300.3(B)

[jumper]

I was asked these questions once in another forum and never really resolved any clear answers in my mind.

(1). If a 3 conductor cable with 2 hots and a neutral, such as SE, is installed in a PVC conduit - can a separate EGC be pulled in and be compliant in connecting up a sub panel?

(2). What about pulling the SE cable in EMT or RMC and using the conduit as the EGC?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You would have a bare neutral after the main panel. I guess if you could protect the neutral with tape you might get away with it but it is not a good install, IMO. The neutral is probably not a full size either so you would have to be careful of the load there.

I see what you are getting out and I don't see an issue with 300.3(B) esp in #2 example

 

[jumper]

Does the grounded conductor/neutral have to be insulated to a sub-panel if the neutral and EGC are not touching?

200.2 General. Grounded conductors shall comply with
200.2(A) and (B).
(A) Insulation. The grounded conductor, where insulated

or taped up in the panel?

 

[jumper]

This a hypothetical question only, not an actual install.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I cannot imagine how you could keep the uninsulated neutral from touching ground. The only place I know in the NEC that allows an bare neutral is in 230 for services.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You are not permitted to use the uninsulated conductor of SE cable as the grounded conductor in this application. 338(10)(B)(2)

 

[jumper]

I cannot imagine how you could keep the uninsulated neutral from touching ground. The only place I know in the NEC that allows an bare neutral is in 230 for services.

Ah, I gotta look that up, might resolve this issue then. Thanks.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You are not permitted to use the uninsulated conductor of SE cable as the grounded conductor in this application. 338(10)(B)(2)

Good find but that is only relevant to se which is what the thread is about but then I thought we were looking at a neutral, in general being allowed to be bare. It is like an unspoken rule.

 

[jumper]

Good find but that is only relevant to se which is what the thread is about but then I thought we were looking at a neutral, in general being allowed to be bare. It is like an unspoken rule.

Correct, neutral is not being used as ground.

Or grounded conductor is not being used as EGC.