What is a vault???

[RichB]

Ok folks,

Here we go;

there is an interstitial space under an emergency power switchgear.

It is open on the sides to other rooms, the conduit passes through unsealed openings and the ceiling has a 2 hour fire rating.

The contractor ran the conduit in, stopped it short and then sleeved through the overhead leaving the cables open.

These are up to 1400 amps emergency circuits only.

They are saying they consider this a vault and that this is ok even though the contract says to run raceway full length and that it matches existing, which they pulled out then re-ran after the new switchgear was in place.

The only place I can find a definition of a vault is 110.31A and that is for over 600V--This is all 480V.

Is there anywhere that there is a definition of a vault for 600V and below

As always--Thanks for the help!!!

Rich

 

[Fulthrotl]

Ok folks,

Here we go;

there is an interstitial space under an emergency power switchgear.

It is open on the sides to other rooms, the conduit passes through unsealed openings and the ceiling has a 2 hour fire rating.

The contractor ran the conduit in, stopped it short and then sleeved through the overhead leaving the cables open.

These are up to 1400 amps emergency circuits only.

They are saying they consider this a vault and that this is ok even though the contract says to run raceway full length and that it matches existing, which they pulled out then re-ran after the new switchgear was in place.

The only place I can find a definition of a vault is 110.31A and that is for over 600V--This is all 480V.

Is there anywhere that there is a definition of a vault for 600V and below

As always--Thanks for the help!!!

Rich

well, it's not a vault.

a vault or an underground substructure will usually be an engineered, designed void
specifically for the purpose of supporting electrical infrastructure.

you have an empty space, that happens to have wires in it.

and the contract says in bold up there that they haven't done as directed.
durn shame too.... if the cables are made up, betcha after he fixes this,
they won't fit, unless he left them really long.

 

[RichB]

Sorry it took so long to get back but been busier than a one legged man at a rat stomp!!!!

I agree and nope--they are not long enough.

The problem I am having is finding something that says "This is a vault" and gives a definition/description.

This contractor is arguing that they see this space as a vault and that the installation is ok. I need to prove that it isn't--unfortunately the past history shows that even though the contract says "Do this" and the Wash State law says it is their responsability, and our specifications define "standard trade Practice" and the expectation that it will be followed, and that the "standard practice" is if there is a doubt put in an RFI--which they have shown the understand by the 1000+ RFI's submitted, that in a dispute the State always caves in and they get paid to fix their mistake.

I think I have attached a pic of what is under there.

Thanks Folks!!