Service Disconnecting Means for an Existing Service

[AkinElectricalServices]

Had a call last week, went and took a look at it, this is an existing building (looks like a house) that is being used as a daycare. The building isn't occupied yet, but all utilities are working. I am told that the FD just wants a Disconnect on the outside of the building due to the panel being in a back room and hard to find if you didn't know it was there. Here's my question, Fused or Non-fused? And do I rate it at main breaker size, or 125%? Existing panel has 100 Amp main.

Thanks,
Stetson

 

[cpinetree]

100amp fused / breaker disconnect is fine if it load calcs out that way.

The interior panel will become a sub panel (Separate ground and neutrals)

 

[augie47]

I may be mistaken but, if the existing panel meets the criteria for a service panel, I see no reason you could not make the new switch non-fusible.

 

[david luchini]

I may be mistaken but, if the existing panel meets the criteria for a service panel, I see no reason you could not make the new switch non-fusible.

230.91?

 

[qcroanoke]

230.91?

I agree

 

[augie47]

(as I said, I could be mistaken) Guess it falls down to "immediately adjacent thereto". I can't see much difference in adding that and having a meter disconnect as allowed in 230.82. Perhaps an AHJ call.

 

[AkinElectricalServices]

So, per 230.91 I would need an outdoor panel with a 100 amp breaker because the main panel would be on the opposite side of the wall

 

[david luchini]

So, per 230.91 I would need an outdoor panel with a 100 amp breaker because the main panel would be on the opposite side of the wall

You don't need an outdoor panel. You need an outdoor Overcurrent device/disconnecting means, such as a fused switch or enclosed circuit breaker.

 

[AkinElectricalServices]

Thank you

 

[RICK NAPIER]

The conductors for a 100 amp service to a home may not qualify for a 100 amp nondwelling use. You may have to drop down to 90 amp.

 

[cpinetree]

The conductors for a 100 amp service to a home may not qualify for a 100 amp nondwelling use. You may have to drop down to 90 amp.

Good catch

If it's a short run just change them out as you will need to pull a ground wire anyway (unless it's metal pipe).
May need a bond bushing also.

 

[AkinElectricalServices]

I had actually figured into my quote to use new wire from meter to disconnect, and even to the existing panel.

 

[electricguy61]

I had actually figured into my quote to use new wire from meter to disconnect, and even to the existing panel.

I would think a 2 position panel with a 100 amp breaker would be cheaper then a disconnect.

 

[cpinetree]

I would think a 2 position panel with a 100 amp breaker would be cheaper then a disconnect.

Suitable for use as service equipment and having a breaker with a hold down, meeting the AIC rating required.

 

[electricguy61]

Suitable for use as service equipment and having a breaker with a hold down, meeting the AIC rating required.

But of course. That goes without saying

 

[augie47]

Suitable for use as service equipment and having a breaker with a hold down, meeting the AIC rating required.

why ? (assuming I feed the panel lugs)

 

[norcal]

Suitable for use as service equipment and having a breaker with a hold down, meeting the AIC rating required.

Unless the breaker is backfed a hold down would not be required.

 

[growler]

I may be mistaken but, if the existing panel meets the criteria for a service panel, I see no reason you could not make the new switch non-fusible.

(as I said, I could be mistaken) Guess it falls down to "immediately adjacent thereto". I can't see much difference in adding that and having a meter disconnect as allowed in 230.82. Perhaps an AHJ call.

I ran into one similar to that a few years back and the AHJ said that since it would be cost prohibitive to have to change out the feeder to the panel ( have to tear half the building apart) that a non-fused disconnect would work and just grandfather the rest.

It can be an AHJ call.