damp wet location Panel install

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georgeswe

georgeswe

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The Republic of Southern California
Hi guys I need help I installed a new Nema 3R Disconnect and a Nema 3R Panel next to a existing Nema 3R meter panel. We used the bottom KO's which are about 3" from the bottom of each enclosure to connect from the meter section to the disconnect to the panelwe used 2 1/2" thru thread and had a lock nut on each side. we also had a few penetrations from the top of the panel and used Myers hubs. My inspector is telling us that we need to put myers hubs on the penetrations on between the panel disconnect and meter section. I asked this last week and someone gave me this :

312.2 Damp, Wet, or Hazardous (Classified) Locations
(A) Damp and Wet Locations In damp or wet locations, surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least 6-mm ( 1/ 4-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations, raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.

I found this code but cannot find the part that talks about if we come in above the level where there are unisulated parts that we need to use a wet location fitting.

If im made to chage to myers hubs I will basically have to redo all the work.
I have never had an issue but now I have to present it to the inspector and I need the code thats talks about the area you enter below uninsulated parts.

Please Help !!!!
 
Hi George, I read your post and it seems that you answered your own question, You stated it when you mentioned 312.2(A)

Quote
Enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations, raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.

Now not to steal your thread I also have a question on this part,

and shall be mounted so there is at least 6-mm ( 1/ 4-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface.

We use siding blocks on vinyl siding to mount our service meter to, reading this there's not a 1/4" space between the block and the meter, this is common practice in my area, any opinions?
 
georgeswe said:
If im made to chage to myers hubs I will basically have to redo all the work.
Click to expand...

How about a sealing locknut?
fig120.jpg
 
wireman3736 said:
We use siding blocks on vinyl siding to mount our service meter to, reading this there's not a 1/4" space between the block and the meter, this is common practice in my area, any opinions?
Click to expand...
Most 3R enclosures have dimples embossed around the mounting holes that provide the required spacing.
 
I have a 202 NEC code book and I cannot find this passage in the 312.2


"raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations."


I like the Lock Nut never seen one before.

Only problem is I'd still have to tear everythign apart to install one (
 
wireman3736 said:
I went down in the basement earlier and the dimples are only about 1/8-3/16"
Click to expand...
You may well be correct, and might need to add washers as standoffs outdoors to comply, but is the panel you have in the basement an outdoor-rated one?
 
Well the panels are in a wash bay in a car dealership

I have seen ppl say it many times in their threads Where can I find the sentance in the code book about that if I come into a wet location panel below any exposed bussing I do not have to use wet loaction connectors.

?????
 
LarryFine said:
You may well be correct, and might need to add washers as standoffs outdoors to comply, but is the panel you have in the basement an outdoor-rated one?
Click to expand...

One is a new 100 amp milbank meter socket NEMA 3R and the other is a new sq d 100 amp 4 position outdoor panel NEMA 3R that I have on the shelve, I have never heard of anyone having a problem with an inspector so I guess it's ok. Unless the AHJ is out to get you.:) :)
 
As others have said you installation is code compliant as long as your nipple is below the live parts. I agree with Larry the integral spacers should be fine for the required standoff.
 
someone pklease shoot me !!!

I am home hehe

I was looking at my 2002 NEC hand book was asking about the passage that states that if you enter above any unisulated parts you must use connectors rated for wet location. WHJICH IS NOT IN THE 2002 NEC. That Passage was added to the 2005 NEC. Which I baught yesterday and it has the passage that will help me show the inspector.

the question I was asking was what yr codebook you guys were looking in.
Cuz I was reading that section in my book over and over agiain and I could not find it

But it is in the 2005 book.

THX
 
Bang!

No, I'm sure you're incorrect. It's been around for years, and I've never even seen an '05 NEC. Standby and I'll check.

"Ah'll be bahk!" ~ Ahnold S., many times.
 
georgeswe said:
someone pklease shoot me !!!

I am home hehe

I was looking at my 2002 NEC hand book was asking about the passage that states that if you enter above any unisulated parts you must use connectors rated for wet location. WHJICH IS NOT IN THE 2002 NEC. That Passage was added to the 2005 NEC. Which I baught yesterday and it has the passage that will help me show the inspector.

the question I was asking was what yr codebook you guys were looking in.
Cuz I was reading that section in my book over and over agiain and I could not find it

But it is in the 2005 book.






THX
Click to expand...

You are correct. The last sentence was added to the 2005 NEC.

312.2(A) Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations, surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least 6-mm (?-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations, raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.
Click to expand...
 
312.2

312.2

I read the requirements of 312.2 requiring the 1/4" clearance, if using a piece or 3/4" plywood, is it required or should it be pressue treated for the weather. I'm going to install a 320a meter/main combo on the side of a barn.
 
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Hey, Hillbilly, anyone home with you? I have completely devoured the NEC to find where type RNC (PVC) fittings are NOT approved for wet locations! I have yet to find one. The AHJ here is telling me that you won't find it in the NEC, but in the Underwriter's Laboratory White Book. I have asked for one to be sent by the UL, but have yet to get it. They have it in CD form. But in the meantime, can you tell me where in the NEC it says that RNC is not approved to be used per Article 312.2? I don't think you can prove it. Thanks!
 
sparks 2007 said:
Hey, Hillbilly, anyone home with you? I have completely devoured the NEC to find where type RNC (PVC) fittings are NOT approved for wet locations! I have yet to find one. The AHJ here is telling me that you won't find it in the NEC, but in the Underwriter's Laboratory White Book. I have asked for one to be sent by the UL, but have yet to get it. They have it in CD form. But in the meantime, can you tell me where in the NEC it says that RNC is not approved to be used per Article 312.2? I don't think you can prove it. Thanks!
Click to expand...

No, just me and the dogs (and chickens)....thanks for asking.

352.2 Definition ....Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC)
"A non-metallic raceway......with intergal or associated couplings, connectors and fittings..."

352.10(D) says that "RNC SHALL BE PERMITTED in portions of dairies, laundries, canneries, OR OTHER WET LOCATIONS".....other wet locations means any wet location to me, so (IMO) he can't turn you down just because it's in a wet environment.

352.10(F) says that RNC shall be permitted for exposed work where NOT SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE if identified for such use.
I don't know of any exposed location where the conduit wouldn't be exposed to physical damage, so I guess the AHJ can use that to turn the installation down if he wants to be a PITA.
The code doesn't give any degrees of exposure to damage, so I guess it covers them all....airplane crash?....kid with a hammer?.....car wreck?...etc.

352.12(C) says (again) that RNC shall not be used "WHERE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE".
It's a judgement call and the inspector's judgement will be right...
If he (or she) wants to push the issue, IMO you don't have a argument.
Another little "gray area" in the code.
Just my opinion
steve
 
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