Spare capacity in panelboards
- Thread starter sadegh
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
I don't see how 90.8(A) is a requirement to provide spare room in a panelboard.
I don't see how 90.8(A) is a requirement to provide spare room in a panelboard.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
The answer is that the NEC does not require spare capacity, and that any Inspector that fails a project on that basis is exceeding his or her authority. I say that knowing that there is always the possibility that local codes may be more restrictive, and that a local code may require, for example, spare capacity. However, the original question states that the Inspector is claiming this to be a code requirement. So to be clear, it is not a National Electrical Code Requirement.
Please note that 90.8 speaks about the virtues of spare capacity, but does not require it.
The answer is that the NEC does not require spare capacity, and that any Inspector that fails a project on that basis is exceeding his or her authority. I say that knowing that there is always the possibility that local codes may be more restrictive, and that a local code may require, for example, spare capacity. However, the original question states that the Inspector is claiming this to be a code requirement. So to be clear, it is not a National Electrical Code Requirement.
Please note that 90.8 speaks about the virtues of spare capacity, but does not require it.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Charlie,
You've hit the nail right on the head.
Charlie,
You've hit the nail right on the head.
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Gentlemen,
Where you see or agree,is up to yourself.Like I said before,I have been attending Inspector Classes.I have no knowledge of where this poster is located,or even if we reside in same area.I suspect we do not.
This is how this article section was explaind to me in Inspector classes,which I assume is same being called upond.
Interpret,as you will.
I didn't write it..
Gentlemen,
Where you see or agree,is up to yourself.Like I said before,I have been attending Inspector Classes.I have no knowledge of where this poster is located,or even if we reside in same area.I suspect we do not.
This is how this article section was explaind to me in Inspector classes,which I assume is same being called upond.
Interpret,as you will.
I didn't write it..
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Dillon,
It may be that it's a local requirement where you are to provide additional spaces for future expansion in a panelboard, but as Charlie pointed out it's not an NEC requirement.
Dillon,
It may be that it's a local requirement where you are to provide additional spaces for future expansion in a panelboard, but as Charlie pointed out it's not an NEC requirement.
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Infinity,Brother..
Like I said,this IS the article/section that this poster's Inspector, is refering too...
I can't tell you, what part of the country this poster is working in...Can elaborate, where I am..
Local,could be..But this is the way it was explained in my classes....Wasn't explained or defined, as being a local requirement though Infinity..
edited for spelling..
[ May 23, 2005, 11:37 AM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]
Infinity,Brother..
Like I said,this IS the article/section that this poster's Inspector, is refering too...
I can't tell you, what part of the country this poster is working in...Can elaborate, where I am..
Local,could be..But this is the way it was explained in my classes....Wasn't explained or defined, as being a local requirement though Infinity..
edited for spelling..
[ May 23, 2005, 11:37 AM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
From the NFPA NEC Handbook (bolding is mine):
"Electrical and communications distribution centers should contain additional space and capacity for future additions and should be conveniently located for easy accessibility.
Where electrical and communications distribution equipment is installed so that easy access cannot be achieved, a spare raceway(s) or pull line(s) should be run at the initial installation, as illustrated in Exhibit 90.2."
I agree that spare capacity should be provided but the NEC doesn't require the additional capacity.
From the NFPA NEC Handbook (bolding is mine):
"Electrical and communications distribution centers should contain additional space and capacity for future additions and should be conveniently located for easy accessibility.
Where electrical and communications distribution equipment is installed so that easy access cannot be achieved, a spare raceway(s) or pull line(s) should be run at the initial installation, as illustrated in Exhibit 90.2."
I agree that spare capacity should be provided but the NEC doesn't require the additional capacity.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
dillon3c,
Don
dillon3c,
That doesn't mean that the explanation is correct.
There is no mandatory or enforceable language in 90.8. The section only makes a statement, it does not command any action.
Don
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
dillon3c If 90.8 required extra capacity it would have to specify how much capacity is enough.
Reading it the way you have been taught means it is an open ended requirement. The EC would have to provide as much extra capacity as the inspector wanted that day.
dillon3c If 90.8 required extra capacity it would have to specify how much capacity is enough.
Reading it the way you have been taught means it is an open ended requirement. The EC would have to provide as much extra capacity as the inspector wanted that day.
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Man asked for code section, he got one proving that it's in the book( he could not locate).Code officials depending of area,can certainly interpret,and use "at will" as seeing fit in situation.His Inspector must recognize it, seems don. And me discussing the issue in forum,probably will not change that fact.Do you think it will change it don?
Don,if it doesn't apply, nor inforced to your area,cool beans man..
I did give accurate description, of the classroom interpretation.Again,I'm not defending ruling from N.Carolina/Inspector in class,and also not saying that I agree with it either.I just mearly pointed out,where it is in book..
We all together on this now,I am not the original posters Inspector.
dillon3c
I getting a little bewildered on this issue. Get a interpretation from NFPA if you choose.And in all due respect to Chief Moderator,your interpretation doesn't make it so either sir.
Man asked for code section, he got one proving that it's in the book( he could not locate).Code officials depending of area,can certainly interpret,and use "at will" as seeing fit in situation.His Inspector must recognize it, seems don. And me discussing the issue in forum,probably will not change that fact.Do you think it will change it don?
Don,if it doesn't apply, nor inforced to your area,cool beans man..
I did give accurate description, of the classroom interpretation.Again,I'm not defending ruling from N.Carolina/Inspector in class,and also not saying that I agree with it either.I just mearly pointed out,where it is in book..
We all together on this now,I am not the original posters Inspector.
dillon3c
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
I would imagine that a panel that will accept tandem breakers qualifies as meeting the need for "Future Expansion and Convenience". (I'm counting on it for a service inspection tomorrow; the panel is full.)
I would imagine that a panel that will accept tandem breakers qualifies as meeting the need for "Future Expansion and Convenience". (I'm counting on it for a service inspection tomorrow; the panel is full.)
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Dillion if you read 90.5 it clearly states what is enforceable and what is not. 90.8 does not have enforceable language as to what 90.5 states.
Dillion if you read 90.5 it clearly states what is enforceable and what is not. 90.8 does not have enforceable language as to what 90.5 states.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
One problem I do have is 90.6-90.9 should have been as an FPN in the NEC as to comply with the reference in 90.5(C)
Why it isn't????
One problem I do have is 90.6-90.9 should have been as an FPN in the NEC as to comply with the reference in 90.5(C)
Why it isn't????
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
Yes we see it in the NEC but 90.5 guide us as to when and how it can be enforced. I'm not saying that it's not in the book but as per 90.5 it's informational only. It should have been an FPN.
Yes we see it in the NEC but 90.5 guide us as to when and how it can be enforced. I'm not saying that it's not in the book but as per 90.5 it's informational only. It should have been an FPN.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Spare capacity in panelboards
What he asked for and what you provided are not the same thing. 90.8(A) does not require spare spaces in a panelboard. Sounds like the instructor in you inspectors class made an error.
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