National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Monday, June 1, 2020

Question:

Hello and thanks for this NEC forum. Have a school building needing additional power at a point 200 ft from the service. It's looking very tough to get there from the service. The primary is accessible in the area needing the additional power. I doubt there is a firewall and of course in is one occupant. Is it possible to do a second service ? What about the "remote control" info in the code for a service disconnect? Placing that remote control with the original service location. The new service could have a switchgear outside accessible. From what I read it looks like the AHJ could make this decision. Would like to understand it better before bring this up to anyone.

Tracy Carr

A

Answer:

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for the question. The number of services for a building or structure is generally restricted to only one, unless otherwise permitted in Section 230.2 of the NEC. There are multiple conditions that need to be satisfied before an additional service is installed. It is strongly advised that you contact the local building inspection department along with the electric utility company serving the area for more specific guidance and requirements.

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