separate sturctures, outside branch circuits

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xguard

Senior Member
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
As part of a larger renovation:

I have a multi-wire branch circuit running to two small structures, one storage building (10'x12') and one open type shed (20'x20'). Currently the disconnect is about 30 feet away from both buildings where it is tapped off the load side of the service disconnect for our office building.

I'd like to do away with the multi-wire branch and install two outside branch circuits, run each circuit to it's own structure, and install a small disconnect at each building in accordance with 225.31&32.

Currently the conduit to the storage building travels along and is attached to the shed. I'd like to be able to justify running it underground but I don't see where it is against code as is. Am I missing a code section that doesn't allow this?

It seems simple enough and I think it would be a better installation (subjective I know) but I also know I'll have to justify it. Thanks for any help.
 
How is it tapped off the load side of the service disconnect?
Generally that's where the violations start. :)


JAP>
 
xguard said:
Currently the conduit to the storage building travels along and is attached to the shed. I'd like to be able to justify running it underground but I don't see where it is against code as is. Am I missing a code section that doesn't allow this.
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Do you mean the conduit is attached horizontally to outside of the building? This is allowed. If it's subject to physical damage it has to be schedule 80 PVC or IMC or Rigid. It's subject to physical damage if it's low enough that a mower (or anything else that would normally be in the area) can run into it.
 
xguard said:
As part of a larger renovation:

I have a multi-wire branch circuit running to two small structures, one storage building (10'x12') and one open type shed (20'x20'). Currently the disconnect is about 30 feet away from both buildings where it is tapped off the load side of the service disconnect for our office building.

I'd like to do away with the multi-wire branch and install two outside branch circuits, run each circuit to it's own structure, and install a small disconnect at each building in accordance with 225.31&32.
No disconnect is required if it is just a single branch circuit.

Currently the conduit to the storage building travels along and is attached to the shed. I'd like to be able to justify running it underground but I don't see where it is against code as is. Am I missing a code section that doesn't allow this?
it could be to code as is.

It seems simple enough and I think it would be a better installation (subjective I know) but I also know I'll have to justify it. Thanks for any help.
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Personally, if it were me I would not mess with it unless there was some really good reason.
 
petersonra said:
The OP ask about a disconnect at the structure if it's just one branch circuit it's not required to have one there.
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It still requires a means to disconnect the ungrounded conductors, a GES is not required though. The disconnect can be a single pole switch.

Roger
 
petersonra said:
I thought the disconnecting means could be at the source in such a case.
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And that would be correct per 225.32, of course there are some exceptions and if the OP's situation is under single management he may be able to locate it somewhere else but that would probably more trouble than it's worth.

Roger
 
petersonra said:
Personally, if it were me I would not mess with it unless there was some really good reason.
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Same here. sounds like distance isn't much of an impact on voltage drop but if it were a MWBC could see some improvement in voltage drop over two separate circuits with same size conductor and same loads.
 
At minimum I think each structure needs it's own disconnect. Am I mistaken with this?

kwired said:
Same here. sounds like distance isn't much of an impact on voltage drop but if it were a MWBC could see some improvement in voltage drop over two separate circuits with same size conductor and same loads.
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xguard said:
At minimum I think each structure needs it's own disconnect. Am I mistaken with this?
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Most of the time yes. There are some exceptions mentioned in 225.32. Lighting poles are one common application that doesn't need a disconnect at the separate structure.

Sevaral times I have ran or seen a single receptacle on a post with no local disconnect, not sure how that is exempted, or maybe it just is let go quite often.
 
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