residential panel relocate

[highendtron]

A general contractor built a bathroom around an existing 200 amp panel. The inspector/ home owner/realtor picked a wall 6' away. The inspector thought it could be done with a 10' service cable. The utility is coming out Tuesday to pull the meter and the inspection is the same day to get the meter put back in. I was thinking no big deal, have the meter pulled, splice and transfer the branch circuits, hook up the service entrance cable, inspect it, plug the meter in, test it, and go home. I set the new panel but the new service cable 4/0,4/0,2/0 is 15' long ( routed up through the bottom part of the ceiling and down the walls). I probably need to set an outside disconnect (because of the length of the service entrance cable) run 4/0,4/0,2/0 to the meter can, and run 4/0,4/0,2/0,2/0 from the disconnect to the panel. I still have time but wanted to run this by the forum for comment.

 

[iwire]

Where I am that would require an outside disconnect, you have service conductors in the walls and that would not fly here.

Keepin mind you would have to move the GECs to the outside disconnect and the panel would have to beset up like a subpanel.

 

[augie47]

The distance your cable can be routed on the interior is an AHJ call based on 230.70(A)(1) but I'd say it's a sure bet your inspector will want an exterior disconnect. The equipment grounding conductor from the disconnect to your panel would only need to be a #4AL (Not 2/0), but you take what you can get in SER.

 

[highendtron]

well, to be honest, I don't know if the inspector was messing with me or the realtor. He and the realtor picked the new spot to cut the cost of setting a disconnect for the new home owner. I wanted to set the new panel in a utility room. After I set the new panel, I realized that I would need the disconnect and a four wire cable to the new panel. The home owner is not going to be saving as much as he or the realtor wanted. I still have time, but moving panels is a pain.

 

[growler]

moving panels is a pain.

Not really.

You look the job over and figure out what needs to be done. You don't listen to the inspector, the realtor nor the homeowner. Once you know what needs to be done to make the job functional and code compliant you give them a price. If it turns out that it's two day's work instead of a one day job then so be it. None of these people are responsible for this job and you are.

You are probably going to have to install a new ground system or at least one more ground rod. Bond cold water. You may be required to use Arc Fault breakers because you are extending these circuits.

Whatever the job is going to cost, give it to them up-front and don't surprise them as the job goes along.

 

[kwired]

May or may not save any $$$ but can you encase at least part of the service raceway in at least 2" of concrete? Most AHJ's will accept that as being considered outside the building.

 

[WireCop]

Do the job right

Do the job right

I agree with everyone else, your the one who will be in court when some one gets hurt. Don't let them talk you into anything short of doing it with out the disco outside. You'll sleep better.
Too answer your last question, under 2" of concrete would be considered outside the building if its under a slab the building is built on. If your feeder is running any distance with out protection after entering the building its not a good idea, you need to hit a OCD " inside at nearest point of entry" 230.70 (A)(1)