New Code Rule for 2020 - Single Pole Separable Connectors

[busman]

All,

You are my best resource for interpretation of new Code rules. Also, if someone could show me how to find the proposal that became this change, I would be indebted. Anyway, there is new language in 406.13 for 2020 about SPSC's. I'm reading this to mean that these can now be used anywhere that Flexible Cords/Cables can be used per 400.7, except for uses (A)(3), (A)(6) and (A)(8) which require an attachment plug. Is this how you all read this? (So you don't need to look it up, (A)(6) is "Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange".)

The specific question is a co-worker wants to use these for a "mobile equipment shelter" made from an Conex Box. This shelter does move from location to location every once in a while, but I would contend that once every few years is stretching "frequently", but that's a separate issue. I contend that this is (A)(6) (and not any other use) and therefore, must have an Attachment Plug. Things are much simpler if I'm wrong, but I want to make sure we are applying this new rule properly.

As always, you are a great resource that I trust more than any other.

Mark

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You go to nfpa.org/70, select the 2020 edition, and then scroll to "archived revision information" and then select view first draft report. Then you find the section that you want to look at and you can view the original Public Input and the panel action on that input. For an accepted first revision like this, you need to open the first revision, and then within the first revision, near the bottom, there will be links to open the Public Inputs that resulted in the first revision change. I believe you have to register with an email address to view the information.

This was added to address camlok type installations. Often the current of these types of installations is too high for traditional attachment plugs and receptacles. The panel statement on the change was:

Article 406 does not address single pole separable connectors nor does it require a single pole separable connector to be listed. Single-pole separable connectors are widely available in the market place and are used in a variety of applications, including land transportation, non-hazardous refinery and mining operations. The nationally recognized product standard for single pole separable connectors, ANSI/UL 1691 contains requirements that correspond to the required construction as well as the performance and marking requirements to evaluate the suitability of a single pole separable connector. Requiring the use of a listed single pole separable connector will confirm that the installed device complies with the required characteristics of 406.13. Sections 520.53(C) and 530.22 are the source of these requirements.

Article 406 contains requirements for a variety of different types of plugs and receptacles such as receptacle with USB charger, tamper resistant receptacles and weather-resistant receptacles. However, the Article does not address single pole separable connectors, which are widely available in the market place. The proposed text identifies their proper connection and disconnection sequence, necessary for the safe use of these devices. Sections 520.53(C) and 530.22 are the source of these requirements.

 

[busman]

You go to nfpa.org/70, select the 2020 edition, and then scroll to "archived revision information" and then select view first draft report. Then you find the section that you want to look at and you can view the original Public Input and the panel action on that input. For an accepted first revision like this, you need to open the first revision, and then within the first revision, near the bottom, there will be links to open the Public Inputs that resulted in the first revision change. I believe you have to register with an email address to view the information.

This was added to address camlok type installations. Often the current of these types of installations is too high for traditional attachment plugs and receptacles. The panel statement on the change was:

Don, you're the best. I'll store those instructions off, but I'm wondering if they should be or already are a "sticky" thread?

Do you have any opinion on whether they can be used outside of the specifically listed uses in 520 and 530? It looks like the uses listed in the proposal are outside the Scope of the NEC per 90.2.

Thoughts?

Thanks again,

Mark

 

[augie47]

I'm curious... why would they want to use those as opposed to twist lok or pin & sleeve

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Don, you're the best. I'll store those instructions off, but I'm wondering if they should be or already are a "sticky" thread?

Do you have any opinion on whether they can be used outside of the specifically listed uses in 520 and 530? It looks like the uses listed in the proposal are outside the Scope of the NEC per 90.2.

Thoughts?

Thanks again,

Mark

Since they are listed as receptacles, they were put into 406 and can be used anywhere you can use single conductor flexible cables.
They are often used for temporary connections of generators and things like that so they are not outside of the general scope of the code.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I'm curious... why would they want to use those as opposed to twist lok or pin & sleeve

Often used on circuits well over 400 amps.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Here is the scope from the UL Guide Information for "(Receptacles) Single-pole, Locking-type Separable Attachment Plugs, Panel Inlets, Panel Outlets, Adapters and Accessories (RUUS).

This category covers single-pole, locking-type separable attachment plugs, cord connectors, panel inlets, panel outlets, adapters and accessories, rated up to a maximum of 800 A and up to 600 V ac or dc. These devices are intended to provide power from feeders or branch circuits, or are for direct connection to feeders or branch circuits in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."


These devices are not intended for use in hazardous (classified) locations.


Attachment plugs and cord connectors are intended for use with single-conductor cable, having copper conductors only.

Inlets and outlets are intended for use with single-conductor cable, having copper conductors only, or to copper busbars.

The Product Standard for these is UL 1691, "Single Pole Locking-Type Separable Connectors.".

Note that the 800 amp limit is for a single connector. These are often used in parallel for high amperage circuits. Most that I have seen are the ones rated at 400 amps.

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[busman]

I'm curious... why would they want to use those as opposed to twist lok or pin & sleeve

I was trying to keep it simple in the original post. This shelter was already constructed years ago, but when I saw it, I raised questions. I think the current is below 400A, but not much.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Mark

 

[busman]

Since they are listed as receptacles, they were put into 406 and can be used anywhere you can use single conductor flexible cables.
They are often used for temporary connections of generators and things like that so they are not outside of the general scope of the code.

Don,

I frequently see them on generators, but I still don't know how to fit that into 400.7, but I'm sure I'm missing something.

Thanks again,

Mark

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Don,

I frequently see them on generators, but I still don't know how to fit that into 400.7, but I'm sure I'm missing something.

Thanks again,

Mark

Most of the times I have seen them used it was for temporary connections. There are a lot of cords and cables used in a manner that does not comply with 400.10.

 

[busman]

Most of the times I have seen them used it was for temporary connections. There are a lot of cords and cables used in a manner that does not comply with 400.10.

Don,

I think we are in violent agreement. I have seen the same thing and this is probably another case of what you describe above. Thanks again for your insight, experience and knowlege.

Mark

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Don,

I think we are in violent agreement. I have seen the same thing and this is probably another case of what you describe above. Thanks again for your insight, experience and knowlege.

Mark

I don't see it as a real world hazard and in many cases the flexible cables used have additional listing marks such as RHH taking them out of Article 400. However that triggers a lot of other rules that are probably not complied with.