signage

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jared albrecht

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Anchorage
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Engineer
I have a service that consists of a ct enclosure and a feeder to an MDP with a 400 amp main breaker. the conductors from the ct enclosure to the MDP is one set of 500 MCM. the inspector is making me install signage on the service to annotate that no more than 380 amps can be connected to this service. this is due to the 500 MCM only rated for 380 amps. I am trying to determine the code that would derive the signage. Any ideas that would not require me to ask the inspector?
 
AFIK, there is no such requirement (for signage) in the NEC. His reasoning, I assume, is based on 230.42
Perhaps a local requirement or, more likely, a personal call
 
Ask him for a code reference before making any signs because one does not exist. The next size up rule in 240.4 permits your installation without any signs being required.
 
The AHJ indicated that it is for the protection of the wires as the wires are only rated for 380 amps. His idea was that potentially the ampacity could be 399 amps and the wire ampacity is exceeded; therefore, the breaker offers no protection. i agree with you about the signage requirement, but also understand his thought process. he also inferred the signage to be a recommendation not a code violation. just looking for more incite.
 
IMO, kinda frivolous. That 20 amps is not likely to pose a real problem and anyone knowledgeable enough to determine the load is likely aware of the conductors ampacity. Want to make him feel all warm and fuzzy, make a sign :)
 
As Augie stated the potential of 20 amps won't matter. There is no reason for the sign so I would not be hanging one. The onus is on the next guy to figure out if adding some load will exceed the 380 amps not you.
 
There is a Washington code rule that requires a sign for that type of service. Perhaps Alaska has a similar rule
 
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