Do I need an identification plate? (NEC + WAC)

[electrofelon]

I have a class 320 meter mounted outside on a post. 4/0 copper Service entrance conductors from meter to a J-box in the single family dwelling where they are tapped to a 100 amp disconnect and a 200 amp disconnect. Taps are sized to 310.15(B)(6), the 4/0 is sized for the load per NEC 230.90(A) ex 3. I am wondering if I need any sort of identification plate for the following two possible reasons:

1) I have two disconnects. I know in say a duplex where the discos are not grouped, each one needs a plate indicating where the other discos in the structure are, but since mine are about 4 feet apart would this not apply?

2) WAC 296-46B-230-042 (This one is for any washington state people):

"If the service conductors have a lesser ampacity than the overcurrent protection or the equipment rating that they terminate in or on, an identification plate showing the ampacity of the conductors must be installed on the service equipment"

Does this apply in my situation? The ampacity of my service entrance conductors prior to the taps is greater than either individual breaker but less than the combined rating

Thanks in advance!

 

[benaround]

Re: Do I need an identification plate? (NEC + WAC)

Electrofelon,

I would say your good as is. NEC that is.

WAC I don't know.

[ March 01, 2006, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: benaround ]

 

[suemarkp]

Re: Do I need an identification plate? (NEC + WAC)

Don't give me any more authority than the next guy, even though I'm from Washington, as I'm just guessing here. In reading the words and assessing the intent, I think it would be a good idea to place a warning sign. Your service conductors are rated for 250A, and you have the potential of using 300A if no one performs a service calc.

I pondered the same thing when I did my 400A service with two 200A panels, but I installed conductors for 400A so it wasn't an issue.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Do I need an identification plate? (NEC + WAC)

electrofelon
I don't think you need identification plate. The ID plate is where you do a load calc and the load is 501 ampers and you round up to the next standard size, or 600 amperes. You have a 501 ampere service, not 600 amperes. This a good WAC rule.
The WAC is washington states changes to the NEC.
I have had one person out of hundreds in my classes who has gotten a violation for no lable plate. Its required in 15 locations in the WAC, but not enforced.

I like the WAC rule that requires an orange id plate for art 700 emergency systems. This has been in the WAC since 2003 and is not well known