Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

[jam]

I ran across a situation today that I have never seen before. The main service entrance disconnect for an apartment building is located within a rented apartment.

I do not believe this meets code since it is not readilly accesible (the tenant can lock you out). Any code section that more objectively backs this up ?

Thanks for any help.

 

[jes25]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

There is probably a main disco somewhere else or this would be a violation of the disconnects being grouped(assuming there is more than one) besides tenants have to have access to there own disconnects.

See 230.72

[ October 24, 2005, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: jes25 ]

 

[jam]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

No, the Main Disconect (600A) for the entire building is in an apartment unit. It appears to be a service area that was converted into an apartment.

Thanks for the reply !!

 

[charlie b]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

The location of the main service disconnect is a violation of 230.70(A)(1).

Do you know if the individual unit panels have main breakers? If they do not, then where are the individual disconnecting means for each unit? Those are the things that the code requires to be accessible to the tenants. If they are also in this same rented apartment, then you have a violation of 230.72(C).

 

[Physis 2]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

It's kind of an interesting question in that

"readily accessable to who" ?



Edit: Error D, stupid keyboard.

[ October 25, 2005, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: Physis 2 ]

 

[jam]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

Thanks for the help and the code ref's.

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

Can anybody answer this.When was accesibility of a service disc.1st required ?As in this case.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

What about clearances? I wouldn't want a 600 amp disconnect in my living room, or bedroom! LOL

See 110.26 of the 2005 NEC.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

See also 312.4 of the 2005 NEC.

And 408.7 of the 2005 NEC, HOWEVER, this is up to the AHJ.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

By 110.26, we are talking at LEAST 3' wide, and 3' deep, as well as 6 1/2' tall.

110.26(B) states - ...not be used for storage....if in a passageway, or general open space, shall be suitably guarded.

OR try 110.26(F) Dedicated space. & protected from damage.

 

[pierre]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

"(C) Access to Occupants. In a multiple-occupancy building, each occupant shall have access to the occupant?s service disconnecting means.

Exception: In a multiple-occupancy building where electric service and electrical maintenance are provided by the building management and where these are under continuous
building management supervision, the service disconnecting means supplying more than one occupancy shall be permitted to be accessible to authorized management personnel only. "

Unless the apartment dweller is part of the management of this building (such as the super), than this could be a problem.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

I agree 100%!

BUT, an inspector COULD argue that the super, or manager will have a key (or access) to the equipment.

 

[pierre]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

Sure the management has a key, but the apartment dweller if not part of the management, would be violating the clause that I bolded in my last post.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: Service entrance disconnect in an apartment unit

OH, OK, I have never seen a lock, on a disconnect. But then the CODE doesn't cover bolt cutters, on behalf of the renter.

Or managment that has keys to the renters apartment.