66f2f9fd93c5199fc841a031 Code Watch 2

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Danger Close Service Drops

Sept. 26, 2024
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Danger close service drops.

The term “danger close” is used in military movies and real-life military battles to indicate friendly forces are positioned very close to the target when directing fire onto the enemy. I’m using it here to describe the proximity of the overhead service conductors to the balconies of these buildings. A person could literally step out onto the balcony and grab a hold of the overhead service conductors!

For 1000V nominal or less, Sec. 230.9(A) requires service conductors to be located at least 3 ft away from the balconies and the doors leading to the balconies. For conductors located within 3 ft horizontally of the balconies, Sec. 230.9(B) requires vertical clearances to be maintained in accordance with Sec. 230.24(B). For these overhead service conductors, a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet above the balconies is required by Sec. 230.24(B)(1).

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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