Two Family Service

[Jerseydaze]

I have a customer who wants to convert his house from one family to two family .The split would be 2nd floor 1st floor.So of course this will require a two family service. My question is am I required to put the second story panel in the second story Or can I put both panels in the basement (current location of main panel).

 

[haskindm]

You will only have one "service" for this building with two meters and two distribution panels. If the tenant's disconnect is located in the basement, they will need to have access to it per 230.72(C). If this is not possible you will need to place the disconnect at the unit and the service cable will need to be kept outside of the building until this point. See 230.71(A).

 

[satcom]

I have a customer who wants to convert his house from one family to two family .The split would be 2nd floor 1st floor.So of course this will require a two family service. My question is am I required to put the second story panel in the second story Or can I put both panels in the basement (current location of main panel).

The real question should be, does he have all the city or town approvals to change it a two family, and does he understand the scope of the job, not just electrical changes.

The tennant will need access to the breakers. Will you need a third meter for common areas?

The city I am in, they are closing down all the illegal two families.

 

[480sparky]

Another obstacle is to make sure there are no circuits common to both the lower and upper floors. And there may be plenty of them. That will create a problem with metering as well as tenent access to the breaker.

You can put the panels in the basement, as long as the tenent has access to theirs.

 

[celtic]

If the tenant's disconnect is located in the basement, they will need to have access to it per 230.72(C).

As I recall, this requirement is not required in NJ to existing properties under the Rehab Code.



As Satcom said....NJ is starting to crack down on the illegal apt. issue.
Before you commit to ANYTHING, be sure they have the zoning approvals.


You might also need a 3rd meter - depending on house layout.
I would strongly consider putting in a 3rd meter if ANY areas are "common" (which would include front/back porch lights & recepts.; basement, stairwells, etc)


But to finally answer the OP's actual question:
My question is am I required to put the second story panel in the second story Or can I put both panels in the basement (current location of main panel).

Maybe.

The Rehab Code may be your friend here....depending on the extent of the renov./remodel.



Given the extent of circuits that may be sharing floors, the number of ceilings and floors that may be needed to be opened for plumbing, heating, etc....it may be an option to put that panel on the 2nd flr.