National Electrical Code Top Ten Tips:
Article 550, Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and Mobile Home Parks
- Article 550 distinguishes between portable and stationary
appliances [550.2]
- In its vernacular, Article 550 includes "manufactured homes" when
it speaks of "mobile homes;" it does not separate the two ideas the
way the manufactured home industry does [550.2].
- A mobile home must comply with Article 550, even if it's not
installed in a trailer park. A mobile home not intended as a
dwelling unit (e.g., one used as a construction office) doesn't need
to comply with the requirements in Article 550 regarding the number
or capacity of circuits. [550.4].
- A common area of confusion is whether the supply cord
permanently attaches to the mobile home box. It does not. It
permanently attaches to the distribution panel board. Note that the
supply cord [550.10(B)] is not the same thing as a supply feeder
[550.10(A)].
- The attachment plug cap must meet specific criteria. You can't
use just any large amperage connector. [550.10(D)]
- The supply cord must be at least 21 feet long, and no longer
than 36.5 ft [550.10(D)].
- Each mobile home must have its own disconnecting means
[550.11(A)].
- The receptacle requirement are very similar to those for
non-mobile homes, and you'll find these in 550.13.
- Where Article 550 discusses "grounding" in 550.16, it is
referring to "bonding" in almost all instances. Before applying
550.16, carefully read the Article 100 definitions of grounding and
bonding. Don't make the mistake of driving ground rods in place of
required bonding connections.
- Beginning with 550.18 and continuing on through the end of
Article 550, you find the requirements for calculating the loads,
branch circuits, feeders, and service. These amend the requirements
for Articles 210, 215, 220, and 230.
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