Tapping inside a service switch with polaris connectors

[Tainted]

I need 20kW worth of power. The only easiest solution I have found is to grab power from this existing 200A service switch with 200A fuses. I will be doing a 220.87 load study but I think it has the capacity for it. This service switch is feeding a panelboard which will be left alone.

My question is, can we use polaris connectors inside the service switch to do the tap? There is another knockout on the left side for the new conduit, the new conduit will penetrate behind the service switch into a wall. Is that feasible? can the knockout and
penetration be made without taking apart the service switch? see picture



How long does it usually take to install polaris connectors inside the service switch?

 

[LarryFine]

Wouldn't swapping in dual lugs be faster, easier, and cheaper?

Tap rules might apply, depending on the added wire size.

 

[Tainted]

Wouldn't swapping in dual lugs be faster, easier, and cheaper?

Tap rules might apply, depending on the added wire size.

I have thought of that, but wouldn't that void UL listing since we are modifying the disconnect switch lugs?

 

[jaggedben]

You are allowed to use Polaris connectors, provided there's enough space.

 

[LarryFine]

I have thought of that, but wouldn't that void UL listing since we are modifying the disconnect switch lugs?

Oh, who cares?! Maintaining listing is way overrated. (Kidding, somewhat.)

Do we really know whether those lugs were factory-installed or field-installed?

I would likely do it anyway. It's cleaner and neater as well as what I said above.

Added: And yes, you can add a conduit wherever you like, side or back wall.

 

[Tainted]

Oh, who cares?! Maintaining listing is way overrated. (Kidding, somewhat.)

I would likely do it anyway. It's cleaner and neater as well as what I said above.

I agree with you, it is way more practical to do it that way. But the problem is if someone asks me why I suggested it if it breaks UL listing, I wouldn't know how to answer them lol. Isn't it code to not break UL listing?

 

[LarryFine]

I agree with you, it is way more practical to do it that way. But the problem is if someone asks me why I suggested it if it breaks UL listing, I wouldn't know how to answer them lol. Isn't it code to not break UL listing?

I do: "Oh, who cares?!"

 

[Tainted]

I do: "Oh, who cares?!"

lol...

Also I have another question. If I use a full sized feeder (200A), do I need to provide a separate disconnect switch near the tap?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You are allowed to use Polaris connectors, provided there's enough space.

Maybe not if you are on the 2020 NEC. This is from the end of 230.46:

Effective January 1, 2023, pressure connectors and devices for splices and taps installed on service conductors shall be marked “suitable for use on the line side of the service equipment” or equivalent.

As far as I know there are no connectors so marked on the market at this time.

 

[hillbilly1]

I always use a large enough Polaris tap that it slips over the existing wire, that way you only need a two port, and it’s a cleaner install.

 

[Tainted]

Maybe not if you are on the 2020 NEC. This is from the end of 230.46:

As far as I know there are no connectors so marked on the market at this time.

I am proposing to tap on the load side of service switch, load side of service switch are not service conductors so I think I'm in the clear. I am on NYC electrical code too

 

[hillbilly1]

Maybe not if you are on the 2020 NEC. This is from the end of 230.46:

As far as I know there are no connectors so marked on the market at this time.

Ah! But it says line side, this would be on the load side. Not applicable. Dang it! Tainted beat me to it.

 

[hillbilly1]

Maybe not if you are on the 2020 NEC. This is from the end of 230.46:

As far as I know there are no connectors so marked on the market at this time.

Somebody didn’t think that through, it would end building meter groups using a wireway. You could only use factory built meter groups……Wait a minute, now we know who pushed that change through!

 

[LarryFine]

Also I have another question. If I use a full sized feeder (200A), do I need to provide a separate disconnect switch near the tap?

How long would this feeder be? That's why I mentioned tap rules. You may or may not need them.

 

[ActionDave]

I agree with you, it is way more practical to do it that way. But the problem is if someone asks me why I suggested it if it breaks UL listing, I wouldn't know how to answer them lol. Isn't it code to not break UL listing?

You don't violate a UL listing by modifying equipment, if that were true you would not be able put a hole in the disconnect for the conduit.

 

[Tainted]

How long would this feeder be? That's why I mentioned tap rules. You may or may not need them.

More than 25 feet, probably like 60 feet to get to the load

 

[LarryFine]

More than 25 feet, probably like 60 feet to get to the load

Unless they're outside, at that distance I think you need full sized wires to suit the fuses.

 

[Tainted]

You don't violate a UL listing by modifying equipment, if that were true you would not be able put a hole in the disconnect for the conduit.

Well, there is a knockout in the disconnect switch. It was designed for that specific purpose. I have to disagree with you respectfully

 

[Tainted]

Unless they're outside, at that distance I think you need full sized wires to suit the fuses.

I wont need a disconnect switch right next to the tap if I use full size right?

 

[LarryFine]

I wont need a disconnect switch right next to the tap if I use full size right?

Correct.