Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Client is considering the purchase of a home for conversion to a duplex. There is a single service panel in the basement serving the entire home currently.
Is it required by NEC or IRC to have access to a breaker panel within each unit that serves that unit? I thought that this had been discussed elsewhere on the board and I have tried searching the old IRC on CD and this Board but can't seem to find that discussion.
The panel will likely have to be replaced anyway, and I know to check with the local Code Official (I have a call in) but I am not optimistic that I will get a timely response, so all help is deeply appreciated here.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
An outside disconnect may be the best choice (more easily considered accessible) but I bet you are going to have bigger problems that that if the house wasn’t wired as a duplex originally. Circuits are likely to be crisscrossing between units.
Around here you really can't split a parcel in most cases so it is not a common question.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
That may be a consideration, but I think that the basement unit he would like to set up might be on its own circuit. Besides, if he is pulling two new panels to meet code, it can’t be too much more work to pull new wires to the basement rooms and attach them to the new panel.
Traditional duplexes are probably a lot more complex.
Do I understand you to mean that the main disconect has to be readily accessible to all parties, or just a panel for the items in each unit?
Jeff, if you have the NEC citation hand, could you post it? Thanks!
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My thinking about the outside disconnect was just that if the service disconnect was inside it would end up in one unit or the other. By having an outside disconnect you could run subs to each inside unit from there.
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
OK, so the ‘main disconnect’ is at the meter (and probably trhe ground bonding as well.
What I meant to convey was the problem of a condo owner having no means to de-energize their unit with a maximum of six throws and how most electricians and builders around here don't seem to care.
Just make sure the sparky puts his opinion in writing and inclused his license #, union card # and insurance cert. That way, he had the liability when someone dies.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Will, the “less than 6” language is only in the articles referring to the “service conductors” to the whole building. Each occupant of a multi occupancy, only needs access to the breakers that serve their unit and a maximum number is not specified. 240.24(B) , 225.40, 230.92
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The panel in a condo is always going to be a sub.
The “service” disconnect, even if it is actually up to 6 grouped disconnects will be in a central location.
Will, as long as the unit owner can turn off all of their breakers, they can shut down the power. You still have time to file a proposal if you think they need less than 6 handles. Lets see what CMP10 says about it.
http://forums.nfpa.org:8081/pcsubmit/pctopB.html