Feeding Motor / encoder cables through a J-Box ??

[milmat1]

This application is a stand alone machine that will have the control cabinet located several feet from the machine. Cabinet is a free standing box connected to the machine either via flex or maybe even rigid conduit. At the machine I will place a J-Box for connection of limit switches etc. My main tether whether that is a flex or rigid conduit will connect the panel to the machine at this J box. I also have several shielded cables going to the machine for several motors and encoders that will go back to the main panel. In past projects I have run them through J boxes without problems, However is this legal to do ? Also we are a company that builds custom machinery.(engineered product) So we do not have any NEC inspections etc...But I would still like to know what the NEC says about the practice...Thanks In Advance !

 

[petersonra]

90.7 Examination of Equipment for Safety.

It is the intent of this Code that factory-installed internal
wiring or the construction of equipment need not be
inspected at the time of installation of the equipment, except
to detect alterations or damage, if the equipment has
been listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory that is
recognized as having the facilities described in the preceding
preceding paragraph and that requires suitability for installation in
accordance with this Code.

If your equipment on the whole is listed, you would seem to be well covered, but very little of this kind of equipment is listed.

I. General Requirements
300.1 Scope.
(B) Integral Parts of Equipment. The provisions of this
article are not intended to apply to the conductors that form
an integral part of equipment, such as motors, controllers,
motor control centers, or factory assembled control equipment
or listed utilization equipment.

That "listed" word again.

II. Motor Circuit Conductors
430.21 General. Part II specifies ampacities of conductors
that are capable of carrying the motor current without overheating
under the conditions specified.
***
The provisions of Articles 250, 300, and 310 shall not
apply to conductors that form an integral part of equipment,
such as motors, motor controllers, motor control centers, or
other factory-assembled control equipment.

Maybe. And that darn "listed" word is not present.

In any case, the NEC does not require a separate j-box for shielded cables.

 

[milmat1]

Thank you Both for the great information as well as some much needed humor !....