Service point location

[wroggent]

Using the NEC (2014) definition of service point.


Can the service point be located inside of the service entrance equipment?

Said another way:

Is there any situation in which the conductors entering service entrance equipment can be either a service drop or service lateral?

Or said another way yet:

Is there any situation in which the conductors entering the service entrance equipment not be calculated in accordance with Article 220 of the NEC?

Does it make a difference if the service entrance equipment is inside or outside of a building? My view is that conductors entering an indoors service entrance equipment would need to be sized in accordance with Article 220 because the service point would be the building wall, or somewhere further outside the building.



In regards to 110.14(C)(1)(b)

Does that apply to service conductors (underground/overhead service conductors and service entrance conductors), service drops, or service laterals?
Does this rule apply to all terminations in a piece of equipment? For example, does it apply to cable lugs bolted on to bus bars, e.g. utility cable termination compartment on a switchboard? I have encountered a few people who believe it only applies to the terminals of protective devices.

In regards to 110.14(C)(1)(b) and 310.15(A)(3)

If a cable ampacity is calculated as allowed by 310.15(C) (e.g. using an amapacity calculator) for a cable with 90C rated insulation, and that cable terminates in a switchboard labeled for 60C/75C terminations, must the maximum operating temperature of the cable at the calculated ampacity not exceed 75C? If so, does that apply to service conductors (underground/overhead service conductors and service entrance conductors), service drops, or service laterals? My opinion is that it must not exceed 75C, even for any type of conductor supplied by a utility.

 

[resqcapt19]

The location of the service point is set by the utility company. I think it would be possible to have the service point inside a building.

 

[melspuds]

Per NEC and local codes, the location of the service point is normally is set by the servicing utility. The servicing utility does not go by the NEC for wire size, temperature rating and also transformer KVA size. the utility will state where the service point is, conduct size, buss bars, lug size, type and size ( volt, amps, phases, and available fault) of service.The utility also specs where the meters are to be located with conduit size, type of meter enclosure, grounding for metering purposes.
This is way the engineer needs all this information before starting on the project. The engineer can suggest all of the above items, but the utility has the final say.
Yes the service point can be inside of a building as long the service conductors in conduit(s) encased in concrete.
I did one shopping center where service point was over 1000 ft inside the building.
Hope this helps
Dave

 

[Jebb]

The servicing utility specification handbook typically identifies the service point. See page 29 of the attached link as an example. Link