SER “watertight” connectors. Limitations?

M

MooseOverlord

Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrician
Hey guys,
I recently had an issue come up with an install of a 200 amp service with an outdoor 200 amp breaker enclosure as the means of disconnect. It was mounted meter on top, disco on the bottom. The problem arose when I exited out the right side of the disco with SER into the wall to the Main Panel. I used a 2” regular SER squeeze connector. I’ve not yet seen a “watertight” connector in 2” for SER. It’s been my understanding that because the factory knockouts are low on the side that “watertight” conns are not required. Any “live” parts are higher up inside the enclosure. Water can’t get to them. So, since I failed my only solution so far is to replace the cable and loop into the bottom. I’ve seen, installed and passed inspections when using a regular squeeze connector in the side of the meter pan before. I can’t seem to find anything in the code book that would show that what I did was wrong. Has anyone encountered something like this? Installing Main Disconnects outside for services is required but I have never had a problem using the side hole before and now I’m wondering how to tackle it going forward. Thanks.
 
Welcome to the forum.

You are correct, and the inspector is wrong. Openings below energized parts need not be watertight.

I strongly recommend appealing the inspector's failure, and not kowtowing to his whims.
 
Thanks for the response! It’s frustrating to fail for something that isn’t based in reality. I had thought the same thing about the KOs , it’s not watertight especially when there’s a part left and still when it’s completely knocked out. Idk I don’t even like the term “watertight”. If it’s outdoors, exposed to the elements, water will get in to some part of it
 
MooseOverlord said:
Thanks for the response! It’s frustrating to fail for something that isn’t based in reality. I had thought the same thing about the KOs , it’s not watertight especially when there’s a part left and still when it’s completely knocked out. Idk I don’t even like the term “watertight”. If it’s outdoors, exposed to the elements, water will get in to some part of it
Click to expand...
One thing that drives me crazy is seeing the sealing ring on a liquid right connector on the bottom of a box/disconnect - especially on a ringed KO.
 
Yes you can exit the side with a regular SE squeeze connector below the live parts. Same would apply with a PVC terminal adapter, EMT connector, offset nipple, etc. Nothing watertight with these connections.
EM disconnect Label.jpg
 
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