Retrofit Preferences

[360Youth]

This may seem like an odd question, but I guess it is on my mind because I had these two installs within a week of each other. Typically for us when we add gen and TS to an existing structure the switch is installed in the most convenient spot and the electrical runs are rerouted accordingly. But on rare occasions I am forced to move the meter base to make the switch install more feasible. The questions is: What preferences do you have, if any? Moving the meter allows for a much cleaner install, IMO, but it takes more coordination, which in turn can create more headaches. Piecing together a retro install can be total aggrivation, but depending on the setup and all parties involved, I have had everything in place and ready to go and the customer is w/o power for less than an hour.

Retrofit...

...vs. meter relocation:

 

[Article 90.1]

Are you not on the 08 code? AHJ here likes seeing the "IBTB's."

 

[360Youth]

Are you not on the 08 code? AHJ here likes seeing the "IBTB's."

Maybe I am just not awake yet, but what is IBTB?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That cable box violates clearance requirements. :grin:

 

[360Youth]

That cable box violates clearance requirements. :grin:

Cleared that one with AHJ first. :grin:

 

[cadpoint]

I don't agree, but a tape sure would tell!

I don't agree, but a tape sure would tell!

That cable box violates clearance requirements. :grin:

I don't agree, but a tape sure would tell! It's from the edge of can!
It look likes they are in different elevations.

The clearance space is out from the edge of panel, from the outside edges of can, out from panel the required length. In other words if you had the box that it came in (and cut it to exact size of the can) and placed it on the edges and strecthed it out a distance, anything inside that space would be in conflict to the install.

The cleanance your referencing is still the same as the panel or switchboard
if the panel or switchboard is larger going toward or approaching the ground, or sitting on the ground!

The only Code that I can think that is our space is the clearnace distance
based on the edges, as preveious said. At the top of the of can/panel out and the total space based on the diminesions of said Panel/Can/s switch board to the ceiling/or to a dropped ceiling.

B T W the mechanical guy has the same 2' to 3' foot requirements for his stuff
like the cover of a VFD (in-line) on HVAC trunk runs, as one example

 

[cadpoint]

Earlier I was referncing the NEC, here's what OSHA has to say about a near like question!

Question: What would OSHA consider to be a safe distance for setting extra stock or empty containers from any electrical equipment such as ladder cable trays?

Reply: 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(ii) and 1910.303(h)(2)(ii) address the protection of electric equipment that may be exposed to physical damage. Suitable enclosures or guards must be provided to prevent damage to this equipment. In addition, enclosed please find a copy of 29 CFR 1910.303(g) and 1910.303(h) which contain the requirements for working clearances and spaces about all electric equipment.


The complete letter is based on www.OSHA.gov and from this search that I selected to paste here from this page: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24979

My search was based on electrical clearances!