New Electrical Code Main Service Requirements

[OneStepBehind]

I do not have a copy of the latest NEC code. Does it now require that all electrical main services be placed in a room all their own or does it depend on the voltage/amperage rating on the service? An electrician told me he thought it does. I am looking to do a new 400 amp 120/208v 3 phase service.

Thx

 

[davidbeach]

Buy the code.

 

[OneStepBehind]

I will! I just don't have it at this moment and was looking for help on an answer. Yours was no help.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Not sure about the room - I do know you need at least 30'' or maybe 36'' clearance to work in. I always use 36'' There are some fat electricians out there and 36'' gives you a little more time to "slow" down when you get blown off the panel!!

 

[dpc]

I am not aware of any changes to the 2011 NEC that require a separate room. There are working space requirements but a separate room has never been required by the NEC.

 

[jraef]

Perhaps it's Arc Flash related? The guy who made that comment may have been referring to what his employer has decided to do.

In the new 2012 NFPA 70E, the rules on Arc Flash studies, Personal Prection Equipment and Limited Approach boundries have changed and become more stringent. Some people choose to deal with it by having separate rooms for their electrical equip,ment now with restricted access to only QWs (Qualified Workers) that have been through Arc Flash training and know all of the PPE requirements etc.

None of that applies to 208V services though.

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[DRWeig]

Go to

http://www.nfpa.org.

You can read the 2011 code for free.

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

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[DRWeig]

Sorry, I submitted too soon.

Link is below. About halfway down the page is "View the document online (read only)"

http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/aboutthecodes.asp?docnum=70

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

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[OneStepBehind]

Thanks that is very helpful. I had not heard of a seperate room but thought it may have changed in the new code.