renosteinke
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Arkansas
Re: Dry types on the roof
We're kind of missing the point, aren't we? NEC requires equipment to be suitable for the environemnt in which it is installed. Things like "Nema 3R" mean little if you have requirements that aren't part of the Nema-3R tests.
Nema-3R enclosures pass two tests: the 1/4" solid rod test (can't contact live parts, from Nema-1), and simulated wind-blown rain not accumulating within the enclosure. There is nothing regarding birds, rodents, snow, or corrosion in the -3R criteria.
Here in Reno, Nems-3R provides great corrosion protection. In downtown Chicago, there is enough ozone and acid in the air that galvanized metal has a limited life. Near the steel mills, even stainless pitts. Badly.
Therefore, it is entirely possible that you will have to take additional steps to meet the environment. I have had to go so far as to use non-UL-listed materials, where there were no listed product made (stainless plbg pipe in place of RMC)
And, there is no shortage of stainless disconnects out there!
We're kind of missing the point, aren't we? NEC requires equipment to be suitable for the environemnt in which it is installed. Things like "Nema 3R" mean little if you have requirements that aren't part of the Nema-3R tests.
Nema-3R enclosures pass two tests: the 1/4" solid rod test (can't contact live parts, from Nema-1), and simulated wind-blown rain not accumulating within the enclosure. There is nothing regarding birds, rodents, snow, or corrosion in the -3R criteria.
Here in Reno, Nems-3R provides great corrosion protection. In downtown Chicago, there is enough ozone and acid in the air that galvanized metal has a limited life. Near the steel mills, even stainless pitts. Badly.
Therefore, it is entirely possible that you will have to take additional steps to meet the environment. I have had to go so far as to use non-UL-listed materials, where there were no listed product made (stainless plbg pipe in place of RMC)
And, there is no shortage of stainless disconnects out there!
