NEC Article 230 covers the installation and requirements for electrical services, which are the conductors and equipment that deliver electricity from the utility to the premises wiring system. This article ensures that services are safely installed and maintained. Here is a comprehensive overview of NEC Article 230, covering sections 230.1 to 230.95:
230.1 Scope
This section establishes the scope of Article 230, which includes the installation and requirements for service conductors and equipment supplying power to the premises wiring system.
230.2 Number of Services
Specifies the number of services permitted for a building or structure:
- 230.2(A) General: Normally, only one service is permitted per building.
- 230.2(B) Special Conditions: Additional services are allowed under specific conditions, such as large buildings, special occupancies, and multiple occupancy buildings.
230.3 One Building or Other Structure Not to Be Supplied Through Another
Prohibits supplying one building or structure through the service of another, ensuring each building has its own independent service.
230.6 Conductors Considered Outside the Building
Defines conditions under which service conductors are considered outside the building to ensure proper installation and protection.
230.7 Other Conductors in Raceway or Cable
Prohibits mixing service conductors with other conductors in the same raceway or cable, ensuring safety and preventing interference.
230.9 Clearances on Buildings
Specifies clearance requirements for service conductors passing over buildings to prevent contact with structures and ensure safety:
- 230.9(A) Above Roofs: Minimum clearance above roofs.
- 230.9(B) Horizontal Clearances: Horizontal clearance from windows, doors, and balconies.
230.10 Vegetation as Support
Prohibits the use of trees or other vegetation as support for service conductors to ensure stability and safety.
230.24 Clearances
Specifies clearances for service conductors from the ground, buildings, and other structures to ensure safety:
- 230.24(A) Above Roofs: Minimum clearance above roofs.
- 230.24(B) Vertical Clearance from Ground: Minimum vertical clearance from the ground.
- 230.24(C) Clearance from Building Openings: Minimum clearance from windows, doors, and other openings.
230.26 Point of Attachment
Specifies the requirements for the point of attachment of service conductors to buildings, ensuring they are securely and safely installed.
230.28 Service Masts as Supports
Provides guidelines for the use of service masts to support service conductors, ensuring they are adequately supported and protected.
230.29 Supports Over Buildings
Specifies the requirements for supporting service conductors over buildings to ensure safety and stability.
230.30 Insulation of Service-Entrance Conductors
Requires that service-entrance conductors be insulated to prevent contact with other conductors or materials, ensuring safety.
230.32 Protection Against Damage
Specifies the requirements for protecting service conductors from physical damage, ensuring their integrity and safety.
230.33 Underground Service-Entrance Conductors
Provides guidelines for the installation of underground service-entrance conductors, ensuring they are properly installed and protected.
230.41 Insulation of Service-Entrance Conductors
Requires that service-entrance conductors be insulated to prevent contact with other conductors or materials, ensuring safety.
230.42 Minimum Size and Rating
Specifies the minimum size and rating for service-entrance conductors to ensure they can safely carry the expected load:
- 230.42(A) General: Minimum size and rating based on the load.
- 230.42(B) Specific Conditions: Minimum size and rating under specific conditions.
230.44 Conductors Entering Buildings
Provides guidelines for the entry of service-entrance conductors into buildings, ensuring they are safely and properly installed.
230.46 Spliced and Tapped Conductors
Specifies the requirements for splicing and tapping service-entrance conductors to maintain their integrity and safety.
230.50 Protection for Open Conductors and Cables Against Damage
Requires protection for open service-entrance conductors and cables to prevent physical damage, ensuring safety.
230.52 Individual Conductors Entering Buildings or Other Structures
Specifies the requirements for individual conductors entering buildings or structures to ensure they are properly protected and installed.
230.54 Overhead Service Locations
Provides guidelines for the location of overhead service conductors, ensuring they are properly installed and clear of obstructions.
230.57 Riser Cable
Specifies the requirements for riser cables used in service installations, ensuring they are properly protected and supported.
230.62 Service Equipment – General
Outlines the general requirements for service equipment to ensure it is suitable for its intended use and properly installed.
230.66 Marking
Requires that service equipment be clearly marked to indicate its rating and other important information, ensuring proper identification and use.
230.70 General
Specifies that the service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location to ensure safe and easy operation.
230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects
Limits the number of service disconnects to ensure ease of operation and safety during emergencies.
230.72 Grouping of Disconnects
Requires that service disconnects be grouped together to ensure they are easily located and operated.
230.74 Access to Occupants
Ensures that service disconnects are accessible to the occupants of the building or structure to facilitate safe operation.
230.76 Accessibility and Grouping
Specifies the accessibility and grouping requirements for service disconnects to ensure they are easily operated and maintained.
230.79 Rating of Service Disconnecting Means
Provides guidelines for determining the rating of service disconnecting means based on the load and voltage of the service.
230.82 Equipment Connected to the Supply Side of Service Disconnect
Specifies the types of equipment that can be connected to the supply side of the service disconnect to ensure proper installation and safety.
230.90 Where Required
Requires overcurrent protection for service conductors to prevent damage from overcurrents, ensuring safety.
230.91 Location
Specifies the location requirements for overcurrent protection devices to ensure they are easily accessible and properly installed.
230.92 Service Entrance Conductors
Outlines the requirements for overcurrent protection of service-entrance conductors to ensure they are protected from overcurrents.
230.94 Motor-Operated Equipment
Provides guidelines for the overcurrent protection of motor-operated equipment to prevent damage and ensure safety.
230.95 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment
Requires ground-fault protection for service equipment to prevent damage and ensure safety.
Conclusion
NEC Article 230 provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation and protection of electrical services. These requirements ensure that electrical services are safely and properly installed, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the electrical system.
For detailed information and further context, referring to the NEC Handbook and other resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended.