Switched Exterior receptacles

[iggy2]

We just received the following from the contractor on a multifamily dwelling project, permitted under 2014 NEC:

"The Electrical Inspector has brought to our attention that the exterior electrical outlets that are accessible to the public (1st floor of apartments and town houses with exterior stairs to get to entrance) are required per code to be on a separate panel than the tenants. Since our design/drawings show theses outlets wired to each tenants panels and not a separate panel, he requires these outlets to be on a switch so the tenant can control it. Please advise how we are to proceed."

I have never heard of this - either having to be on a separate panel, nor that they be switched. Receptacles are shown at grade for those units at grade (210.52(E)(2)). For second floor units (not at grade), with exterior stairs, the exterior receptacles are shown at the porch at the top of the stair (210.52(E)(3)). Am I missing something?

We have switched exterior receptacles before on multi-family projects to prevent theft, but by choice - not "per code".

Thanks.

 

[cowboyjwc]

Look at 210.25(B), I'll be that's what he's thinking. I don't think that you have this issue so you should be fine.

 

[iggy2]

Look at 210.25(B), I'll be that's what he's thinking. I don't think that you have this issue so you should be fine.

I agree that's probably what he is thinking. The receptacle outlets however are not installed for "other purposes for public or common areas". They are installed as expressly required by the sections cited above (and I'm not sure what switching the receptacles accomplishes, except preventing power theft, which is outside the purview of the NEC...). I've told the Owner they will have to decide whether to argue this, or just do it... Given the time and expense to fight it, I know how this will go. Affects several hundred outdoor receptacle outlets in this development.

 

[growler]

We have switched exterior receptacles before on multi-family projects to prevent theft, but by choice - not "per code".

Thanks.

To prevent theft they make a lockable in-use cover (metal type that can be pad locked).

I had to install some at a school to prevent students from unplugging drink machines, have no idea if it actually worked.

 

[iggy2]

To prevent theft they make a lockable in-use cover (metal type that can be pad locked).

I had to install some at a school to prevent students from unplugging drink machines, have no idea if it actually worked.

Yes - we always spec cast metal, lockable WPWIU covers, so that is an option. But for the Owner to put several hundred pad locks on the covers, and then manage keys to them... would be difficult at best.

I suggested the owner consider complying with the AHJs order to put a switch - and put in a DG box and put the switch at the exterior receptacle....

 

[ramsy]

..I suggested the owner consider complying with the AHJs order to put a switch - and put in a DG box and put the switch at the exterior receptacle....

Or bring the exterior outlets home-run circuit from the commons meter panel.

 

[gadfly56]

I agree that's probably what he is thinking. The receptacle outlets however are not installed for "other purposes for public or common areas". They are installed as expressly required by the sections cited above (and I'm not sure what switching the receptacles accomplishes, except preventing power theft, which is outside the purview of the NEC...). I've told the Owner they will have to decide whether to argue this, or just do it... Given the time and expense to fight it, I know how this will go. Affects several hundred outdoor receptacle outlets in this development.

That right there is incentive enough for the GC to go up at least one rung on the ladder, assuming he isn't under some liquidated damages clause. Complying is likely to cost tens of thousands, given that you have to punch a switch into the wall and then find some place to break into the line side of the receptacle without affecting any other receptacles, assuming the outdoor one is at the end of the line. Now if this is still in the early phase of construction and no electrical has been installed yet, that's another story.

 

[iggy2]

Or bring the exterior outlets home-run circuit from the commons meter panel.

But then the occupant would not have access to the OCP. See 240.24(B). IMO 240.24(B) applies, since the exterior receptacle outlets are specifically required for the "dwelling unit occupancy" under 210.52, Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. They are not required for the common exterior of the building.

 

[iggy2]

Now if this is still in the early phase of construction and no electrical has been installed yet, that's another story.

We have not been out there lately, but I imagine this was brought up as a result of a rough inspection by the AHJ. So no sheetrock yet, but probably insulated, and rough otherwise complete.