grouped disconnects

[cselectric]

Let me lay out the situation before I ask the question. Hopefully I cover all of the bases.

I have a commercial project inwhich we divided a single story building into two seperate spaces. The spaces are divided by a full height, fire rated wall with no openings between the units. The service is 200Amp, overhead. Duplex meter module with no mains. From the meters we piped through the wall to a main breaker panel in each space (both pipe runs are less than 6' into the building.)

The inspector dinged us on the service. His contention is that the mains are on the panels, which are located in different units, therefore it is a violation of 230.72(A)

My contention is that, based on the definition of the word "building" contained in Art. 100, that this site is two seperate buildings (based on the full height fire wall) thus 230.72(A) deos not apply.

Just wondering how others viewed this issue, how some of the inspectors here would call it, and most importantly, wether or not I'm overlooking anything on this one.

 

[bennie]

Re: grouped disconnects

Did You pull two permits? I agree with your call on this, but it could become a problem if the inspector is determined to prevail. You may file an appeal to a building official of higher horse power.

Good luck

Bennie

 

[charlie]

Re: grouped disconnects

Did he ask for documentation? On the IPL system, we require some sort of documentation. This is from our Electric Service and Meter Manual:

"190 AREA SEPARATION (FIRE) WALLS
If a structure is required to have an area separation (fire) wall for more than one point of service, a note similar to the following shall be placed on a drawing, or a letter in the case of an existing building, by the architect or engineer and the drawing or letter shall have his/her seal affixed.

This is an area separation wall, as required by the State of Indiana, for the purpose of multiple points of electrical service.

A letter from the authority having jurisdiction i.e.: the local electrical inspector, to allow multiple services would be acceptable, in lieu of the note."

 

[inspector 102]

Re: grouped disconnects

I would first question if this is 2 separate services or simply one service split into 2 tenant spaces. If there is only one service drop from the utility, then only one service exists and should have disconnects grouped together. 230.71 states that no more than 6 set per service are allowed. Defining the service would be the question here. I would probly say this would be a violation.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: grouped disconnects

I believe you meet the intent of the NEC. This is just heresay, but I believe the intent of the code is that a fire-fighter should be able to shut down the building in less than 7 movements of the hand. If you have an IBC building the fire wall you speak of must be constructed so the wall remains in tact and standing with a total collapse of either building. This is no small feat.

With the level of protection a fire wall gives (not a fire barrier, not a fire partition, but an actual fire wall), I see no danger here.

 

[bennie]

Re: grouped disconnects

The maximum of 6 disconnects is to keep power on, not turn it off. If the switches were for emergency use there would only be one.

The fact power can be turned off is secondary to continuity of service.

There is no official standard that states the switches are for the use of the fireman. If anyone knows of one please tell me.

The "six operations of the hand" is a poorly written statement to explain the function of a tie handle on single pole switches.

Opening the breakers only dumps the power from the service. The service is still active.

[ September 26, 2003, 11:47 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: grouped disconnects

Exception #1 to 230.4o permits each occupancy to have a set of service entrance conductors fed from a common service drop or lateral. 230.71(A) permits each set of service conductors to have 1 to 6 disconnects. 230.70(A)(1) requires that these disconnects be located "nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors". There is no code requirement that the disconnects for each of the sets of service entrance conductors be grouped with the disconnects for the other sets of service entrance conductors. The only requirement is that the 2 to 6 disconnects permitted for a single set of service entrance conductors be grouped with the other disconnects for that set of service entrance conductors.
Don