Additions are like newly constructed buildings and all requirements of §130.5 apply to additions. For additions, the discussions in the previous sections of this chapter apply.
A summary of requirements for alterations of electrical power distribution systems is as follows:
1. Service Electrical Metering – New or replacement electrical service equipment shall meet the requirements of §130.5(a). Alterations that do not install new service equipment or replace existing service equipment are not held to these requirements. This requirement applies only to the service and does not apply to new or replaced feeders.
2. Separation of Electrical Circuits for Electrical Energy Monitoring – For entirely new or complete replacement of electrical power distribution systems, the entire system shall meet the applicable requirements of §130.5(b). Alterations that do not install an entirely new power distribution system, or completely replace an existing power distribution system are not held to these requirements.
3. Voltage Drop – Alterations of feeders and branch circuits that include any addition, modification, or replacement of both feeders, and branch circuits must meet the requirements of §130.5(c). Alterations that do not include both the feeder and branch circuit are not held to these requirements. For example, if a branch circuit is replaced but the feeder to the panel board is not touched, the feeder and branch circuit would not need to meet the 5 percent maximum voltage drop requirement.
The same exceptions for voltage drop permitted by the California Electric Code apply for alterations.
4. Circuit Controls for 120-Volt Receptacles and Controlled Receptacles – For entirely new or complete replacement of electrical power distribution systems, the entire system shall meet the applicable requirements of §130.5(d).
Example 8-11Question:
I have an existing building with multiple tenant spaces, and each tenant space is served by separate and individual feeders. I am breaking up one large tenant space into two smaller ones. I plan to reuse the existing feeder and add a new feeder. Is it mandatory to provide a meter for the new feeder?
Answer:
No, this requirement is limited to new or replacement electrical service equipment and does not apply to feeders. For alterations involving only new or replacement feeders, there is no requirement to install a meter for the newly added or replaced feeder.
Example 8-12
Question:
Does the language “entirely new or complete replacement” in §141.0(b)2Pii and iv refer to the entire building or just the altered areas of the building?
Answer:
This language applies to the electrical power distribution system within the building and therefore effectively refers to the entire building. A modification of only part of the electrical power distribution system does not trigger the requirement.
For example, the scope of work for a tenant improvement project or for finishing an undeveloped space does not typically involve installing or replacing the entire electrical power distribution system; therefore, separation of electrical circuits would not typically be required.
Another example is a project with a portion of the system upgraded with greater capacity and the work scope includes replacement of panelboards, associated feeders and overcurrent protection devices – it is not considered to be complete replacement or entirely new electrical power distribution system, as other existing equipment are not changed or replaced. This is not a complete replacement and not an entirely new electrical power distribution system.