DISCONNECT SWITCH SIDE CLEARANCE

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BOB TINI

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PHILADELPHIA
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RETIRED ARCHITECT
CAN YOU INSTALL AN INTERIOR 200A FUSED DISCONNECT SWITCH BETWEEN 2x6 STUDS 16"O.C. ?
IF SO , IS THERE A MIN. CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE DS AND THE STUDS?
THIS IS FOR POINT OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICE ENTRY AND HELPS ELIMINATE SE CABLE OR CONDUIT BEING RUN ON THE FRONT WALL OF THE RESIDENCE SO THAT THE SE CABLE CONTINUES DOWN TO THE PANELBOARD THROUGH THE INTERIOR .
ALL OTHER WORKING SPACE CLEARANCES IN FRONT OF THE DS ARE COMPLIANT.
 
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Many areas have amendments to this part of the code. The nec states that a disconnect must be installed as near as possible to the point of entry of the service conductors. Some areas use an actual footage like 10' for example.

BTW, please turn off cap locks. Thanks
 
How does the disconnect connect to the meter? Most jurisdictions will not allow the unprotected (no OCPD) service entrance conductors to be run concealed in the wall. The feeder from the load side of the disconnect is permitted in the wall.
 
The cable will run through the walls from DS to the meter socket outside then back inside to the panel board. If conduit is needed, that’s ok. Can DS go between the studs is the immediate issue.
 
The disconnect switch recessed in the wall is not an issue unless someone says that it's not designed and listed to be recessed. The cable or conduit buried in the wall would be a problem.
 
If you can locate the DS directly behind the meter on the inside (back to back) so that you can connect the two with a short galvanized nipple that would be OK. Otherwise you cannot bury the cable from the meter to the DS in any wall, even if in conduit.

The reason is that if there is a short, like if a nail is driven through the cable, lightning melting the insulation, etc. you are at the mercy of what will burn free to interrupt the current. This is because there is no breaker or overcurrent protection between the DS line side and the transformer out on the street. So you don't want any of that unfused wiring (or meter) that can burn up inside the building.

-Hal
 
How are you planning to mount this disconnect between the studs and how will it be finished? Is it going to stick out from the wall so that the door can swing open and that the lever handle can still operate? Sounds like the best you can is make it semi-recessed.
 
infinity said:
How are you planning to mount this disconnect between the studs and how will it be finished? Is it going to stick out from the wall so that the door can swing open and that the lever handle can still operate? Sounds like the best you can is make it semi-recessed.
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This is a fused DS by SEIMENS. There is no handle on the side. It will only stick out enough to swing the door open, about 1”past the drywall.
But if concealed conduit or cable can’t be used to get from DS to the meter at the floor below, then this is a dead issue. Thanks for your input.
 
BOB TINI said:
This is a fused DS by SEIMENS. There is no handle on the side. It will only stick out enough to swing the door open, about 1”past the drywall.
But if concealed conduit or cable can’t be used to get from DS to the meter at the floor below, then this is a dead issue. Thanks for your input.
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You would need to enter directly into the back of the DS from the meter as hbiss suggested or run a raceway on the outside and then enter straight into the DS.
 
hbiss said:
Well, he could use a meter/main combo on the outside. Then he could run SER from it inside all he wants to wherever the panel is. Gonna have to do that anyway once the 2020 Code gets around.

-Hal
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I agree I'm guessing that there is a specific reason why they want a recessed fused disconnect on the inside.
 
infinity said:
The disconnect switch recessed in the wall is not an issue unless someone says that it's not designed and listed to be recessed. The cable or conduit buried in the wall would be a problem.
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Who has the burden of proof on this particular product listing? I would think the default assumption is that a piece of equipment designed for flush-mount cannot be recessed, and the installer/manufacturer has the burden of proof to show that it is listed for the application of recessing it in wall framing.
 
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Carultch said:
Who has the burden of proof on this particular product listing? I would think the default assumption is that a piece of equipment cannot be recessed, and the installer has the burden of proof to show that it is listed for the application of recessing it.
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Good question, I only mentioned it because I don't know the answer. If someone came along and said that DS is not listed to be recessed they might be correct. I've seen many circuit breaker enclosures recessed in the wall.
 
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