Need main breaker?

[keelv]

Setup:
Meter socket, no main breaker, feeding a wireway. Wireway is then tapped to (1) an enclosed circuit breaker to feed an existing panelboard and (2) to a combination motor starter with circuit breaker.

Do you need a combo meter/main breaker before wireway? Pretty sure Art. 230.208 says I do.

Your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[augie47]

I would be surprised to see 230.208 applicable since its for services over 600v... if that's the case..go for it
If it's <600 v the 1st two things i would look at would be 230.72 (A)(1) & (C). How much interior wiring is there before is it to the service disconnects and is the combo starter rated as service equipment.
Thats a start.

 

[keelv]

Thanks for the heads up Gus! Didn't even see the >600V!
This design will be outside with all equipment and service ~15ft away.
Will make sure the combination starter is service rated.

The reason the question came up was, what protects the conductors in the wireway? Or, what happens if there's a short circuit between the meter and disconnects.

 

[augie47]

Obviously there is always that concern on any service conductor so the less unprotected conductor the better but NEC doesn't seem to worry too much on exposed outside wiring.