Electrical Panels tapped ahead of main service disconnect switch

[Benihana]

Is there a section in the code that explicitly states if electrical panels can be tapped ahead of the buildings service disconnect switch?

Also, if this is allowed, are there any special considerations for how the panels should be wired? Does them being tapped ahead of the service disconnect switch have any impact on wiring the ground or neutrals? I'm mostly wondering if a neutral-ground bond is needed at these panels, or if the same rule of having the neutral-ground bond only at the service disconnect still applies.

Thanks!

 

[jaggedben]

Is there a section in the code that explicitly states if electrical panels can be tapped ahead of the buildings service disconnect switch?

See 230.82 and 230.40 Exception 2. Generally up to 6 service disconnects are allowed except for special items.

Also, if this is allowed, are there any special considerations for how the panels should be wired? Does them being tapped ahead of the service disconnect switch have any impact on wiring the ground or neutrals? I'm mostly wondering if a neutral-ground bond is needed at these panels, or if the same rule of having the neutral-ground bond only at the service disconnect still applies.

If the additional 'panels' are for ordinary loads then they are additional service disconnects. Each must have a neutral-to-ground bond (Main Bonding Jumper). See 250.24 and 250.92.

 

[infinity]

Also, if this is allowed, are there any special considerations for how the panels should be wired? Does them being tapped ahead of the service disconnect switch have any impact on wiring the ground or neutrals?

Basically if you had a single service disconnect and you "tapped" the service conductors ahead of that disconnect you would just end up with two service disconnects. Each would be wired the same regarding the GEC's and main bonding jumper. Also we use the word "tap" but they are not tap conductors under 240.21(B). These "tap" conductors are not feeder taps as they are ahead of the service disconnect since there are no feeders those 10' and 25' tap rules do not apply.

 

[kwired]

with multiple service disconnecting means conductor ampacity rules also change a little.

A conductor supplying a single disconnecting means needs ampacity that corresponds to the overcurrent protection at the disconnecting means.
If a conductor supplies multiple service disconnecting means, it only needs minimum ampacity equal or greater than calculated load regardless what the sum of overcurrent protection may be.