Electric Sub-Panel Installation

Cityboyfarmer · Jul 12, 2005

There are many wiring methods that are "permitted" in the NEC, however the code sets the "minimum" safety and fire prevention standards. I prefer to exceed the minimum standard permitted in many situations, feeder circuits from your home's service panel to a feeder panel in a detached structure being one of those situations.

Now, its your barn and your choice and if you are satisfied it is safe and you have satisfied the code and the AHD then that is all that is required. Don't worry. Be happy. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

FYI, go to the front of your NEC, just after the table of contents, and read the titles of the people who make up the 20 or so panels that determine the content of the code. There are people there from all aspects and sectors of the electrical industry from IBEW to electrical inspectors to electrical manufacturers. Each has their own agenda concerning what to add or delete from the current code cycle. There are many safety items that are voted down from a code cycle for various reasons, from cost issues to manufacturer interests etc. Ground Fault Current Interupters were proposed through several code cycles before they were adopted into the code. It was simply a cost issue, but what is the cost of one lost life? The point here is to reinforce the fact that the code is the bare minimum safety requirements for American electrical installations. You can always choose to exceed the minimum.

Sorry to be long winded and hi-jack the original thread. (Run your conductors from top & bottom like everybody else already suggested /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) I just enjoy the occaisional electrical discussion. Never know what I might learn.

sparkkky · Jul 12, 2005

(
You are also permitted to run a 3-wire feed the the detached structure. The grounded conductor(neutral) must be connected to a grounding electrode and bonded to the panel cabinet. All of this applies if you have no continous metallic paths between the 2 structures, such as metal water lines, metal conduit, etc.

The above information is based on the NEC® and may be different if local codes are in effect. )

As Inspector and I have talked about this before, this is not allowed here in OKC per my local Inspector.

Now on my own or my family's country places I have and will continue to do so!

hitekcountry · Jul 12, 2005

Sparkkky

What do OKC inspectors disagree with in the NEC? And what is there reasoning?

sparkkky · Jul 13, 2005

Most citys do not adopt the newer books until there about six years old, around here most places we are still working off of 1999's book.

Some cities like Nichols Hills hands out its own rules they want you to follow and all cities reserve the right to better the code in there own eyes. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Going to CE at the end of this month and have not spent more than 10 Min. in my 2005 but that will change then. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Cletrac · Jul 13, 2005

"When it comes time to run your sub-panel supply wire, if you are running 220-volts, run four wires. Two hot legs, one neutral leg and one ground (or bonding) leg. The reason I mention this is that my pole barn has the three legs running from the main and I would be more comfortable if I had the ground (or bonding ) leg running back to my main panel. "

Running only 3 wires for a sub panel is against the national electric code. You must pull all 4 and the ground and neutral must not be bonded in the sub panel as they are in the main panel. Putting in a ground rod at the barn only will not draw enough current to trip a 15 amp breaker but it will draw enough current to kill you.

No disrespect but if you are un sure of what you are doing....hire a professional, A few hundred dollars spent could just save your life

sparkkky · Jul 13, 2005

(

Running only 3 wires for a sub panel is against the national electric code. )

Celtrac, seems in the 2005 that may be a change. Inspector and I have touched on this on another thread, and when I get a chance I will look for myself.

You might want to read back through this thread.

Farwell · Jul 13, 2005

Cletrac,
The existing three wires were run about 7 years ago by a licensed electrician. The wires are direct burial. I have consulted a licensed electrician since the electrical inspector made me do the nerutral and secondary ground bonding at the sub panel and he said that is code for our county. Yes, I do have 220 volts in my barn. I would love to have the fourth wire running from the main but that is not possible at this time. I am quite sure of what I am doing but question the local code and local licensed electricians.

sparkkky · Jul 13, 2005

Farwell when contracting if I were to work on your wiring I would have to replace your wire with four wire or remove it for good, that is what is expected. (IN MY AREA BY THE FORCES THAT BE)

The code and its enforcers do not care what you think you can do or afford!

My new house on my forty acres will be like I want it, no permits, no inspections no one to tell me what to do, but my garage and the rest of my place will be four wire.

sparkkky · Jul 13, 2005

Farwell, if the inspector made you do it forget about and move on, I posted above that I do the same when I am not in a city limits. Grounding as you have done is alot better than a 3W sub panel with no ground or bond.

Most panels I see that are not installed by electricans are not bonded.

hitekcountry · Jul 14, 2005

Farwell

If I read all your posts correctly you have three wires run out to the barn, neutral and ground bonded at the sub and tied to grounding rods. If so than that meets NEC and is the way your inspector wanted it done. I don't see a problem.