Washington Plan Review

[Krusscher]

I will start this by saying I have been a industrial electrician for 14 years and lack knowledge in many areas of the code unfortunately but I started a job at a college in Washington so I'm learning through trial by fire lol.

We are installing a back up Mini Split AC unit at our satellite campus 2 hours from me and I am trying to figure out exactly what I need to do. I am going to be feeding the new mini split off a circuit that currently feeds a wall unit with electric heat and is fed by a 60 amp circuit. We are going to remove the electric heat package from the wall unit as it is not needed any more which would leave plenty of capacity on that circuit for the mini split... now this is obvious to me just looking at it but according to the WAC 296-46B-900 wants some extra leg work done it seems and I'm hoping someone here can help me with what exactly I am going to need to gather before pulling my permit, doing the work and getting it inspected.

To be honest I have never pulled a permit before because I've always worked under masters that handled yearly permits at every facility I worked at so I am a bit nervous about making mistakes with my first one.
https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/7SCbNibnKWQ7 new back up mini split
https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/q1pnwEQER6Bu wall unit with heat package that will be removed

 

[electrofelon]

I will start this by saying I have been a industrial electrician for 14 years and lack knowledge in many areas of the code unfortunately but I started a job at a college in Washington so I'm learning through trial by fire lol.

We are installing a back up Mini Split AC unit at our satellite campus 2 hours from me and I am trying to figure out exactly what I need to do. I am going to be feeding the new mini split off a circuit that currently feeds a wall unit with electric heat and is fed by a 60 amp circuit. We are going to remove the electric heat package from the wall unit as it is not needed any more which would leave plenty of capacity on that circuit for the mini split... now this is obvious to me just looking at it but according to the WAC 296-46B-900 wants some extra leg work done it seems and I'm hoping someone here can help me with what exactly I am going to need to gather before pulling my permit, doing the work and getting it inspected.

To be honest I have never pulled a permit before because I've always worked under masters that handled yearly permits at every facility I worked at so I am a bit nervous about making mistakes with my first one.
https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/7SCbNibnKWQ7 new back up mini split
https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/q1pnwEQER6Bu wall unit with heat package that will be removed

It seems to me you will be exempt from the plan review per 296-46(B)-900 (3)(a)(iii).

 

[tom baker]

For this small project plan review can probably be done by your local L&I office. Take the opportunity to call area supervisor, meet, get your permit, etc. If you don’t meet the exception then a plan would be sent to Olympia for review, that is normally sent by EE.Have the area supervisor explain details.

 

[Krusscher]

It seems to me you will be exempt from the plan review per 296-46(B)-900 (3)(a)(iii).

I believe I am but they still want:

(A) A clear and adequate description of the project's scope;
(B) A load calculation(s);
(C) What the load changes are, providing both before and after panel schedules as needed; and
(D) Provide information showing that the service and feeder(s) supplying the panel(s) where the work is taking place has adequate capacity for any increased load and has code compliant overcurrent protection for that supply.

Is this something I need to submit with the permit? Would I need to make a panel schedule? Can I just hook a power logger to this panel for a few days and give them the feeder breaker and wire size to satisfy part D or would it have to be done on the service and the panel this mini split is coming off from?

I'm thinking about having a contractor near the campus get the information I need so I can pull the permit and do the work. I just want to make sure I get everything I need on the first trip.

 

[electrofelon]

I believe I am but they still want:

(A) A clear and adequate description of the project's scope;
(B) A load calculation(s);
(C) What the load changes are, providing both before and after panel schedules as needed; and
(D) Provide information showing that the service and feeder(s) supplying the panel(s) where the work is taking place has adequate capacity for any increased load and has code compliant overcurrent protection for that supply.

Is this something I need to submit with the permit? Would I need to make a panel schedule? Can I just hook a power logger to this panel for a few days and give them the feeder breaker and wire size to satisfy part D or would it have to be done on the service and the panel this mini split is coming off from?

I'm thinking about having a contractor near the campus get the information I need so I can pull the permit and do the work. I just want to make sure I get everything I need on the first trip.

All my plan reviews have been for the city of Seattle and I've had never had to do one for L&I so I guess I can't be of much help. That said I don't understand their requesting load calcs and or measurements, seems like you meet that exception if you are replacing an existing piece of equipment with one with smaller loading.... But you can't always make the camel drink water I guess.

 

[Krusscher]

All my plan reviews have been for the city of Seattle and I've had never had to do one for L&I so I guess I can't be of much help. That said I don't understand their requesting load calcs and or measurements, seems like you meet that exception if you are replacing an existing piece of equipment with one with smaller loading.... But you can't always make the camel drink water I guess.

I honestly don't understand it myself since I will technically be taking load off the system. The only thing I can think is that they just want to make sure the panel was rated for this in the first place maybe? I guess I will just have to call them again to see exactly what they want without going over board.

 

[Joe.B]

Replacing an older wall style heater with a new mini-split? I would then guess there is a new piece of equipment going outside? That may be what triggers a permit. Just guessing here.

 

[Krusscher]

Replacing an older wall style heater with a new mini-split? I would then guess there is a new piece of equipment going outside? That may be what triggers a permit. Just guessing here.

we are adding a back up mini split for a server room as the wall unit is quite old. I get the need for a permit and inspection for the installation, its all the other added stuff that I'm not sure about how much info I need to collect and I guess give to the inspector/permitting office.