commercial service entrance distance

[jaykool]

For commercial service, is it acceptable to run 20' of rigid conduit inside building to the main disconnect? Typical practice is not more than 3'? Cannot locate in code book, please help.

 

[celtic]

230.70

Key language is "(1) Readily Accessible Location.
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors."


What the "nearest point" is ..is usually left to interpretation.
You stated typical is 3' ...I wouldn't venture further than that least the dreaded red sticker appear.

 

[jaykool]

even if the wires are in galvanized rigid conduit?

 

[BryanMD]

even if the wires are in galvanized rigid conduit?

If it is really impractical to terminate short of that 20 feet you may be able to encase the run in concrete... but this will probably require a PE and about 5 meetings with the AHJ and POCO engineers as well.

 

[celtic]

even if the wires are in galvanized rigid conduit?

...even if.


The NEC makes no distinction on resi., comm., or even industrial services in regards to 230.70.

Your saving grace may be the AHJ/EI.
In my own home, the EI has "allowed" me to enter appx. 8' of unprotected service entrance conductors "provided I use RMC" ~ over kill for resi., but that's where I want my panel and that's the price we agreed upon to allow it.

The issue is the "unprotected conductors".
RMC does not protect the conductor from any over current or shorts ~ only an OCPD can do that.

 

[Rewire]

Our AHJ allows 0 ft unless you are back to back the disconnect goes outside

 

[raider1]

Take a look at 230.6 for when conductors are considered outside the building.

Chris