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Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Question:
Hi Charlie, I am a third party independent electrical inspector in Northern New York State. I was in a local building supply store and I was talking to a store sales person who works the electrical supply section. He was explaining that installers are selection inspectors in my area based upon the application of certain provisions of the NYS Building Code and the 2014 NEC, specifically the requirement to install a four wire feeder between a service entrance pedestals and a single Family Dwelling located remotely. Am I wrong in requiring a 4 wire feeder between a service entrance pedestal and a single Family Dwelling located remotely from the service pedestal? Thank you for your time and I love reading your responses to the many code questions.
Don
A
Answer:
Hey Don thanks for your question and the compliment. You are correct. grounded conductors are not allowed to be reconnected to ground on the load side of the service disconnecting means as stated in 250.24(A)(5). Using a 120/240 volt single phase 3-wire feeder on the load side of the service is not allowed because both grounded equipment grounding conductors would be connected to it in the single family dwellings.
It is an unfortunate situation if there are multiple inspection options in the same area that have different interpretations or different levels of enforcement. Share your concerns with the municipality, utility and possible the local IAEI Chapter. Often in areas with multiple inspection agencies they are involved in the Chapter and that can be used as an educational opportunity to help with consistent and correct enforcement of the NEC rules.