50 amp temporary power cables

[wireguru]

Ive got a question about 50 amp temporary power cables, the ones with the 50 amp 'california style' twistlocks which are used with spider boxes and such. Some of these are 6/4 cable, and others are 6/3+8/1 with the #8 obviously being used for the ground. I remember seeing or hearing somewhere that the 6/3+8/1 cable was not "code", i dont remember if it was OSHA or something in the NEC. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

[TOOL_5150]

I own a few of the cables you are talking about. The 6/3 - 8/1 are fine because its a 50a circuit. The conductors are not upsized so there is no need to upsize the ground. Its similar to romex, with the smaller ground wire.

~Matt

[480sparky]

..... I remember seeing or hearing somewhere that the 6/3+8/1 cable was not "code", i dont remember if it was OSHA or something in the NEC. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Try 300.3(B).

[hardworkingstiff]

Try 300.3(B).

I read that in the '08 and don't understand how it applies to the OP.

[wireguru]

Try 300.3(B).

whats that section? Im in a different state than my NEC at the moment....

[don_resqcapt19]

Is the #8 ground in the same cable as the #6s? If so there is no code issue, but I have often seen the #8 taped to the outside of the cable with the #6s and that is a violation.

[wireguru]

Is the #8 ground in the same cable as the #6s? If so there is no code issue, but I have often seen the #8 taped to the outside of the cable with the #6s and that is a violation.


yes the cable has 3x #6 and a green #8 in it.