Mounting SPA disconnect on chain link fence post

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dgangstee

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I was told by an inspector at my building department that I should not physically attach the SPA disconnect box (a metal rain-tight box) to the chain link metal fence post and that I should mount the disconnect box on it's own post even if it's ajacent to the fence. His reasoning was that a short could possably energize the fence with the 220 circuit.

I have seen all sorts of electrical devices both single phase and three phase mounted to the frame structure of metal buildings as well as conduits running along chain link fences so I question the logic of this since a metal fence is not all that different than a metal building.

Can anyone please cite any section of the NEC that prohibits or allows the mounting of a (SPA) disconnect to a chain link fence post? Perhaps I can get the building department to allow it. Adding a seperate post would not be astetically pleasing.

I planned to weld a couple of pieces if strut to the fence post to provide a surface to bolt the disconnect box to so a solid mount is not the issue here.

Thanks.
 
So if this same fault happens with the separately mounted disconnect there is still a hazard.

I think this inspector has made a mistake.

A properly grounded enclosure should not be considered 'likely to become energized'
 
In the NEC, it is hard to find some code requirements, as they do not exist. With the NEC being a "permissive" document, therefore it would be permitted. Unless of course if there are other local codes that say no.

P.S. What about all of the metal framing that boxes are mounted to in building structures.....
 
I agree that the inspector is wrong but unless I can cite that it is permitted he is the last word on that subject since I need his signature. I need to show him that he is wrong without making him annoyed <g>.
 
dgangstee said:
I agree that the inspector is wrong but unless I can cite that it is permitted he is the last word on that subject since I need his signature. I need to show him that he is wrong without making him annoyed <g>.
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He should provide you with a specific code article that prohibits this installation not the other way around.
 
dgangstee said:
he is the last word on that subject since I need his signature.
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In order for you to fail this inspector should be obligated to tell you what section of the NEC you are not complying with.
 
iwire said:
In order for you to fail this inspector should be obligated to tell you what section of the NEC you are not complying with.
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You guys are right, it is the burdon of the inspector to cite whatever section of the code I would be violating. I'll ask him to do that.

Meanwhile I will drop a post in the ground and once the job is finaled I'll remove the post and attach my unistrut as I had planed all along. This will make things simpler.

Thank you everyone for the input. :)
 
As an Electrical inspector and experienced Electrician if it cannot be cited in the NEC, Manuf. specs, NFPA's, etc. I agree don't call it. Also, means and methods/ Industry standards/ rule of thumb. IE. What makes a good Inspector is one who has code knowledge and has applicable work experience within the trade they are inspecting......Your thought's ?
 
As an Electrical inspector and experienced Electrician if it cannot be cited in the NEC, Manuf. specs, NFPA's, etc. I agree don't call it. Also, means and methods/ Industry standards/ rule of thumb. IE. What makes a good Inspector is one who has code knowledge and has applicable work experience within the trade they are inspecting......Your thought's ?
 
The only problem I see with the fence is if the homeowner wants to remove the fence, I would not be too happy if I had to pay you again to move the box at a later date...
 
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