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 Electrical Systems



While CABO contains a comprehensive electrical code, it also references and allows all methods and materials contained in the 1993 National Electrical Code (NEC). MHCSS contains a limited comprehensive electrical code, Subpart I, and references the 1993 NEC for most materials and methods. For his reason, CABO and MHCSS are generally equivalent based on their common reference to the NEC. The following is intended to summarize the notable differences.

CABO

MHCSS
Testing
CABO does not address.

 

 MHCSS requires that the wiring in each home receive a dielectric strength test, a continuity test, an operational test and polarity checks.
CABO MHCSS
Conductors
Allows aluminum conductors and components under some conditions.

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 Does not allow aluminum, aluminum alloy, or aluminum core conductors within the house or for general purpose circuits.
CABO MHCSS
Service Size
Typically requires 100-amp service and 60-amp service in some cases with smaller loads.

 

 A minimum of 40- or 50-amp service is permitted, but entrance service must be sized for calculated connected load which may require higher capacity.
CABO MHCSS
Outdoor Receptacles
Requires at least one outdoor receptacle at grade level in both the front and back of a home.

 

 Requires only one outdoor receptacle.  Requires a second, dedicated outdoor receptacle near the water supply inlet under the home for the use of heat tape.
CABO MHCSS
Bathrooms
CABO does not address.

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 Prohibits receptacles within 30" of a shower or bathtub.
CABO MHCSS
Hallways
Requires at least one receptacle in hallways 10' or longer.

 

 Hallways exempted from receptacle requirement.
CABO MHCSS
Bonding
Requires bonding for electrical equipment and metal water piping system.

 

 Requires bonding for electrical equipment and other metallic parts that could become energized (e.g. non-electric devices such as ducts, metal framing, etc.)
CABO MHCSS
Service Wiring
The grounded circuit conductor (neutral) is connected to the grounding conductors (ground), a 3-wire system.

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 The grounded circuit conductor (neutral) is isolated from the grounding conductors (ground), a 4-wire system.
CABO MHCSS
Kitchen Receptacle Spacing
Requires placement of receptacle at each countertop 12 inches or greater in length.  Provides for a maximum of 4-feet speacing between countertop receptacles.

 

 Requires placement of a receptacle at each countertop 12 inches or greater in length.  Requires receptacle above countertop on each side of sink.
CABO MHCSS
Bathroom Lighting
CABO does not address.

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 Lighting fixtures over bath tubs and shower stalls shall be of the gasketed and enclosed type.