panelboard installation

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mjmike

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I am trying to find all the violations possible for the following installation. On a project I am working on, the question was posed to me about taking a panel board or load center with a few receptacles and turning it into a retractable power system like a cable reel. This assembly would be pulled down when needed from the ceiling above to supply power to items in the center of a space. I tried to explain this can not be done, but I need specific articles to defend my stance. Any violations pop into mind? Please indicate NEC article.
 
Re: panelboard installation

this type of thing is not unheard of. think about gantry cranes that move around and have reels of cable that go with them for power and control.

look up festoon cable on google.

[ February 08, 2005, 01:01 PM: Message edited by: petersonra ]
 
Re: panelboard installation

I see this done at convention centers.

I think one section that may be of importance would be 300.11(A)

300.11 Securing and Supporting.
(A) Secured in Place. Raceways, cable assemblies, boxes, cabinets, and fittings shall be securely fastened in place. Support wires that do not provide secure support shall not be permitted as the sole support. Support wires and associated fittings that provide secure support and that are installed in addition to the ceiling grid support wires shall be permitted as the sole support. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends. Cables and raceways shall not be supported by ceiling grids.
The panels I saw where supported by wire rope (aircraft cable) which if fastened at both ends when the panel is in use could meet the requirement.

The panel IMO can certainly not be left swinging around freely.
 
Re: panelboard installation

Have you considered a pendant drop twist loc to a portable distribution unit like those used on construction sites. I think Woodhead manufactures a unit and or possibly Hubbel.

The receptacles would be GFCI NFPA 70E compliant and storable when not in use to limit wear and tear.

Just a thought
http://www.porta-safe.com/1.htm ( I found this )

Charlie

[ February 08, 2005, 04:50 PM: Message edited by: cpal ]
 
Re: panelboard installation

Art-527 should give you all the answers you should need under Art-527.4 sends you back to Art-230 on services & service equipment.
 
Re: panelboard installation

johndeereman
This type of panel would not be considered as service equipment. So 230 wouldn't apply. It does however require that receptacle circuits originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard. So just hanging a panel would not be allowed unless it was aproved for such use. 527.4(C)

Best I can come up with?

[ February 09, 2005, 01:07 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]
 
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