Main Shut Off

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pudge565

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USA
I think that in the 2011 NEC they should make that you have to install a main disconnect on the outside of the structure near the meter. The reason being that if there were to be a fire the firefighters wouldnt have to wait for the POCO to come out a nd pull the meter.
 
I am not aware of any fire department that waits for the power company before fighting a fire. However you should submit a proposal for the 2011 code. There is a form in the back of your code book.
 
I'm not a firefighter but I would think they have enough knowledge to pull the meter if they deem it necessary.
 
Tom,
In my opinion there is much more danger in pulling the meter live than there is fighting the fire with the power on.
 
peter d said:
If I'm not mistaken, don't the western states already require outdoor main disconnects?


Around here the disco is required for services above 250 volts.
 
we typically shut off the main at the panel if possible, if the fire is big enough the service drop burns off the house anyway and power in the structure is not an issue. I have pulled meters, but that is not the norm.

The only time we wait for the PoCo is for a transformer fire.
 
You might have noted that the same company that makes most of the electrician's dielectric overshoes also makes most of the fireman's boots. -Servus.
 
This is really an issue for fire code enforcement, as far as the electrical code is concerned, it is mainly intended for safe operation and reducing the potential for a fire.
 
I'm closing this topic.

This particular forum is not intended for simply expressing opinions. See !!! Read This Before Creating An OP To This Forum !!! (the second topic in th forum)

If you are planning to actually make a Proposal, observe the format.

RBA Note: There was nothing wrong with the subject matter; we just don't want to accept non-conforming OPs this early with the new instuctions in force.
 
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