Outdoor equipment mounted horizontally

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upstatecontractor

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I have a 400 amp piece of service equipment that is rated 3r which i am installing outdoors. problem being , i want to keep it off the ground at least 2ft, thus making the main breaker higher than 6'7" - is it permitted to be mounted horizontally? there are no knockouts in the enclosure.:?
 
Take a look at 240.33. I think it applies to you.

Q6 Does the code permit a circuit breaker to be installed horizontally?

A6 Enclosures containing overcurrent protection devices must be mounted in a vertical position unless this isn't practical [240.33]. However, where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically, the "up" position of the handle must be in the "on" position [240.81]. So, in effect, an enclosure that contains one circuit breaker can be mounted horizontally, but an enclosure that contains a panelboard/loadcenter with multiple circuit breakers would have to be mounted vertically. Figure 240-36
Click to expand...

I think the main concern is ensuring none of the breakers are 'ON' in the down position.

See also 240.81.
 
I believe it will not be compliant mounted horizontally. I would ask the ahj for a variance. Is the snow the reason for the 2" off the ground?
 
platform or step

platform or step

the equipment does contain a panelboard in it and the up position would be the "off" position on those breakers.......talked about building a step or platform 24" off the ground and sitting botton of equipment on the step ....main breaker would be within the 6'7" measurement then.....permissible?
 
NEMA 3R? The answer is 'no.'

3R enclosures are subjected to water droplets falling at a slight angle from above. That's it. Thus, a 3R enclosure is often little more than an umbrella.

Likewise, the 3R test criteria just say their can't be a 'objectionable' amount of water in the enclosure after the test. Thus, most have some manner of drain- even if the 'drain' is nothing more than a pinhole where the metal folds come together.

What happens when you turn an umbrella over? Well, you might make a bucket. Not what you want to do.

Question for the board: would a platform or step violate working space requirements?
 
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