Pentair Load Center Mounting

[alferz]

I'm going to be replacing an old Intermatic dual-timer subpanel with a newer Pentair load center. Right now the old box sits about 2" above grade on two steel poles that are embedded in the concrete pad. The box is so low its a real headache to work inside it. I would like to extend the steel poles up maybe 5 feet so its easier to work with and will physically fit the new load center, which will mean running longer conduit and wires to just above everything on the pad. What's the best way to accomplish this?

Are these poles standard in the pool industry? I dont think I've seen them anywhere else before. They measure .425" o.d/.257" i.d., and have no threads inside or out. Are there some kind of couplers I can use to extend them higher? Am I better off mounting the load center to the brick wall at the back of the pad instead?

 

[Dirk]

Are you sure about that .425" o.d? That doesn't sound, or look right. It looks to me to be typical galvanized pipe, either 1/2" or 3/4". 1/2" would be about 0.8" OD.

If you have the option to attach the new load center to the wall, that's sounds best to me. Otherwise, you could cut threads into that pipe (if it is, in fact, galvie pipe) and extend them with galvie couplers and pipe to whatever height you need. Or just find something rust proof that you can slip over them, like the next size up pipe or conduit, and extent them that way. Run a couple bolts through them to tie them together.

 

[alferz]

That pipe is an odd one for sure. Those measurements are exact from my calipers. Maybe some kind of dated grounding rod doubling as mounting pole? I’m thinking mounting on the wall is the best bet. I’m going to need a grounding rod for the new load center since there doesn’t seem to be one at the pad now, so if they were some kind of rod that would save a lot of work.

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

The IntelliCenter does not get connected to any kind of external "ground"

It should be connected to the "bonding" wire that is connected to your pump.

Two different things for two different reasons.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[alferz]

Hey Jim - I was thinking the Intellicenter would need to have a ground rod installed to meet code - I was under the impression that a subpanel installed outside of the main building where a ground rod exists would need another (local) ground rod, plus a ground wire back to the main panel. That being said I cannot seem to find a NEC citation for this rule so I could be wrong. Driving an 8' rod into the ground is no fun so I'm happy to skip that part

 

[ajw22]

Hey Jim - I was thinking the Intellicenter would need to have a ground rod installed to meet code - I was under the impression that a subpanel installed outside of the main building where a ground rod exists would need another (local) ground rod, plus a ground wire back to the main panel. That being said I cannot seem to find a NEC citation for this rule so I could be wrong. Driving an 8' rod into the ground is no fun so I'm happy to skip that part

See NEC 250.32(A).

Specific grounding and bonding rules apply to separate buildings or structures supplied by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s).

A grounding electrode is generally required at such buildings or structures, unless the building or structure is supplied by a single branch circuit and meets the requirements in the exception to 250.32(A).

Installing a Sub Panel for a Detached Building

Do I need to run a ground wire for a 200 amp sub panel that is 200 feet away from the main panel? Grounding a Remote Sub Panel at a Detached Building.

ask-the-electrician.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Another option is to use exterior rated plywood to make a back panel as high as you like, attach to the posts, and attach the load center to the plywood. You could make it a bit oversize to attach additional switches/outlets/components, and even build a little shade/rain roof structure over the load center.

 

[alferz]

Specific grounding and bonding rules apply to separate buildings or structures supplied by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s).

So I guess it hinges on how a “building or structure” is interpreted by the local building inspector. I would argue that a pool equipment pad, while separate from the house is neither a building or structure and would not fall under that code section. If it were considered a structure, the exception wouldnt apply because this pad is served by a feeder, not a branch with the individual branch circuits for lights pumps and blowers originating at the load center. I think I will leave the ground rod out of the equation unless its demanded by the inspector.

 

[ajw22]

. I think I will leave the ground rod out of the equation unless its demanded by the inspector.

So connect the grounding bar in the IntelliCenter to the grounding bar in your main electrical panel.

 

[Dirk]

I’m thinking mounting on the wall is the best bet.

l see you're off and running with grounding and bonding. That's where I step out! Good luck. I'll just say learn what you can about bonding, because grounding and bonding are two different, and equally important things.

 

[Dirk]

Still bugging me... Are you sure about those measurements? About your calipers? It really does look like 1/2" galvanized pipe, especially the way that typical-looking pipe strap fits so perfectly. There doesn't seem to be a match, though. Perhaps they're some scraps from the cooling system of an alien space craft. I bet that's it!



Chop 'em off at the concrete and mount on the wall!

 

[1poolman1]

Those are poles made from rigid conduit. That's why the conduit clamp fits so nicely. If you look closely at the clamp it should have the size etched into it. They are used everywhere in Northern California and have been for years. Essentially, yes it is just galvanized pipe. They usually come with one end threaded and pipe fittings will thread onto them.

 

[Dirk]

Those are poles made from rigid conduit. That's why the conduit clamp fits so nicely. If you look closely at the clamp it should have the size etched into it. They are used everywhere in Northern California and have been for years. Essentially, yes it is just galvanized pipe. They usually come with one end threaded and pipe fittings will thread onto them.

I thought of that. But even 3/8" conduit has an OD about 50% larger than what the OP measured. That's the mystery to me. It looks to be typical 1/2" pipe, which has an OD twice of what was measured? That, and the wall thickness doesn't seem to look like conduit, but admittedly I'm not familiar with all types. It matters not at all to the OP's project, it's just odd.

 

[alferz]

Yeah this is a strange pipe for sure. Never seen a pipe or conduit that looks like it. It has a very thick wall. If it is conduit, I would be hard pressed to fit 3 14 gauge wires through it at only 1/4" inner diameter. Likewise it wouldn't deliver a whole lot of water either. They are very strong as mounting poles however, they flex hardly at all. Out with the angle grinder I guess.