Service entrance passing through panel cabinet

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inspector 102

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Northern Indiana
An existing 800 amp service panel has 2 conduits coming into it from the utility pole. 1 conduit is empty and the contractor would like to pull 2 sets of 3/0 copper through, pass through the existing panel board to 2 separate 200 amp panelboards. All the panels are grouped together in the same location, but I am hung up on service entrance cables passing through one cabinet to service another cabinet. Am I putting too much into it or is this an allowable installation. I hope my description has been adequate tovisualize what they would like to do.
 
The service disconnect must be installed "either inside or outside, nearest the point of entrance". It would seem to me that since they are passing through another panel, this is not "nearest the point of entrance". It would appear that you are attempting to bring another "service" to the building. You will also need to review 230.2 to determine if you meet the criteria for bringing an additional service to the building.
 
This would not necessariltybe an additional service since it all originates from the same utility pole and is all grouped together allowing for the 6 switch rulle. I view this somewhat as a gutter type application except instead of using a gutter trough, they want to use the existing panel that the empty conduit currently terminate in. The service point is still common out at the pole with CT metering, then underground into the building. This building is approx. 70 years old and they are looking for options without tearing up the entire parkiing lot. Still have some concenrns and waiting for others to chime in.
 
That just moves you from article 230- services to article 225 for feeders. The wording for the location of the disconnect is identical. I cannot see how passing through another panel could be interpreted as "nearest the point of entrance" - see 225.32.
 
Where exactly is the disconnect point?

Is the existing panel the service disconnect?

Can they just move the conduit or use a trough to not enter the existing panel?
 
inspector 102 said:
...I am hung up on service entrance cables passing through one cabinet to service another cabinet.
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I've had to do something similar. The only way it would fly with the inspector was to run a rigid conduit enclosing the conductors all the way through the enclosure I was chasing through. The conduit passed all the way through and within the first enclosure.
 
I say that you could run the said conductors through the existing 800amp panel. As long as there is "adequate space" in the panel, 312.8.
 
I'm confused too. If I am seeing this right, the 'service point' (as defined in 100) is simply where the NEC begins governing the installation, and it's been said to be at the pole with the metering. No disconnects yet.

Then you will have one mast with two sets of SE conductors, running through an exisiting service panelboard into two other panelboards. Then, the two sets are disconnected and still grouped, and still outside. All three service disconnects.

I believe the biggest question mark is the two sets in the same mast, which is permitted by 230.42 exception 2.

If it is as I'm picturing it, I don't see anything wrong with the installation so far.

I've heard some say that having service conductors routed through the 1st disconnect into the others would be a violation of 230.7, since the panel is being used as a raceway - but I don't buy it. Service conductors can't very well be kept out of a service disconnect, can they? :)

If you want, here's a related thread I started on temps awhile back, it's semi-related. Mostly, I put a link in to be honest, that I've had an axe to grind on this (230.7) in the past. While the two installations are different, it might help you in some way, so there it is.
 
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The available space within the existing panel is adequate for the additional conductors to run through it. The space would then effectively be used as a "trough" to serve the 2 additional disconnects being installed. I was 95% okay with the installation, but that 5% was still bothering me. That is why I came to the experts for guidance. Thanks for all the input.
 
inspector 102 said:
An existing 800 amp service panel has 2 conduits coming into it from the utility pole. 1 conduit is empty and the contractor would like to pull 2 sets of 3/0 copper through, pass through the existing panel board to 2 separate 200 amp panelboards. All the panels are grouped together in the same location, but I am hung up on service entrance cables passing through one cabinet to service another cabinet. Am I putting too much into it or is this an allowable installation. I hope my description has been adequate tovisualize what they would like to do.
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Is this comming up into the Panel or just into a pull section of the panel ?
I would look at this the same as a gutter if it is a pull section, as most UG fed panels I have used have a completely seperate pull/landing section from the panel side of the gear.
 
acrwc10 said:
Is this comming up into the Panel or just into a pull section of the panel ?
I would look at this the same as a gutter if it is a pull section, as most UG fed panels I have used have a completely seperate pull/landing section from the panel side of the gear.
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On a smaller scale, Square D Metermains (200A and the like) have a divider seperating the non-metered conductors from the panelboard area of the can. This is for prevention of theft of electricity, not a code-required seperation, IMO.
 
georgestolz said:
On a smaller scale, Square D Metermains (200A and the like) have a divider seperating the non-metered conductors from the panelboard area of the can. This is for prevention of theft of electricity, not a code-required seperation, IMO.
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Yes but not on the 800 amp they normally have a seperate pull section that is bolted on, most of them are large enough to stand in if they are UnderGround fed. P.S. I don't suggest this if the power is on ,:D
 
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