National Electrical Code Top Ten Tips: Article 552 -- Park Trailers
- Article 552 covers the electrical equipment and conductors (for park trailers) not already covered by Article 550 or 551 [550.1]
- A park trailer is not a permanent dwelling, nor is it intended for commercial use. It is intended for seasonal use [552.4].
- Splices must be made in a particular way; one aspect is they must be mechanically and electrically secure (as is not the case when soldering together two wires that are not first mechanically joined) [552.10(C)(2)].
- You must separate the power wiring from all other wiring
[552.10(C)(3)]. The Code requires a minimum half inch gap. Take a cue from car audio installers and run it "on the other side of the car". That is, chase it throuh a different set of studs or whatever, so that it's really separated. This way, there is no chance of a Code-violating mistake. Also, wire-tracing will be easier in the event you need to do that. You may get better heat dissipation, also, due to not having other (heat-generating) wiring in the same space.
- For low voltage overcurrent protection, rate your overcurrent devices per Table 552.10(E)(1)] (don't rate in excess of the ampacity).
- Locate the overcurrent protection devices in an accessible location within 18 inches of where the trailer power supply connects to its circuits
[552.10(E)(4)].
- If you use a voltage converter to supply 120V, the wiring of the unit must comply with the requirements of Parts I and IV of Article 552
[552.20(B)].
- The rule above also applies if you connect to a nominal 120V/240V source, but in addition it must comply with Parts I, III, IV, and V of Article 552 [552.40].
- The distribution panelboard must have an equipment grounding (bonding) terminal
bar [552.45(A)].
- The requirements for branch circuit determination are detailed, and should be reviewed prior to final approval of any wiring design. You'll find those in 552.46.
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