Service LB Access Panels

[RobertCyr]

We have a 4 unit townhouse building. All 4 services run through the attic space. All 4 come down an exterior wall in one unit. The electrical contractor then used LBs to go into the back of the meter.

At a minimum, access panels would be needed at all 4 LBs. But..........

Do the access doors need to be lockable? Otherwise, 1 unit has "access" to all 4 service wires technically.

Do they need to be insulated for an exterior wall?

Is a simple plastic access panel okay?

I am not finding any codes to support any of these ideas.

 

[growler]

Do the access doors need to be lockable? Otherwise, 1 unit has "access" to all 4 service wires technically.

The code doesn't get into that but the power company may not be to happy. Call the power company and ask to speak with one of their engineers.

 

[growler]

Do they need to be insulated for an exterior wall?

Is a simple plastic access panel okay?

Probably does need some sort of insulation but you need to get with the building inspector on that one.

 

[growler]

We have a 4 unit townhouse building. All 4 services run through the attic space. All 4 come down an exterior wall in one unit. The electrical contractor then used LBs to go into the back of the meter.

Is there a good reason why they didn't run the mast on the outside of the building?

 

[RobertCyr]

No, there is no good reason. The electrical contractor just left us to "figure it out".

 

[electrofelon]

I don't see how you can have SECs running through the attic space

 

[kwired]

I was assuming these were load side of meters, and hopefully there is also a disconnect associated with each meter otherwise most places won't allow that much service conductor "inside"the building.

NEC does not give any clear distance limitation on what is allowed inside, many jurisdictions have limits of 3, 5 maybe up to 10 feet in some cases.

Once you go beyond the service disconnecting means, you have feeders and there is no such limitations.

POCO would likely care less of who might have access past the meters regardless of location of service disconnect.

 

[texie]

The OP is not clear if these are service conductors or feeders. As noted that will make a big difference.
If these were feeders and it was legally a condo it would be OK from an NEC standpoint with an access panel. I can't imagine anyone one being OK with an access in their unit though. If this is legally a townhouse you can't have owners stuff going though another unit.
Incredibly poor planning. I'd fire the EC just for being so stupid.

 

[powerpete69]

So THAT's what an LB actually looks like with the wire inside.....cool man!~

 

[growler]

The electrical contractor just left us to "figure it out".

Incredibly poor planning. I'd fire the EC just for being so stupid.

Sounds like you would have to find the EC to fire him.

I really don't understand how this job is on going. If the EC is missing then how do they expect to get power turned on? You can't get an owner permit for a job like this.