Electrical Code Help

[Omegachi]

I am upgrading the electrical in my house to code. That means, upgrading all the wiring and getting a new panel and meter. I have a single story house with a single story flat roof garage in the front right side of the house. My contractor got a permit and installed a meter on the right side of my house, right behind my garage. The local electrical company came by and said the location of the meter meets their code and passed their inspection. But the city and country inspector said the mast has to be 8 feet (currently about 2-3 feet)above the roof of my house. The reason he gave me was because the new service line will be too close to the roof of my garage, and therefore needs to be higher. I guess this is because somebody could go on my roof and touch the service line at that height, but again, who is going to be hanging out on my roof....I forgot to ask the inspector to show me where he got this requirement from just so I can take a look myself. Try calling him back but he is not answering.

So, ATOT. Have you guys heard of any code like this, and do you know where I can find this requirement?

 

[amdskip]

Yes, they have similar wording for decks, etc. It is possible to run the line underground in your location?

 

[Fiat1]

I forgot to ask the inspector to show me where he got this requirement from just so I can take a look myself. Try calling him back but he is not answering.

NEC 230.24 (A) ABOVE ROOFS Conductors shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5m (8ft.) above the roof surface. The vertical clearance shall be maintained for a distance of not less than 900mm (3ft.) in all directions from the edge of the roof. With 5 exceptions that may apply.

 

[xBiffx]

It doesn't have anything to do with anyone on the roof. They are trying to maintain minimum clearance of the service drop line over your/other property (the ground). That has to be 12ft for basic property, 16ft for driveways, and 24.5 feet for roads.

 

[xBiffx]

NEC 230.24 (A) ABOVE ROOFS Conductors shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5m (8ft.) above the roof surface. The vertical clearance shall be maintained for a distance of not less than 900mm (3ft.) in all directions from the edge of the roof. With 5 exceptions that may apply.

This is true as well but only if the mast is more than 3 feet from the edge of the roof. Most houses have the mast right on the edge of the roof and not going through any overhang.

 

[Omegachi]

It doesn't have anything to do with anyone on the roof. They are trying to maintain minimum clearance of the service drop line over your/other property (the ground). That has to be 12ft for basic property, 16ft for driveways, and 24.5 feet for roads.

The mast that is installed now is 12 feet above the ground, but he wants it 8 feet above the roof.. which is approx. 15-16 feet above ground. Where are you guys getting your references from? something I can look up online?

 

[xBiffx]

The mast that is installed now is 12 feet above the ground, but he wants it 8 feet above the roof.. which is approx. 15-16 feet above ground. Where are you guys getting your references from? something I can look up online?

There is a vast amount of info on the web. Google "residential electrical service", "NEC electrical service", "electrical service mast guidelines"...things like that. I am just familiar with it due to past employment/experience.

Here is a quick reference that I just went and found.

http://www.ameren.com/sites/aiu/source/ILConstServ/Documents/GuidelinesforOHServiceResidential.pdf

 

[Fiat1]

Mike Holts forum National Electric Code
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=120008

 

[Gibson486]

All that matters is what the inspector will allow. NEC can be overridden by local authority under certain circumstances if the inspector allows it.

 

[notposting]

Is the drop going across the garage to the mast (ie from the front to the back) or is it just coming to the edge where the meter is (ie over backyard to back of garage)? Doesn't sound right but as mentioned the local authorities rule. If you can convince him otherwise that would be your only chance.