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Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Question:

Hi Charlie. Can a 75kVA dry-type transformer be installed under a sprinkler pipe? If so, is leak protection required? Sprinkler pipe is installed 25ft above the transformer, in an open warehouse. Regards, Ryan Lohse
A

Answer:

Hello Ryan, thank you for participating in the CQD. This is not specifically addressed in the NEC®. Section 450.8(A) states: “Appropriate provisions shall be made to minimize the possibility of damage to transformers from external causes where the transformers are subject to physical damage.”  

Section 450.8(A) does establish a physical protection requirement for transformers, not sure it would not apply to this installation. The mere presence of a sprinkler pipe does not create an exposure to physical damage, nor does it present the possibility of damage from water. The sprinkler piping system under normal conditions should be free from any leaks. If the sprinkler pipe were to start leaking, it would be an abnormal condition requiring a repair.

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org. 

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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