PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

Status
Not open for further replies.

circus12

Member
WHAT ARTICLE IN THE CODE CONTAINS THE REQUIREMENT FOR PROVIDING EXTRA SPACES OR SPARE BREAKERS IN PANELBOARDS AND/OR LOADCENTERS ?? I HAVE A DISAGREEMENT WITH AN ENGINEER I AM TRYING TO SETTLE.
 

electricman2

Senior Member
Location
North Carolina
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
Re: PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

There is no NEC requirement to provide spare spaces and/or breakers. This would be a design issue.
 

jxofaltrds

Inspector Mike®
Location
Mike P. Columbus Ohio
Occupation
ESI, PI, RBO
Re: PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

90.8 does not meet the mandatory or permissive rule definition, but it does imply that it is a good practice (90.8). This is not enforceable.

I know this is a stretch but you could argue that this falls under 110.12. Not that a AHJ could enforce it, but a lawyer would have no problem asking this in court.?

Mike P.
 

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
Re: PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

There is no requirement to privide spare spaces or spare circuit breakers. The correct number of branch circuits are installed per Art 220.
 

tonyi

Senior Member
Re: PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

Nothing in the NEC, but there may be local amendments.

For example: Palm Beach County in FL wants two empty slots + a spare raceway shot into the attic or outside. PBC code ammendments are unclear on how this applies to later added sub panels though...
 

jimwalker

Senior Member
Location
TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: PANELBOARD AND SWITCHBOARDS

I seem to remember it years ago no idea how far back .Never seen it inforced.Think the idea was so we could add a sub panel
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top