Condo elec SERVICE - InspectionNews

Ross Neag · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 05:39 PM

On a condo panel that has NO MAIN, is it service or a subpanel (50 unit bldg)? Main service closet was unavailable for entrance. Reason asking is ground and neutral were on same bus.

John Arnold · #2 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross Neag

On a condo panel that has NO MAIN, is it service or a subpanel (50 unit bldg)? Main service closet was unavailable for entrance. Reason asking is ground and neutral were on same bus.

Ross - Most of the condo panels I see have no main, and often have no visible equipment grounds because they are not the service equipment panels (for god's sake, man, don't say subpanel around here!). So, most likely, the equipment grounds and the neutrals should be separated. The closet with the service equipment really should be accessible for the inspection. You want to be able to show the buyer where the main is, assuming there is one.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross Neag

On a condo panel that has NO MAIN, is it service or a subpanel

Neither.

It is not the service panel, nor is it a "subpanel" as there is no such thing.

It is a "distribution panel", or, if it is easier to remember, it is "not service equipment".

Quote:

Main service closet was unavailable for entrance.

Why? Locked? No one knew where it was?

Quote:

Reason asking is ground and neutral were on same bus.

Being as it is "not service equipment", the neutral is to be isolated from ground.

How do I *know* it is "not service equipment"? Because it is *one building* and *one building* does not allow for each of 50 units to have "service equipment" in them.

Ted Menelly · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 08:42 PM

Jerry

A book says there is no sub panel or doesn't mention it or acknowledge it............and??????

The *terminology* sub panel has been in use for all of my living years and yours and everyone else alive.

Not looking for an argument by any means.

Sub Panel exists. It is just hiding from you because he knows you does not like it

Brandon Chew · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 10:33 PM

You'll find sub panels on submarines. You won't find them in the NEC or the IRC.

Markus Keller · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 07:11 AM

You may want to consider mentioning to the agent ahead of time that you want to see the meter room, it cuts down on the excuses. I always want to see it to take a look and show the client where it is also.
Chicago code varies a bit depending on circumstances. Essentially, if the disconnect is in the meter room then owners/tenants have to have access to it.
If there is an onsite full-time engineer or it has exterior access only then it's a little different. Usually around here though it's in the basement, which means owners need access.

Jerry Peck · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markus Keller

Chicago code varies a bit depending on circumstances. Essentially, if the disconnect is in the meter room then owners/tenants have to have access to it.
If there is an onsite full-time engineer or it has exterior access only then it's a little different. Usually around here though it's in the basement, which means owners need access.

Marcus,

That's also in the NEC.