How are Commercial Appliance Outlet Centers (CAOCs) installed according to the 2023 NEC?
Overview
Theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, and similar venues are vital spaces for social interactions. As technologica
l advancements improve the appliances and equipment used in these venues, their energy demands also rise. Portable switchboards and electrical distribution systems, once sufficient, are now struggling to meet these increasing loads. This has led to a rise in the use of specialized heavy-duty devices called Commercial Appliance Outlet Centers (CAOC). In the NEC 2023 edition, a new subsection, 518.5(A), was added to outline the installation requirements for CAOC and their associated power outlets. This addition ensures that end-users can provide reliable power solutions to meet the demanding needs of modern commercial settings.
Applying the 2023 Code
Assembly occupancies are purposefully designed spaces intended to host large gatherings of people for various events such as entertainment, dining, worship, or social functions. These spaces include venues such as theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, churches, stadiums, and similar locations. They serve as vital hubs of community interaction, cultural enrichment, and social connection. To meet the high electricity demands of these venues, portable equipment such as switchboards and power distribution units are commonly employed in indoor and outdoor settings.
The installation requirements for portable switchboards and portable power distribution equipment systems were covered in Section 508.5 of previous NEC editions. However, recent technological advancements have led to an increase in the power needs of connected appliances. This has mandated the use of specialized outlets known as Commercial Appliance Outlet Centers (CAOC), specifically designed to handle the high-power requirements of heavy-duty appliances found in commercial kitchens, workshops, and industrial facilities. To address this evolving landscape, a new subsection, 518.5(A), was added in the NEC 2023 to describe the installation requirements for CAOC and associated power outlets. This addition ensures that end-users can safely install CAOC systems, thereby providing a reliable power supply to meet the demanding needs of commercial settings.
What’s New for the 2023 NEC?
The table below presents a comparison between the 2020 NEC and the 2023 NEC regarding Section 518.5.
2020 NEC |
2023 NEC |
| 518.5 Supply
Portable switchboards and portable power distribution equipment shall be supplied only from listed power outlets of sufficient voltage and ampere rating. Such power outlets shall be protected by overcurrent devices. Such overcurrent devices and power outlets shall not be accessible to the general public. Provisions for connection of an equipment grounding conductor shall be provided. The neutral conductor of feeders supplying solid-state phase control, 3-phase, 4-wire dimmer systems shall be considered a current-carrying conductor for purposes of ampacity adjustment. The neutral conductor of feeders supplying solid-state sine wave, 3-phase, 4-wire dimming systems shall not be considered a current-carrying conductor for purposes of ampacity adjustment. Exception: The neutral conductor of feeders supplying systems that use or are capable of using both phase-control and sine-wave dimmers shall be considered as current-carrying for purposes of ampacity adjustment. Informational Note: For definitions of solid-state dimmer types, see 520.2. |
518.5 Supply
Portable switchboards, portable power distribution equipment, and commercial appliance outlet centers shall be installed in accordance with 518.5(A) through (C). (A) Power Outlets and Commercial Appliance Outlet Centers (1) Overcurrent Protection Power outlets and commercial appliance outlet centers shall provide overcurrent protection or shall be protected by overcurrent devices. (2) Accessibility Overcurrent devices, power outlets, and commercial appliance outlet centers shall not be accessible to the general public. (3) Equipment Grounding Conductor Connections Connecting means for an equipment grounding conductor shall be provided. (4) Markings Power outlets and commercial appliance outlet centers shall be marked as follows: FOR USE BY QUALIFIED PERSONS ONLY. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Disconnect all power before servicing. Disconnecting means location: (5) Panelboard Orientation A panelboard installed in a listed commercial appliance outlet center designed for in-floor mounting shall be permitted to be orientated in the face-up position, if such orientation is part of the listing, and 408.43 shall not apply. (B) Portable Switchboards and Portable Power Distribution Equipment Portable switchboards and portable power distribution equipment shall be supplied only from listed power outlets or listed commercial appliance outlet centers, each having sufficient voltage and ampere ratings. (C) Neutral Conductor of Feeders Supplying Solid State Dimmer Systems The neutral conductor of feeders supplying solid-state phase control, 3-phase, 4-wire dimmer systems shall be considered a current-carrying conductor for purposes of ampacity adjustment. The neutral conductor of feeders supplying solid-state sine wave, 3-phase, 4-wire dimming systems shall not be considered a current-carrying conductor for purposes of ampacity adjustment. Exception: The neutral conductor of feeders supplying systems that use or are capable of using both phase-control and sine-wave dimmers shall be considered as current-carrying for purposes of ampacity adjustment. Informational Note: See Article 100 for definitions of solid-state dimmer types. |
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