jar546
Forum Coordinator
Here is yet another subjective area of the code. Let's look at the code verbiage first.
(1) Readily Accessible Location.
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
So what does "...inside nearest the point of entrance..." mean to you?
If the POCO requires a specific location for the meter and the service disconnect will be in the basement, how many feet away from the point of entrance of the service conductors is acceptable to you?
What if there are ducts and steam pipes in the way? Will you allow a further distance so you are compliant with article 110?
Here is what the NFPA has to say about this code section:
No maximum distance between the point of entrance of service conductors to a readily accessible location for the installation of a service disconnecting means is specified. The authority enforcing the NEC is responsible for the decision on how far inside the building the service-entrance conductors are allowed to travel to the service disconnecting means. The length of service-entrance conductors should be kept to a minimum inside buildings. There is an increased fire hazard because power utilities provide limited overcurrent protection. Some local jurisdictions specify a maximum length that service-entrance conductors may be run within the building before terminating at the disconnecting means.
If the AHJ determines the distance to be excessive, the disconnecting means may be required to be located on the outside of the building or near the building at a readily accessible location.
(1) Readily Accessible Location.
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
So what does "...inside nearest the point of entrance..." mean to you?
If the POCO requires a specific location for the meter and the service disconnect will be in the basement, how many feet away from the point of entrance of the service conductors is acceptable to you?
What if there are ducts and steam pipes in the way? Will you allow a further distance so you are compliant with article 110?
Here is what the NFPA has to say about this code section:
No maximum distance between the point of entrance of service conductors to a readily accessible location for the installation of a service disconnecting means is specified. The authority enforcing the NEC is responsible for the decision on how far inside the building the service-entrance conductors are allowed to travel to the service disconnecting means. The length of service-entrance conductors should be kept to a minimum inside buildings. There is an increased fire hazard because power utilities provide limited overcurrent protection. Some local jurisdictions specify a maximum length that service-entrance conductors may be run within the building before terminating at the disconnecting means.
If the AHJ determines the distance to be excessive, the disconnecting means may be required to be located on the outside of the building or near the building at a readily accessible location.
