Using one irrigation pump for a duplex unit

Merry Christmas
Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bradriley

Member
Greetings to you all!

I am a small developer in North West Florida. Recently I was turned down on my final inspection for an issue with using a single irrigation pump powered by one of the units in a duplex dwelling. The duplex has two seperate meters or power sources, one for each unit. Unit A and Unit B. Unit A has a 220 V circuit ran from the inside panel to an outside box to be used to power the irrigation pump. The single pump and irrigation system waters the whole property which is a single duplex building on a single multifamily zoned lot.

The inspector quoted the NEC 210.25 and turned us down because he said that you cannot irrigate the whole property or "common area" off of the power from one of the units. Incedentially, we have done this and it has passed for the last 5 duplexes that we have built. We simply discount the rent for the Unit A renter for the cost of the electric to run the pump. How we handle the cost of running the pump should be our concern, not that of the inspector? Can you give me any insight as to the validity of the claim by the inspector? Is it valid or an interpretation.

Thanks

Brad Riley
You R Home, Inc.
Navarre, FL
 
This is the commentary from the 2005 NEC handbook..... maybe it will help explain the inspector's position?


Not only does 210.25 prohibit branch circuits from feeding more than one dwelling unit, it also prohibits the sharing of systems, equipment, or common lighting if that equipment is fed from any of the dwelling units. The systems, equipment, or lighting for public or common areas is required to be supplied from a separate ``house load'' panelboard. This requirement permits access to the branch-circuit disconnecting means without the need to enter the space of any tenants. The requirement also prevents a tenant from turning off important circuits that may affect other tenants.

Pete
 
I agree with the inspector. The system needs to be divided into two separate systems or the pump must be fed from a "house panel" that serves the common pump. I agree with you that this seems to be far reaching for the NEC, but it is a requirement. Sounds like the document (the NEC) that isn't supposed to be a design manual sometimes is one.
 
Thanks for your quick replies

Thanks for your quick replies

Hi Infinity and Pete M.

I really appreciate your fast response. Makes sense to me from your insight. Its a shame that my own county inspectors will not give me the time to enlighten me as you have. The irritating thing is, that if we would have known this before, we would have set up the electrical to handle it. Either from a "landlord" meter panel or by spliting the systems up and putting in two wells. But we could have made that decision in our planning stage. I now know how I will do it in the future. I now have to go and install two new wells as I have two duplexes in the final stages of construction almost ready for final inspection.

Thanks again for your expertise.

If you guys are interested in what our beautiful beaches look like? You can see them live on our local web site DestinPassLive.com

Our beach webcams refresh every 7 seconds showing you the beauty of the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Regards,

Brad Riley
You R Home, Inc.
 
Another reason for the need for independent power is if one tenant moves out and has their power disconnected. A house panel is owned and maintained by the property owner.
 
Is the irrigation pump required ? If not just final out without it.Other option might be to include power in the rent ,provided access is available.Perhaps 2 pumps on one well,that can be done.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top