NEMA 3R service rated ATS

[Redcliffe]

I recently encountered an installation of a outdoor ATS in which the electrician punched a hole in the top of the NEMA 3 ATS enclosure,
using back to back PVC terminal adapters he connected the bottom of the meter pan to the top of the ATS,
No sealing locknuts or sealing washers were used.
Instead a Large Glob of Ductseal material was used to prevent moisture from entering the enclosure.
I would have used a myers Hub or sealing washers and locknuts to prevent any water intrusion.
I feel that by compromising the weatherproof top plate of the enclosure, a better method of sealing the enclosure should have been used.
I feel this is a violation of NEC 110.12 and 110.12(c). I hate to use this article, but i feel the work was done poorly.
If anyone has a better Article to cite i welcome your opinions.
Thanks.

 

[templdl]

I recently encountered an installation of a outdoor ATS in which the electrician punched a hole in the top of the NEMA 3 ATS enclosure,
using back to back PVC terminal adapters he connected the bottom of the meter pan to the top of the ATS,
No sealing locknuts or sealing washers were used.
Instead a Large Glob of Ductseal material was used to prevent moisture from entering the enclosure.
I would have used a myers Hub or sealing washers and locknuts to prevent any water intrusion.
I feel that by compromising the weatherproof top plate of the enclosure, a better method of sealing the enclosure should have been used.
I feel this is a violation of NEC 110.12 and 110.12(c). I hate to use this article, but i feel the work was done poorly.
If anyone has a better Article to cite i welcome your opinions.
Thanks.

Have run this past the AHJ? It would be interesting to see what part of the NEC that he says the installation complies with.

 

[Volta]

...
If anyone has a better Article to cite i welcome your opinions.
Thanks.

Welcome to the forum.

Would you need more than this?

312.2 Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations,
surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article
shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture
or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet
or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least
6-mm (1⁄4-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall
or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations
shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations,
raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated
live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.

 

[hurk27]

I think this would be more of a 110.3 issue as most manufactures will require unsealed entrance into 3R cabinets below any live parts installed within such cabinets, this is why we see most KO's at or below this level, while this doesn't always prohibit installing conduits above this level if they are made water tight, manufactures will include in the instructions on how to do such an entrance.

I have in the past used O rings or sealing washers from seal tight connectors to make such entrances, even using a PVC male adapter into a myers hub will allow water to leak into the the cabinet but putting a O ring on the male adapter will seal it so why use the myers hub when you can just put a sealing ring or washer on the male adapter?

 

[hurk27]

Would you need more than this?

312.2 Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations,
surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article
shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture
or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet
or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least
6-mm (1⁄4-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall
or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations
shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations,
raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated
live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.

Nice catch forgot that was added to the 2005 NEC

Prior to the 2005 it was an 110.3 issue:thumbsup:

 

[Redcliffe]

Thanks!!!

Thanks!!!

Thanks everyone for your input.. 312.2 is the one.
Im glad i joined the forum, i knew it would be a great source of info.