Field made conduit entry into load center

[voltairzap]

We got turned down for a service change where we made our own conduit entry into a load center.
the factory KOs are almost always the wrong size or wrong location.
We punched out an entry hole for 1 1/2" conduit on the bottom of the load center, ignoring the wrongly placed and sized KOs.
the inspector says this violated the UL listing of the load center.
this may be correct. But it has been our common practice for decades, considering that we all have punches or hole cutters.
Is there any Code requirement that addresses this?

 

[electrofelon]

We got turned down for a service change where we made our own conduit entry into a load center.
the factory KOs are almost always the wrong size or wrong location.
We punched out an entry hole for 1 1/2" conduit on the bottom of the load center, ignoring the wrongly placed and sized KOs.
the inspector says this violated the UL listing of the load center.
this may be correct. But it has been our common practice for decades, considering that we all have punches or hole cutters.
Is there any Code requirement that addresses this?

The inspector is out of his mind. Note there is no such thing as "violating a listing".

 

[electrofelon]

Ask him how we are supposed to use true panel board cabinets that don't come with any KO's

 

[infinity]

Is there any Code requirement that addresses this?

Not in the NEC but California might have their own rules. There is no listing violation created by making your own hole in a cabinet. Many cabinets come without any factory KO's. Was this inspector ever an electrician?

When you have a minute please update your location and occupation in your profile.
Thanks.

 

[LarryFine]

Was this inspector ever an electrician?

That should be a requirement!

 

[electrofelon]

ITs also worth noting that cabinets are not even required to be listed. You could make your own as long as you comply with part II of 312.

 

[roger]

Yep, the inspector is nuts.

 

[voltairzap]

Ask him how we are supposed to use true panel board cabinets that don't come with any KO's

He is OK with field penetrations in a panelboard without factory KOs.

 

[infinity]

He is OK with field penetrations in a panelboard without factory KOs.

So what then is the difference? A field cut KO in a cabinet is a KO. It does not matter if the cabinet comes with KO's or not.

 

[roger]

He is OK with field penetrations in a panelboard without factory KOs.

Why one and not another? Yep, he's definitely nuts. Does he want factory bends on conduit runs?

 

[voltairzap]

Why one and not another? Yep, he's definitely nuts. Does he want factory bends on conduit runs?

 

[jim dungar]

He is OK with field penetrations in a panelboard without factory KOs.

Does your field cut opening overlap or completely replace the factory knockouts?

 

[voltairzap]

i don't want to suggest that.

 

[infinity]

Obviously this is inspector isn't going to admit a mistake so it's probably time to go over his head to a supervisor.

 

[voltairzap]

Does your field cut opening overlap or completely replace the factory knockouts?

The field cut overlaps the factory KOs. The factory KOs are always the wrong size and in the wrong place.
I understand his concern with the locknuts might not seat against the lower side of the can.
Both locknuts are hard tightened.
there is a hub on one end of the nipple and a grounding bushing on the other with a ground wire connecting both enclosures.
We contacted General Electric (now ABB). They only have approval for the factory KOs, with no mention of field penetrations.
His suggestion is a UL approved third party inspection.

 

[voltairzap]

Obviously this is inspector isn't going to admit a mistake so it's probably time to go over his head to a supervisor.

This is a small town. He is the supervisor.

 

[electrofelon]

I would be curious what code section he would cite. The most valid code section would be 110.2 which honestly is just an absolutely horrible code section because it gives an ahj/inspector authority to basically do disapprove of pretty much anything they want.

 

[infinity]

The field cut overlaps the factory KOs. The factory KOs are always the wrong size and in the wrong place.
I understand his concern with the locknuts might not seat against the lower side of the can

What does this mean? Half of a factory KO is still intact? So what's the issue not a good enough bonding surface? If so then just add a bonding bushing.

 

[electrofelon]

What does this mean? Half of a factory KO is still intact? So what's the issue not a good enough bonding surface? If so then just add a bonding bushing.

I usually use reducing washers when this happens, to cover the remaining ko. Another option is to bolt on a 4S cover and punch it out.

 

[tortuga]

I agree with the others however I have been failed in the past for making custom K/O's for service conductors with too tight of a bend in the wires, it was not the K/O it was wire bending space at the main breaker, when I asked the inspector the cited code section was 312.6.
Basically I failed to consider wire bending space when I made the custom KO.
Another time I had a an issue was a NEMA 4X, they did not allow a KO in the top.
As long as wire bending space is met make holes as needed.