Mobile Homes vs Park Trailers

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ptrombley

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I seem to remember reading in the NEC that accessory structures (and other loads exterior to the mobile home) are not to be fed from the mobile home panel. Can anyone confirm this and refer to the code section please? Also- What is a "Park Trailer". I see the definition in the NEC, but if it is not a recreational vehicle and not a mobile home- then what is it? I am familiar with "Park Models" which are often found in retirement communities and used for seasonal or year-round dwellings. So is a park trailer a park model that is used only seasonally?
 
I believe you are looking for 550.32(D):

Additional Outside Electrical Equipment. Means for connecting a mobile home accessory building or structure or additional electrical equipment located outside a mobile home by a fixed wiring method shall be provided in either the mobile home service equipment or the local external disconnecting means permitted in 550.32(A).
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Note that while the Code requires that you have the means to feed a shed from the outside service or disconnect box, you are not prevented from using the inside panel to serve such loads.
 
KB,

550.32(D) does prevent connecting to the moble home interior panel.

The moble home was inspected as a unit, any additional work would void

the label.
 
benaround said:
The mobile home was inspected as a unit, any additional work would void

the label.
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Not sure I agree with that.

That would also mean no electrical work could be performed in a mobile home.

No repairs, no additional outlets etc.

New work can be done in mobile homes but would need to follow the NEC and be inspected.
 
iwire said:
Not sure I agree with that.

That would also mean no electrical work could be performed in a mobile home.

No repairs, no additional outlets etc.

New work can be done in mobile homes but would need to follow the NEC and be inspected.
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Repairs can certainly be made with like or similar materials so as to repair an existing condition.
I would also think that extensions could be made to existing wiring provided that such extensions would not create or extend any existing non-conformity.
I think the intent of 550-32 is to provide a means to permit additional wiring without amending the plans and specs that are on file with the gov. agency regulating mobile/manufactured dwellings within the state. If I were the PE signing off on this building, no way would I accept a change to my system that could in any way leave me liable by putting the system in violation. :smile:
 
Bob,

Good point, I was still on the 'outside' buildings line of thinking, also it was

my belief that additional outlets for moble homes are actually pluged into

an existing recpt. and then you have six recpts. to chose from, but, I could

be wrong on that!!!
 
Since it's an existing building, I would think this language would apply: "The installation should not create a violation of the code, nor shall it increase the magnitude of an existing violation". That's fairly common language in existing building codes that deals with problems and situations of this nature. :smile:
 
All too often, mobile homes are shipped with the electrical panel full. I believe that the intent of 550.32(D) is there to provide additional space for site wiring such as a shed, pump house, lift pump, etc.

But nowhere do I see in the text of the Code any restrictions on using the inside panel for such circuits, if desired.

Mobile homes have quite a few requirements and restrictions. If they wanted such a restriction, I believe the last sentence of 550.32(D) would read "....Such circuits shall not originate from the inside panel of the mobile home..."

That language would be present if the CMP wanted it there.
 
KB,

Here's my take on this, The panel inside the moble home is not 'service

equipment' it's a sub-panel. Means for connecting equipment located outside

of the moble home 'shall be' either sevice equipment or external disconnect.

The only other place to feed outside equipment would be the sub-panel,

and if the CMP allowed that, then why bother to even write 550.32(D).

Also, I think the intent is to keep the moble home 'moble' and that is why

the service is not allowed on the moble home or any of this outside equip.

either.
 
wbalsam1 said:
Repairs can certainly be made with like or similar materials so as to repair an existing condition.
I would also think that extensions could be made to existing wiring provided that such extensions would not create or extend any existing non-conformity.
Click to expand...

I can do any wiring modifications I want to a mobile home as long as I follow the current NEC and have the work inspected.

I do not have to worry about 'voiding the listing'.

I think the intent of 550-32 is to provide a means to permit additional wiring without amending the plans and specs that are on file with the gov. agency regulating mobile/manufactured dwellings within the state.
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I think you are entirely mistaken with that thought. I see nothing remotely close in that section to what you are suggesting.

In 550.32 has to do with the service equipment, not the interior wiring of the unit.
 
iwire said:
I can do any wiring modifications I want to a mobile home as long as I follow the current NEC and have the work inspected.
I do not have to worry about 'voiding the listing'.
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I think you're probably correct, Bob. Tell me this, would 550.18(B)(6) support your claim? It looks that way to me, now. :smile:



iwire said:
I think you are entirely mistaken with that thought. I see nothing remotely close in that section to what you are suggesting.
In 550.32 has to do with the service equipment, not the interior wiring of the unit.
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This is nothing more than an assumption, on my part, of the rationale behind having outside electrical equipment fed from equipment located outside. I'm assuming that the "wisdom" involved in 550.32(D) is somehow connected to concern over the "trailer" (forgive me for use of this term) being intentionally or unintentionally moved from its' location without the ability to disconnect additional outside electrical devices, structures, etc.
I already know what ass u me implies. :grin:
 
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Thanks for the comments everyone. I agree that 550.32(D) is the section I was looking for.
I still wonder exactly what a "park trailer" is??? I guess if the unit in question meets the definition at 552.2, but is occupied more than just "seasonally" (552.4) then it is a mobile home and needs to meet the code requirements for a mobile home?
 
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