Interpretation #8633

Published March 24, 2022

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Original Request

Code Version
2021
Code
ELECTRIC
Code Description
Chapter
Section
Topic
Electrical service feeder

Question

Is it allowable for the electrical cable (SER feeder) to attached townhomes to go through the floor system of a 2 story building to feed each individual unit from a meter center bank with overcurrent at the end of the building? Does it matter if these are townhouses (fee simple) or condominium (condo association)?

Answer Published 03/24/2022 at 8:55 AM

No, the National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 230.3 states that one building or other structure may not to be supplied through another. In the case of townhouse where the owner owns the ground below and the air above, this is not permitted.

Commentary

Depending on the approval, platting, taxing and other important information, this may be authorized in units such as condominiums, it depends on the ownership details in condominium or homeowners association documents and arrangement of the units. It is possible this could be accomplished with a recorded easement as well. Those are legal, Planning Department, official approval and land development questions that are beyond the scope of this interpretation.