NEC Clarances
NEC Clarances
(OP)
I am looking for service entrance clearance requirements.
I have found the minimum vertical requirements above grade, stuctures etc. for the service conductors. (225.18, 225.19, 230.24 & 230.26)
I have also located MOST of the working space requirements for the meter socket (110.26)
What I canot find is a minimum vertical requirement above grade/decks/accessways etc. The max appears to be 6.5' based on 110.26.A.3 which defers to 110.26.E. There does not apear to be any mention of minimum vertical distance. I ask because meters are typically (based on what I have learned from the electricians where I work) installed between 4' and 6' from grade.
Can anyone point me to the NEC section(s) that define these distances?
I have found the minimum vertical requirements above grade, stuctures etc. for the service conductors. (225.18, 225.19, 230.24 & 230.26)
I have also located MOST of the working space requirements for the meter socket (110.26)
What I canot find is a minimum vertical requirement above grade/decks/accessways etc. The max appears to be 6.5' based on 110.26.A.3 which defers to 110.26.E. There does not apear to be any mention of minimum vertical distance. I ask because meters are typically (based on what I have learned from the electricians where I work) installed between 4' and 6' from grade.
Can anyone point me to the NEC section(s) that define these distances?






RE: NEC Clarances
Vertical requirement for what specifically?
I'm not clear on what you are looking for - the minimum vertical clearance to overhead service conductors?
The 6'-6" rule applies to the handles of disconnecting means such as circuit breakers and disconnect switches.
The meter base height requirement is set by the serving utility so it can be accessed and read.
RE: NEC Clarances
Curious, though. The NEC specifies almost everything in such excruciating detail. Odd, in my opinion, they would not tackle this minor item.
RE: NEC Clarances
RE: NEC Clarances
RE: NEC Clarances
Good point, but the serving utility is free to adopt more stringent requirements. Also, the NESC is not strongly enforced in many states.
RE: NEC Clarances
Appendix B. Rules related to sag calculation for conductor sags as related to clearances were moved from
Sections 25 and 26 (loading and strength) into sections covering clearances. All calculations in which both
loaded and unloaded conductors involving ice and wind when used for strength calculations remain in
Sections 25 and 26. Rule 215C2 was revised to require all guys regardless of exposure to be insulated or
grounded. Rules related to guy and span wire insulators moved from Rule 279 to Rule 215C2 to improve
subject matter retrieval from the Code. The vertical clearance of a service drop attached to a mast, porch,
deck, or balcony has been increased from 2.45 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft). Rule 235G has been changed to allow
multiplex line cable up to 750 V to attach to the same support bracket as neutral conductors meeting
Rule 230E1.
RE: NEC Clarances
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: NEC Clarances
http:
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: NEC Clarances
I will just follow what the electricians have said and leave it at that. Thanks for all the info.