed in a Square D panel then it is clearly a violation of 110.3(B) based on the FAQ I quoted. However if the panel was from a different manufacturer I cannot make the same statement.