No Access to disconnect... - InspectionNews

Vern Heiler · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:24 PM

Condo inspection today. There are closed panels with tamper proof fasteners on the side of exterior. I can only guess that the SEC, main disconnect and meter are inside? Isn't there a code that requires accessibility to the main disconnect?

Fred Warner · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Condo inspection today. There are closed panels with tamper proof fasteners on the side of exterior. I can only guess that the SEC, main disconnect and meter are inside? Isn't there a code that requires accessibility to the main disconnect?

Those ells look like plumbing ells, not conduit. Is this really electric work?

Vern Heiler · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:32 PM

Ya, there PVC. Went all the way around the complex and there is one box for every two units. Sub-panel (thats for JP) in the laundry room. Neutral and grounds seperated, more than 6 disconnects.

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:32 PM

I'm thinking that goes to irrigation sprinklers and rain sensor switch, or maybe communication stuff??

Still not right with those elbows like that. Probably all of it is white plumbing PVC.

Vern Heiler · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I'm thinking that goes to irrigation sprinklers and rain sensor switch, or maybe communication stuff??

Still not right with those elbows like that. Probably all of it is white plumbing PVC.

There is a possibility you are right! The only other place for SEC etc. is in Green metal boxes out in the community yard. They are pad locked so no way of telling what is inside anything! Shouldn't there be access available somewhere?

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

I can only guess that the SEC, main disconnect and meter are inside? Isn't there a code that requires accessibility to the main disconnect?

Yes, there is a code which requires the service equipment to be readily accessible, have required working space in front of it, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

There is a possibility you are right! The only other place for SEC etc. is in Green metal boxes out in the community yard. They are pad locked so no way of telling what is inside anything! Shouldn't there be access available somewhere?

Well, the service entrance conductors are not required to be accessible, but you would be able to see the ends of them (unless in a combination enclosure where metal bus bars fed the service equipment from the meter) at the service equipment, which is required to be accessible, etc. (see above).

If there is underground service, you are possibly thinking about the service laterals.

If those boxes are pedestals, depending on their size, they may well be for cable TV, in which case they ran from the pedestal where the main cabling runs around the development and is stubbed up into those pedestals, then it was run to the buildings and run around the buildings to catch each unit.

Being as those area condos, all the service equipment would be in one location, possibly on one end of the building, in a meter room, or ????

Vern Heiler · #7 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Yes, there is a code which requires the service equipment to be readily accessible, have required working space in front of it, etc.

If those boxes are pedestals, depending on their size, they may well be for cable TV, in which case they ran from the pedestal where the main cabling runs around the development and is stubbed up into those pedestals, then it was run to the buildings and run around the buildings to catch each unit.

Being as those area condos, all the service equipment would be in one location, possibly on one end of the building, in a meter room, or ????

Cable TV makes sense! I looked everywhere for equipment room etc.

Guess I'll just say I could not find it!

Michael Mills · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 10:47 AM

It's possible that the locked green metal boxes you referred to in the yard might be POCO splice boxes or transformer enclosures.

Mike

Vern Heiler · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 10:55 AM

I went back and found the service, under the stairs near the middle of the building, covered with a piece of plywood.

I should have looked harder at the time of inspection, but I was afraid of getting shot poking around other units.

Michael Thomas · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

I should have looked harder at the time of inspection, but I was afraid of getting shot poking around other units.

I'm seriously considering getting a reflective safety vest like one's the meter readers wear for inspections in the city - hopefully it would make it less likely I'll be confused with someone there to "borrow" cooper plumbing or personal possessions.

Fred Warner · #11 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

I'm seriously considering getting a reflective safety vest like one's the meter readers wear for inspections in the city - hopefully it would make it less likely I'll be confused with someone there to "borrow" cooper plumbing or personal possessions.

That seems like a really good idea.

Jerry Peck · #12 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

I'm seriously considering getting a reflective safety vest like one's the meter readers wear for inspections in the city - hopefully it would make it less likely I'll be confused with someone there to "borrow" cooper plumbing or personal possessions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Warner

That seems like a really good idea.

I've thought about it too, but the one I one looking at getting said "Crime Scene Unit" on it.

Basic C.S.I. T-shirt from Zazzle.com Then my better judgment kicked in and ...
(that was long before CSI ever came on TV, thus that was not the shirt I had in mind, I was looking at a vest, which I cannot find now)

After all, are we not inspecting "the scene of the crimes committed by the various contractors"?

Fred Warner · #13 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

.........After all, are we not inspecting "the scene of the crimes committed by the various contractors"?

Kinda wonder sometimes.........