Outdoor Main Panel Replacement

J

jay33991

Member
Location
cape coral
Occupation
electricin
Need some input. I have few homes that have these outdoor main panels with all romex homeruns coming down the 2 inch pipe.
I have 1 inspector saying its ok to just replace only and i have another inspector saying pipe fill and chase is more than 24 inches.
Anyone here in SWFL have experience on these and suggestionsIMG_2639.JPEG
 
AC\DC said:
Tell the head inspector to talk with the other inspector they need to come to terms
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It either meets code or it does not. Romex is not allowed outside at all. The length is not an issue in this case since it is not supposed to be there in the first place. Although, it is possible that when the installation was completed the code or some local amendment allowed it.

I don't see that the code would require you to replace them. I don't know what happens if you come across a code violation while doing other work. is there any requirement to make it code compliant? Does the AHJ even have the authority to require work outside of the scope of your permit be done?
 
petersonra said:
It either meets code or it does not. Romex is not allowed outside at all. The length is not an issue in this case.

I don't see that the code would require you to replace them. I don't know what happens if you come across a code violation while doing other work. is there any requirement to make it code compliant? Does the AHJ even have the authority to require work outside of the scope of your permit be done?
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Its all existing other than swapping panels. Not sure what else to do. Rip there inside wall and run home runs through block
 
jay33991 said:
Its all existing other than swapping panels. Not sure what else to do. Rip there inside wall and run home runs through block
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You could potentially install a junction box inside where the conduits exit the structure and splice THHN to the existing Romex.

Its a mess if you are trying to fix a noncompliant installation.

I would try to get some kind of resolution in writing from the AHJ because the inspector has zero authority to make this kind of call and he might get hit by a bus before final inspection and while he thinks it is OK, the next guy might not.
 
petersonra said:
You could potentially install a junction box inside where the conduits exit the structure and splice THHN to the existing Romex.

Its a mess if you are trying to fix a noncompliant installation.

I would try to get some kind of resolution in writing from the AHJ because the inspector has zero authority to make this kind of call and he might get hit by a bus before final inspection and while he thinks it is OK, the next guy might not.
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Was thinking same thing . I appeciate it
 
AC\DC said:
Then just do it two different ways and each city I know it’s stupid but they know what they’re doing, there the AHJ.

You gotta use that silver tongue and persuade them. Develop a skill for that.
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Just no forked tongues.
 
I had a situation just like that with gas piping. The building had high pressure gas which if the system was altered you had to have a stamped drawing and go to Boston for approval.

They had gas fired unit heater indoors and wanted to change them to gas fired RTUs with AC. Easy as the gas main was on the roof.
I talked with the gas inspector in November and he said he would approve it because we were at the same BTU or less.

He never told me he was retiring at the end of the year.

When the equipment came in it was the next year. New inspector and he followed the rules.
 
petersonra said:
It either meets code or it does not. Romex is not allowed outside at all. The length is not an issue in this case since it is not supposed to be there in the first place. Although, it is possible that when the installation was completed the code or some local amendment allowed it.
Click to expand...
Inside conduit was not always considered a wet location. So it's highly probable the install was done during the period when the conduit wasn't considered a wet location.
 
Well, if it’s considered a raceway, your Romax isn’t even allowed anyway cause it’s outdoors, but if they’re fine with that, just install a pull box in the middle, now you have two smaller runs less than 24 inches.
Manipulate the code in your favor
 
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