Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

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Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

There are a couple of reasons that I am opposed to the proposal. First, I do not believe that there has been adequate review on the benefits of an outside disconnect to require one on all projects. Everyone will say it is for the firefighters but has there been any study done. If asked, everyone will say it sounds like a good idea, but why? Second, I have had alot of people argue about the security of an outside disconnect that may be subject to vandalism. Homeowners do not want to put these out there for someone else to have access to in the middle of the night. Third, and I quess most aggrevating, is the fact that a municipality is enforcing provisions that are not part of the state adopted code. Too many times I have read where inspectors put their personal wishes into enforcement without code references to back them up. If this is truely such a wonderful thing for firefighters (and all others), then lets put it in front of the national code panel for a code change. Indiana is not the only state with firefighters. I will get off the soap box now, and thank you.
 
Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

Originally posted by inspector 102:
As an inspector and a firefighter in the State of Indiana...
Click to expand...
A hero and a villain? (I am totally kidding.) :D

This begs a question from me. I get the impression that 230.70(A)(1) is interpreted in very different ways. Here, we view it as if the disconnect isn't outside with the meter, it should be inside the garage immediately on the other side of the 3R meter enclosure, joined by a stub of conduit.

What is generally acceptable elsewhere?

Personally, I feel that a disconnect should be next to the meter, because it enhances the safety of working on the panel-if one is so inclined, they can shut the panel down at the service. If the premises wiring is ever replaced, it's a whole lot easier with a disco outside. Then there's the fire issue, which I agree with. IMO.
 
Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

George, how often is a panelboard replaces without replacing the service entrance conductors? If the service disconnecting means is directly where the Code requires it to be placed, it will be easy to find. I fail to see where it has caused a lot of problems.

The one thing that most of the Code changes require is the presentation of a real problem with statistics, not anecdotal evidence. In crude language, show me the body count. :D
 
Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

Charlie, you're right, I don't have a body count.

But don't utility guys get upset when the little tamper-tag is broken on the meter housing?

I know of one that will be broken in the next week or two. Not by me. The panel was installed temporarily in an existing wall (not by me), and now will soon be moved to a newly framed wall (not me either). The guy didn't install a disconnect outside, so now he'll end up pulling the meter to make the change. Is that safer than just having the disconnect? I haven't looked into the price of a 200 amp metermain, but I'm sure it's not that prohibitive.

What is the general interpretation of 230.70(A)(1)? What generally flies? We install metermains on all our houses, and for the larger rural ones we install a separate disconnect for future outside BC's and feeders.
 
Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

George, it depends on the electric utility and what is done when a seal is broken. If we are notified, it is OK. If we are called for a reconnect, the seal is broken, and work has been done, it is OK. We get testy if a seal is broken and it is not obvious why it was cut.

As far as 230.70(A)(1) is concerned, it depends on the jurisdiction. In my area, 10 Ft is usually fine. There are some areas where 230.70(A)(1) is enforced as it is written. Going away from Indiana, I have heard of ranges from a short nipple to 20 Ft. :D
 
Re: Outside disconnect's might be mandatory in the state of

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George, how often is a panelboard replaces without replacing the service entrance conductors?
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Just food for thought and I'm not trying to down the disconnect idea. Here in Michigan when we replace a panel but not the SE Feed, we shut down the main breaker in the panel,(or all breakers if none) and then pull the meter. Note there is no load so there is no arcing. Once we are done the meter is replaced and city is notified the job is completed. The power company then reseals the meter and all is fine. I just brought this up because I didn't really see a need for a disconnect in this case.
 
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