NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

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GLE

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I have been trying to find the original intention for the three foot clearance "Clearance from Building Openings" of overhead service entrance conductors/cable from windows etc. Anyone know which NEC version this was first in? Trying to find the corresponding ROP-ROC.
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

I don't know the origin or the cycle it was introduced into the NEC, however I am sure it has been determined to be the distance just beyond that which one could reach and touch the conductors from the point of opening.
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

I was told that the three foot clearance around windows is for the fireman?s ladders. Notice that this rule does not apply to the space above a window.

Let?s not forget that a window is a means of egress.
:)
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Mike I agree with you. I think it is a ladder thing or such. For means of egress clearance. Not just a mere not being able to grab or such. If it were other than that,then you would think it should be three feet above windows also.
Greg
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

How about a combination of both. Notice that it is only a requirement for open conductors, not the SE cable with a sheath - which could be secured to the window frame if you so choose to.
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

If it was really for firefighters, it would include windows that are not designed to open. Just because it is not designed to open, doesn't mean that the firefighters won't open it and use it for rescue and/or fire fighting.
Don
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Originally posted by GLE:
I have been trying to find the original intention for the three foot clearance "Clearance from Building Openings" of overhead service entrance conductors/cable from windows etc. Anyone know which NEC version this was first in? Trying to find the corresponding ROP-ROC.
I can't find the original appearance of this requirement, but I've traced it as far back as the 1947 edition. It appears in two places, the first is under the heading "Service Drop Conductors."

Section 2322(c) Clearance from Buildings. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less than 36 inches from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or similar locations.

The second is under the heading, "Service Conductors on or in Buildings."

2333. Individual Conductors Exposed to Weather . . . Weatherproof conductors on exterior of buildings shall have a clearance from the ground of not less than 8 feet, and a clearance from windows, doors, porches, etc., or not less than 3 feet."

1951 It remains unchanged.

1953 I don't have this edition.

1956 I see the addition of a FPN at 2333 that says, "Conductors run above the top level of a window are considered out of reach from that window.

1959 Re-numbering moves the first reference and the FPN to 230-24(c). The second reference under, "exposed to weather" disappears.

1962 Unchanged
1965 I don't have this edition.
1968 Unchanged
1971 Unchanged
1974-1977 I don't have these.

1981 The bit about conductors above windows being out of reach is no longer in fine print.

1984-1987 I don't have these.

1990 Renumbered to 230-9. Significantly reworded to apply to open conductors or those without an overall outer jacket. What had been a FPN is changed to an exception.

1993 Changes from "windows" to "windows that are designed to be opened."

1996 I can't find the book !?!

1999 Adds a section about vertical clearances that refers back to 230-24(b)

2005 Well, you know what it says now.

- Jim K
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Jim , Thanks for the cycle search. 1947 gives me a better start to lok for the ROP-ROC's.
I've been all throught the touching ,or ladder placement conversations already. I want to see the real reason this put in the code. The ROP-ROC's can clearify codes better sometimes I feel.
Greg
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Greg I am curious why it matters?

It seems like a reasonable and prudent code section.
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Jim
That is very good, I like what you did for the history.
Now, can you do that for the entire code, starting at Art 90 - one for each day... sort of a new thread tittled - code history by Jim. :D


P.S. I will send you the books for the years you are missing ;)

[ October 27, 2005, 07:23 AM: Message edited by: pierre ]
 
Re: NEC - ART 230 Clearance Intent

Originally posted by pierre:
Jim
That is very good, I like what you did for the history.
Now, can you do that for the entire code, starting at Art 90 - one for each day... sort of a new thread tittled - code history by Jim. :D


P.S. I will send you the books for the years you are missing ;)
Hmm. This could take a while . . .

BTW, I don't need any more NECs, but if you or anyone out there has one, I'm in the market for a 1983 CABO.

- Jim K
 
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