"service entrance rated"
- Thread starter bh
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pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: "service entrance rated"
The label on the equipment that states it is suitable as service equipment.
The label on the equipment that states it is suitable as service equipment.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: "service entrance rated"
I think the question had to do with what makes the panel different. Is an SE rated panel made of platinum, for example? Does it have twice the thickness of its bus bars? Does it have a higher fault current rating? Does its enclosure get two coats of paint? Is it more expensive just because they know you have to buy it? Is it deeper because you need to bring those large service conductors into it?
I am curious about this too. What makes it different? If you took off the labels on an SE and a Non-SE, how could you tell them apart?
I think the question had to do with what makes the panel different. Is an SE rated panel made of platinum, for example? Does it have twice the thickness of its bus bars? Does it have a higher fault current rating? Does its enclosure get two coats of paint? Is it more expensive just because they know you have to buy it? Is it deeper because you need to bring those large service conductors into it?
I am curious about this too. What makes it different? If you took off the labels on an SE and a Non-SE, how could you tell them apart?
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: "service entrance rated"
The real difference is when and who provides the main bonding. If the manufacturer makes the bond at the factory that can't be removed, this equipment is identified as being suitable ONLY for use as service equipment. Panelboards that can be used as either service equipment or for feeder circuits will have a field installable bonding means.
In order for these type of panelboards to be listed as suitable for use as service euipment. They must meet the marking and other basic requirements as indicated by UL. This can be found in the Marking Guide for Panelboards July 2004.
In the end, I doubt there is much of a physical difference.
The real difference is when and who provides the main bonding. If the manufacturer makes the bond at the factory that can't be removed, this equipment is identified as being suitable ONLY for use as service equipment. Panelboards that can be used as either service equipment or for feeder circuits will have a field installable bonding means.
In order for these type of panelboards to be listed as suitable for use as service euipment. They must meet the marking and other basic requirements as indicated by UL. This can be found in the Marking Guide for Panelboards July 2004.
In the end, I doubt there is much of a physical difference.
Re: "service entrance rated"
From a CH catalog:
Suitable for use as service equipment when not more than two service disconnecting mains are provided or when not more than six service disonnecting mains are provided and when not used as a lighting and appliance panelboard.
From a CH catalog:
Suitable for use as service equipment when not more than two service disconnecting mains are provided or when not more than six service disonnecting mains are provided and when not used as a lighting and appliance panelboard.
Re: "service entrance rated"
I know this post mainly deals with the ratings on panelboards but I work in the standby power industry and wanted to give you something to look out for if you ever deal with automatic transfer switches.
There is a huge difference between a standard ATS and a service entrance rated ATS. You typically use a standard ATS downstream from some main disconnecting means. Either a main panel, behind a main disconnect, etc. If, however, you are using an ATS to feed directly off of utility and then into a main panel (i.e. the genset will back up the entire building) then you need a S.E. rated ATS. These are typically 2-3 times the cost of a normal ATS and come in much bigger cabinets since they incorporate either a main breaker or main disconnect.
I see EC's get into trouble over this all the time. They either don't realize the cost or don't allocate enough space.
[ November 18, 2005, 03:04 PM: Message edited by: DuganC5 ]
I know this post mainly deals with the ratings on panelboards but I work in the standby power industry and wanted to give you something to look out for if you ever deal with automatic transfer switches.
There is a huge difference between a standard ATS and a service entrance rated ATS. You typically use a standard ATS downstream from some main disconnecting means. Either a main panel, behind a main disconnect, etc. If, however, you are using an ATS to feed directly off of utility and then into a main panel (i.e. the genset will back up the entire building) then you need a S.E. rated ATS. These are typically 2-3 times the cost of a normal ATS and come in much bigger cabinets since they incorporate either a main breaker or main disconnect.
I see EC's get into trouble over this all the time. They either don't realize the cost or don't allocate enough space.
[ November 18, 2005, 03:04 PM: Message edited by: DuganC5 ]
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