Routing wires into and out of switchboard with main bolted pressure switch

[Tainted]

I am specifying a Siemens 2000 amp 208V 3-phase main service switch. I will put a crown box on the top of it.

The service conductors are going to penetrate the top of the crown box and terminate to the switch.

The switchboard will freestand on concrete. This means feeder conductors cannot come out through bottom of the enclosure unless the floor is trenched.

Where is it appropriate for the feeder conductors to leave this enclosure?

Can it leave from the top through the same crown box or is that an issue?

Can the feeders come out through the sides of the switchboard or is that an issue?
Can the contractor cut the switchboard and connect a wireway on the bottom side of the switchboard to run feeders?

See my service switch below for reference

 

[Tainted]

Another main concern is to ensure NEC 230.7 is not violated.. So I need to figure out how to have the feeders leave this switchboard

 

[infinity]

Where is the load connection to the switch for the exiting feeders? Top or bottom?

 

[Tainted]

Where is the load connection to the switch for the exiting feeders? Top or bottom?

I think bottom because the service conductors will come from the top and land on the switch. You can also see the fuse access door on the bottom.

 

[electrofelon]

Other than manufacturer instructions, 230.7 (as you stated) would be the only issue. Is the crown box a raceway?

 

[Tainted]

Other than manufacturer instructions, 230.7 (as you stated) would be the only issue. Is the crown box a raceway?

Yea...

If wires come in from the top, how do the feeder conductors leave?

 

[infinity]

A crown box is not a raceway.

 

[Tainted]

A crown box is not a raceway.

A switchboard is not a raceway too... So does that mean the service conductors can come in from the top and then the feeders can leave from the top as well? I mean there is still a chance that the service conductors and feeders can create a fault bypassing the switch

 

[electrofelon]

Yea...

If wires come in from the top, how do the feeder conductors leave?

However they want as long as they are not in the same raceway as service conductors

 

[Tainted]

However they want as long as they are not in the same raceway as service conductors

Can the contractor cut the bottom side of the switchboard to allow wires to leave and enter a raceway? Or is that not permitted by manufacturer?

 

[electrofelon]

Can the contractor cut the bottom side of the switchboard to allow wires to leave and enter a raceway? Or is that not permitted by manufacturer?

Personally I would use chase nipples. In some areas it is very common to hack out a chunk of enclosure walls and put edge guard on it.

 

[Tainted]

Personally I would use chase nipples. In some areas it is very common to hack out a chunk of enclosure walls and put edge guard on it.

I wanna do something like this but I am not sure if the manufacturer allows this:

 

[electrofelon]

I wanna do something like this but I am not sure if the manufacturer allows this:

View attachment 2568528

I don't see an issue. Got to get conductors in and out of this thing right? Or is it just a showpiece?

 

[infinity]

I wanna do something like this but I am not sure if the manufacturer allows this:

View attachment 2568528

Done all of the time and typically not an issue. Someone might have a problem with the loss of venting shown in the photo but adding that big square hole would probably mitigate that loss.

 

[Tainted]

Done all of the time and typically not an issue. Someone might have a problem with the loss of venting shown in the photo but adding that big square hole would probably mitigate that loss.

Maybe I was overthinking. I haven't read anywhere out there not permitting to do this...

 

[infinity]

Maybe I was overthinking. I haven't read anywhere out there not permitting to do this...

As long as you don't end up blocking a required access panel you should be fine. Obviously having the physical switchboard to look at makes designing the installation easier.

 

[augie47]

If you are using a wireway, they make a flange fitting....

 

[Tainted]

If you are using a wireway, they make a flange fitting....
View attachment 2568532

I see... so this can be used to bolt onto the sides of the switchboard

 

[Jraef]

Yea...

If wires come in from the top, how do the feeder conductors leave?

If this is a stand-alone unit (not the Main for a switchboard), you typically specify to the manufacturer when ordering it where you will want to have the exit wires go, ie Top-In/Top-Out, Top-In/Bottom-Out, Bottom-In/Top-Out etc. The gear must be able to accommodate wire bending space, so it might affect the dimensions of the cabinet.

 

[Tainted]

If this is a stand-alone unit (not the Main for a switchboard), you typically specify to the manufacturer when ordering it where you will want to have the exit wires go, ie Top-In/Top-Out, Top-In/Bottom-Out, Bottom-In/Top-Out etc. The gear must be able to accommodate wire bending space, so it might affect the dimensions of the cabinet.

I get it, but is there a side in side out? lol

Also this service switch will feed a seperate 2000 amp distribution section.

I asked the sales engineer for just 1 separate distribution section and he said it would not be possible and that a pull section is required since the distribution section has 3-600 amp switches.