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Hi August;<br>
<br>
I'm glad you brought this up. When I first saw only the hots being
brought to the Critical Load Panel, I thought it was wrong too, but
then I recalled that this is similar to a switch leg. Does 300.3
forbid switch legs too? the exception in 404.2(A) allows switch
legs, but does it apply here? I don't have a definitive answer in
regard to 300.3, other than to note it has numerous exceptions.
300.3(B)(4) may also apply, and further, over current device
enclosures and J boxes are not specifically mentioned either. <br>
<br>
To be clear, I am not the originator of this idea; I just copied
this method from Reliance and Generac's wiring of their UL listed
circuit transfer switches. I have used it since 2003, and never had
an AHJ have an objection. I've discussed it with AHJs and
electricians that specialize in generators, and this is common when
retrofitting a backup generator. <br>
<br>
Also in response to the person that posted about having trouble with
the neutrals: we have no neutrals at all in the CLP, if done this
way. All neutrals land on the main neutral buss in the main panel.
The CLP only has hots to the breakers, and the "neutral" bar in the
CLP is used only as the equipment ground for the enclosure by adding
the green bonding screw. <br>
<br>
To be clear, I would not use this method on new construction where
the branch circuits could be brought straight to the CLP. This is
for <b>retrofit only</b>. I also would not do this if the CLP and
main panel were connected with a nipple longer than 24". Further, I
over size the nipple and use PVC to reduce any possible inductive
heating issues. For very short nipples, I have to use RMC, but I
would never use EMT.<br>
<br>
This method helps keep the space requirements down to comply with
312.8(2), and keeps the wiring cleaner, fewer splices, and less over
all disturbance to existing wiring in the sometimes aging and
crowded main load center. <br>
The trade off is possible inductive heating of a short nipple caused
only by lower current 120 vac circuits (the 240 vac hots cancel each
other's inductance). <br>
<br>
Again, I'm not the AHJ, and I'm not the originator of this method.
I'm just doing my best to describe a method used in the backup
generator world that I've found helpful. <br>
The NEC and our work essentially is a compromise of numerous
competing safety concerns. The code describes many wiring methods;
its up to us to optimize each situation for overall safety. <br>
<br>
Here's a screen shot from the Reliance manual: <br>
<br>
<img src="cid:part1.8A2E5138.A047FA55@solarray.com" alt=""><br>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760</pre>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 9/9/2016 12:45 PM, August Goers
wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote
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<p class="MsoPlainText">Ray,</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">I’m intrigued by this. We’ve always gone
off NEC 300.3(B):</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">(B) Conductors of the Same Circuit. All
conductors of</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">the same circuit and, where used, the
grounded conductor</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">and all equipment grounding conductors
and bonding conductors</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">shall be contained within the same
raceway, auxiliary</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">gutter, cable tray, cablebus assembly,
trench, cable, or</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">cord, unless otherwise permitted in
accordance with</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">300.3(B)(1) through (B)(4).</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">I interpret this to mean that we need to
run neutrals along with any branch circuits we are moving
over.</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Best,</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">August</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">From: RE-wrenches [mailto:<a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>]
On Behalf Of Ray Walters</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2016 5:44
PM</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">To: RE-wrenches</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Splices in
service panel</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Hi Chris;</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Its the same as a switch leg for a
light. The neutral stays at the light, only the hot is run
down to the switch and back. </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Also, with some critical load panel set
ups available (ie Generac), there is no provision to even run
the neutrals to the new CLP. </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">This is cleaner and involves much less
splicing. Fewer connections is usually better in my book.</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">R.Ray Walters</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">CTO, Solarray, Inc</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Nabcep Certified PV Installer, </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Licensed Master Electrician</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Solar Design Engineer</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">303 505-8760</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">On 9/8/2016 6:22 PM, Chris Mason wrote:</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">I disagree with the response that you do
not need to move the neutrals. You should never have the
load's phase wiring in one panel and the neutral in another.</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Chris Mason </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Solar Design Engineer</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Generac Generators Industrial technician</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"> </p>
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