Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rdw

New member
This question was brought to my attention by an inspector in my area regarding the length of unfused load wire feeding a main panel in a single family dewelling. This question has not yet been answered by the inspector nor by the chief inspector in our area. I would like to know if there is a specified maximum length of load wire to feed any main panel directly from the meter base.

Thank You,

RDW
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Not in the NEC but many local codes restrict the length and wiring method, I have heard distance limits of 3, 5 and 15 ft. Check your local state or city codes...
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

5 here then a disconnect is required.
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

230.70(A)(1)
Actually states 'either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors'.

The jurisdictions that permit 15 or more feet of SE inside the building before a disconnect in my opinion are not doing anyone a favor permitting that.

Pierre
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Chicago code states the main disconnect must be within 5 feet of the service entrance. You could put the meter on one side of the house and pipe all the way around the other side on the outside of the house. As long as the disconnect is within 5 feet of where the pipe enters, so no length on service entrance conductors is ever stated.
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Wow, here's an eye opener. I have always heard and been taught it was 5' also, but never actually looked it up. I've even been forced to move box a mere 12" for exceeding that by AHJ because as he said "NEC code requirement". Now you tell me it's not even there! This is in area with no additional electrical codes of it's own. I do however agree as close as possible is best anyway.
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Bryan if you are talking about the uniformed code.Not here.Pasco county has sent their addendums to us requiring appliance use only stickers on all single non gfci receps in garages,
Uncover uffer on finals,So local jurisdiction still takes control.
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Wow, sounds like Pasco County is exceeding their allowed authority from the Florida Building Commission. The county I live and work had a long standing requirement restricting the use of an Aluminum Service Entrance. They still give a hard time about it, but there is nothing they can do as long as the NEC permits it. On the other hand, they also use to allow water heaters to be cord-and-plug connected with a 30-ampere dryer cord. :eek:
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Had an inspector make me put an outdoor disconnect on an exisisting service that had #3 seu running up the side of the building to point of entrance after entering the apartment it took five inches to reach the panel box. The inspector said the wires out side were unfused and is a danger. No local Admendments on this one. He says most electricians misread 230-70
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Originally posted by william runkle:
Had an inspector make me put an outdoor disconnect on an exisisting service that had #3 seu running up the side of the building to point of entrance after entering the apartment it took five inches to reach the panel box. The inspector said the wires out side were unfused and is a danger. No local Admendments on this one. He says most electricians misread 230-70
Click to expand...
Comming soon to FOX... When inspectors attack! :roll:
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Unfused service entrance conductors can run a maximum of 30 feet beyond metering cans when enclosed in gutter raceway.

See Article 366, 376 and 378.
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Bryan you have no idea just how out there they are,here we have 3 offices for the same county.All have different requirements on the same thing.One allows a d/w to be cord connected with no breaker lock out,another says no lock out required.One allows an a/c disc to be behind the unit outside with a breaker lock out,other says move it.We now have to dig up the uffer on a final even though it was inspected on rough in.They pass spacing on rough ins and on finals say wall spacing is incorrect.Same inspector by the way :mad: Sometimes I think what are the rules today !!!!
 
Re: Maximum Lenth of Unfused Load wire from Meter Base

Wisconsin allows 8' of unfused into building. Comm 16 is State Code.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top