Table 400.5(A)(2) vs. Section 110.14(C)(1)

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msshel0

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Hi. I work in the mining industry and I'm trying to figure out how to apply table 400.5(A)(2) of the code. We have a piece of equipment that is 1200' away from it's power source on the surface. we will probably run G-GC underground. Let's say the connectors that I'm using for my cable are rated at 500A, but only accept 350 KCM cable. Table 400.5(A)(2) says my 350 KCM G-GC is rated for 381A. So if I'm outside of the panel and just running my cable I'm okay. My problem is when I hit my distribution panel or the piece of equipment I'm powering. My connector limits me to 350 KCM. Section 110.14(C)(1) says that I have to use table 310.15(B)(16) unless my equipment is explicitly marked otherwise. So, when I leave my connector with my cable, and land it on my circuit breaker, I have to assume that the ampacity of the wire is on the order of 310 Amps. is there something I'm overlooking code-wise that makes using 400.5(A)(2) acceptable to use in a temporary situation? (temporary being 6 months to 2 years).

If you can't use 400.5(A)(2), why is it in the code at all?
 
Are you under the NEC? That can be independent of the issue, but still of interest.

These hypotheticals are much harder to discuss. Do you not know the connectors you are using, and what the equipment is?

6 months - 2 years is not "temporary" in most codes, including the NEC.
 
MAC702 said:
6 months - 2 years is not "temporary" in most codes, including the NEC.
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Depends really, there is no set time span except for holiday stuff.

590.3 Time Constraints.

(A) During the Period of Construction. Temporary electric power and lighting installations shall be permitted during the period of construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities.

(B) 90 Days. Temporary electric power and lighting installations shall be permitted for a period not to exceed 90 days for holiday decorative lighting and similar purposes.
 
Good point. "During construction..." is open-ended, but I didn't get the feeling that was the case here. But then again, this is mining, and another reason why I'm asking if the NEC would even apply to this issue. It might or might not, depending on the specifics.
 
MAC702 said:
Good point. "During construction..." is open-ended, but I didn't get the feeling that was the case here. But then again, this is mining, and another reason why I'm asking if the NEC would even apply to this issue. It might or might not, depending on the specifics.
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We are a mining construction company, so yes everything is temporary.
 
MAC702 said:
Good point. "During construction..." is open-ended, but I didn't get the feeling that was the case here. But then again, this is mining, and another reason why I'm asking if the NEC would even apply to this issue. It might or might not, depending on the specifics.
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According to Inginieur, an EE who works in PA mines, MSHA and the 1968 NEC governs there.

I do not know if it applies to IN mines.
 
MAC702 said:
Are you under the NEC? That can be independent of the issue, but still of interest.
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Technically, no I'm not under the NEC, but we try to design to the NEC. When I enter the panel and land on a breaker, the manufacturer is going to recommend/has been tested based on the NEC. So I'm trying to figure out when I can use table 400.5 and when I can't.
 
In general temporary does not change very much.
590.2 All Wiring Installations.
(A) Other Articles. Except as specifically modified in this article, all other requirements of this Code for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring installations.
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I am not aware of anything in 590 that would impact the issues being discussed in this thread.
 
The connector is an SMS Mining connector. I can't find anything that says it UL/CSA/MSHA rated in any way, but I know they're a big player in the mining industry (connector wise) and have been for years. I appreciate you guys taking your time to respond to my questions.
 
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