Does the 6 switch rule apply ?

[goldstar]

The building is supplied with a 400 amp, 120/208, 3-phase service. The service enters the building into a disconnect switch and then down into a trough where it feeds 3 CT cabinets (the trough is a standard screw cover trough with no means of locking). The first cabinet has a demand rate meter and the other two don't. As far as I can tell it appears that the first occupants were metered and the other two CT cabinets were provided in anticipation of new tenants. Over the years, whoever the electrical contractors were provided power for the new tenants and set up their equipment in sections provided above the two spare CT cabinets.

The above is an excerpt from my post regarding the theft of electricity. As indicated there is a main (fused) disconnect ahead of all meters in this commercial building. 100 amp breaker panels ( that soon will be metered) that are currently installed downstream of this disconnect switch are all main lug panels. Once the metering problem is corrected (in your opinion) will these panels have to be converted to main breaker panels or will the main disconnect be considered an acceptable disconnect means for all panels ? Thanks in advance.

Phil,
Gold Star Electric

 

[hurk27]

Re: Does the 6 switch rule apply ?

230.70 General.
Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the service-entrance conductors.

(A)(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.

The disconect is in the service-entrance conductors and is readly accessable. It meets both of the above requirments then it should be ok.

It does not matter if it is before or after the metering (this is a POCO call) 230.82 stated that meters are permitted to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means. Not required.

FYI: service entrance conductors start at the end of the service drop(overhead) or latterals (underground).

[ February 02, 2004, 06:47 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]

 

[goldstar]

Re: Does the 6 switch rule apply ?

Thanks Wayne. Appreciate your input.