Window to SEC clearance

[Vince Santos]

If memory serves me correctly, which it probablly isn't, SEC's should be at least 3' away from windows that open. Todays home had a window with 2'9" from the left side of the window and 3'1" from the right side of the window.

The window only opened on the right side with the 3'1" clearance. Is this setup OK or should the clearance be from any part of the window regardless if opens on both sides or not?

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by vsantos

If memory serves me correctly, which it probablly isn't, SEC's should be at least 3' away from windows that open. Todays home had a window with 2'9" from the left side of the window and 3'1" from the right side of the window.

The window only opened on the right side with the 3'1" clearance. Is this setup OK or should the clearance be from any part of the window regardless if opens on both sides or not?

Three foot clearance is not required from non openable windows.

[Mike Whitt]

230.9(A) Clearances. Service conductors installed as open conductors or multiconductor cable without an overall outer jacket shall have a clearance of not less than 900 mm (3 ft) from windows that are designed to be opened, doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, or similar locations.
Exception: Conductors run above the top level of a window shall be permitted to be less than the 900-mm (3-ft) requirement.

as long as the conductors are inside the sheathing of the cable or in a raceway they can be within one inch of the window.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

230.9(A) Clearances. Service conductors installed as open conductors or multiconductor cable without an overall outer jacket shall have a clearance of not less than 900 mm (3 ft) from windows that are designed to be opened, doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, or similar locations.
Exception: Conductors run above the top level of a window shall be permitted to be less than the 900-mm (3-ft) requirement.

as long as the conductors are inside the sheathing of the cable or in a raceway they can be within one inch of the window.

Thanks Mike, that was helpful.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Mike is so right...it is very important that you READ and understand the actual meaning of the code issue and disect the safety issue out of it.

It is also important to not forget the fact it applies to other areas of the code as well for feeders and branch circuits also..

(D) Final Spans.

Final spans of feeders or branch circuits
shall comply with 225.19(D)(1), (D)(2), and (D)(3).

(1) Clearance from Windows.

Final spans to the building
they supply, or from which they are fed, shall be permitted
to be attached to the building, but they shall be kept not less
than 900 mm (3 ft) from windows that are designed to be
opened, and from doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs,
fire escapes, or similar locations.

Exception: Conductors run above the top level of a window
shall be permitted to be less than the 900-mm (3-ft)
requirement.

[Leonard E. Ungar]

Hi! Paul;
I know that a main panel has a max height of 6'7" isn't there a min to the floor also??????
Len

[Mike Whitt]

Only for a mobile home and the minimim is 24 inches