NYC Electrical Code 230.64(B)

[Tainted]

I am having a hard time understanding this ridiculous NYC electrical code 230.64(B):

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/ll39of2011_electrical_code.pdf

If I have a 800A service switch, a 600A service switch and a 1200A service switch powered via a 3-phase 208V source, am I exempt from this?
I want to confirm if the total KVA for service equipment calculated is dependent on the total amps of all service switches combined

Another thing that is very vague to me is this:

(5) Service equipment shall be arranged so that it is reachable from the entrance door without having to pass in front of, or behind any other electrical equipment in the room. This requirement shall be waived if a second entrance door is provided and located as remotely as practical from the first. Each door shall access an area, which leads to a legal exit.

What determines if it is located as remotely as practical from the first? This is very vague language to me. It does not tell us where the 2nd door should be located. Is it saying that the service equipment is not required to be reachable by the entrance as long as another door is provided anywhere in the room?

 

[infinity]

What determines if it is located as remotely as practical from the first? This is very vague language to me. It does not tell us where the 2nd door should be located. Is it saying that the service equipment is not required to be reachable by the entrance as long as another door is provided anywhere in the room?

I don't interpret that to mean anywhere in the room I read it as being as far away from the first door as possible.

Also as written this would not apply to a room that had only service equipment since it says "without having to pass in front of, or behind any other electrical equipment in the room."

 

[Tainted]

I don't interpret that to mean anywhere in the room I read it as being as far away from the first door as possible.

Also as written this would not apply to a room that had only service equipment since it says "without having to pass in front of, or behind any other electrical equipment in the room."

But it still doesn't tell us how far the door should be which is vague.

So basically you're saying if the service equipment is dedicated to 1 room, it would comply? and if both service equipment and regular equipment is in the same room then 2 doors is needed?

 

[infinity]

But it still doesn't tell us how far the door should be which is vague.

So basically you're saying if the service equipment is dedicated to 1 room, it would comply? and if both service equipment and regular equipment is in the same room then 2 doors is needed?

IMO remotely as practical means as far away from as possible. Putting two doors next to each other would not be meeting that wording. It also specifies the difference between service equipment and other equipment.

The way it's written you could have the service equipment and other equipment in the same room as long as the service equipment is accessible from a single door without passing in front of or behind the other equipment. So stack all of the service equipment next to the door and the other equipment can go elsewhere the room. Or just put in two doors on opposite sides of the space.

 

[Tainted]

IMO remotely as practical means as far away from as possible. Putting two doors next to each other would not be meeting that wording. It also specifies the difference between service equipment and other equipment.

The way it's written you could have the service equipment and other equipment in the same room as long as the service equipment is accessible from a single door without passing in front of or behind the other equipment. So stack all of the service equipment next to the door and the other equipment can go elsewhere the room. Or just put in two doors on opposite sides of the space.

I have a situation where there will be two entrances. There is an opening next to service equipment in the middle of the room which leads into the meter bank room and then to egress. The other door is north of the service equipment and next to regular equipment which leads to the egress. Does this comply? see sketch below

 

[Tainted]

IMO remotely as practical means as far away from as possible. Putting two doors next to each other would not be meeting that wording. It also specifies the difference between service equipment and other equipment.

The way it's written you could have the service equipment and other equipment in the same room as long as the service equipment is accessible from a single door without passing in front of or behind the other equipment. So stack all of the service equipment next to the door and the other equipment can go elsewhere the room. Or just put in two doors on opposite sides of the space.

I kind of have a feeling what they mean is that if you have a second door far away from the 1st door, you don't need the doors to be next to the service equipment and be reachable to service equipment... what do you think?

 

[infinity]

I kind of have a feeling what they mean is that if you have a second door far away from the 1st door, you don't need the doors to be next to the service equipment and be reachable to service equipment... what do you think?

Yes that's the way I interpret the wording. So if you have single door but can reach the service equipment without passing non-service equipment you would not need a second door. Once you add the second door "as remotely as practical [sic} from the first" you can do whatever you want. In your sketch if it's "practical" (the correct word is practicable not practical) to put the door at the bottom right then that would comply but that is only if a door leading to an exit can actually go there.

 

[Tainted]

Yes that's the way I interpret the wording. So if you have single door but can reach the service equipment without passing non-service equipment you would not need a second door. Once you add the second door "as remotely as practical [sic} from the first" you can do whatever you want. In your sketch if it's "practical" (the correct word is practicable not practical) to put the door at the bottom right then that would comply but that is only if a door leading to an exit can actually go there.

I guess what is "practical" at this point would be determined by AHJ as the word "practical" is a bit subjective.