HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter-WPS 11/12/07 (transformer)
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November 12, 2007
Scott Brayton
143 Church Avenue
Oshkosh, VVI54901
Subject: Code violation with new garage
Dear Mr. Brayton:
It has been brought to my attention that a problem exists with the new garage that has been
erected at the address above. The proximity of the garage in respect to the existing pad-mounted
transformer creates two code violations. The Public Service Commission ofVVisconsin states in
Order 114.317 that there needs to be a 10 foot separation between the transformer and the
combustible wall of the new garage and there Iweds to be a 20 foot separation between the
transformer and the fire escape stairs. I have included a copy ofPSC 114.317 and highlighted the
pertinent sections. I can think of three options to mitigate the code violations:
1. Move the stairs to another section of the garage with at least 20 feet of separation from
the transformer and erect a non-combustible wall three feet behind the transformer as
shown in Figure PSC 114-317D2.
2. VVisconsin Public Service could move the transformer away from the building. However,
the costs associated with this would be your responsibility and is contingent upon having
enough space to move transformer.
3. Remove the garage altogether.
Please review the enclosed copy ofPSC 114 and confer with the City of Oshkosh Inspections
department to determine the course of action you plan to take. Once you have made a decision,
please let me know. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (920) 236-5915.
Sincerely,
Eric Strangeway
Regional Electrical Engineer
CC: John Zarate - City of Oshkosh Inspections Department
enclosure
PSC 114.317
WISCONSIN ADMINISTR/\.TIVE CODE
Unofficial Text (See Printed Volume). Current through date and Register shown on Title Page.
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L-.----.l.-.
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Figure PSC 114-31182.
3. a. Padmounted oil-insulated transfonners shall not be
located within a zone extending 3.0 m (10 ft) outward and O~9 m
(3 ft) to either side of a building 'window or opening other than an
air intake. See Figure PSC 114-317B3a.
Exception: This does not apply to a glass block or fire window
meeting the requirements of the Wisconsin Commercial Building
Cod (Fire Window lBe Chapter 7, Section 714.3).
Noncombustible WaU ~ Window or Opening Other Than
s:-~ ~ An Air Intcke
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Figure pse 114-317B3a.
3.b. For second story windows, the transformer shall not be
located less than 1.5 m (5 ft) from any part of the window. See
Figure PSC 317B3b.
Exception: This does not apply to a glass block or fire window
meeting the requirements of the Wisconsin Commercial Building
Code (Fire Window, lBC Chapter 7, Section 714.3).
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Second Story
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Figure PSC 114-317 B3b.
Register, June, 2003, No. 570
e. Combustible Walls
I. PadmOlmted oil-insulated transfonners in sizes up to and
including 100 kVA shall be located according to the provisions set
forth in Subsection B for noncombustible walls.
2. Padmounted oil-insulated transformers in sizes above 100
kVA shall be located a minimumof3.0 m (10 ft) from the building
wall in addition to the clearances from building doors, windows
and other openings set forth for noncombustible walls. Also, a
sump shall be installed for transformers in size exceeding 500
kVA if the immediate terrain is pitched toward the building.
D. Barriers
If the clearances specified above cannot be obtained, a
fire-resistant barrier may be constructed in lieu of the required
separation. The following methods of construction are
acceptable:
1. Noncombustible Walls
The barrier shall extend to a projection line from the comer of
the padmounted transfonner to the furthest corner of the window,
door or opening in question. The height of the barrier shall be 0.3
m (1 ft) above the top of the padmounted transfonner. See Figure
PSC 114-317Dl.
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Noncombu.<;tible Wells
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Figure PSC 114-317.01.
2. Combustible Walls
The barrier shall extend 0.9 m (3 ft) beyond each side of the
padmounted transfonner. TIle height of the barrier shall be 0.3 m
(I ft) above the top of the transfonner. See Figure pse
1l4-317D2.
/-- Combustible won (Sofid or With Wlndow or Opening)
)"'-~r'---'-"-'---'-"'---------'-"-'>
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Figure .PSC 114-317D2.
.. E. Fire Escapes
1. Padmounted oil-insulated transformers shall not be located
within a zone extending 6.1 m (20 ft) outward and 3 III (10 flY to
either side of the point where a fire escape meets the ground. See
FigurePSC 1l4-3l7EI.
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