200amp SE cable inside mast?

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macgyver2010

Member
I've been trying to find the answer to this but no luck so far. I'm getting 2 different answers from 2 non inspectors. Can you run 200amp SE cable inside the service mast and what code applies to this? Thanks.
 
jumper

jumper

Senior Member
Location
3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
Pipe fill does not apply.

(2) Table 1 applies only to complete conduit or tubing systems
and is not intended to apply to sections of conduit
or tubing used to protect exposed wiring from physical
damage.
 
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macgyver2010

Member
infinity said:
Chapter 9 Table 1, note 8. Why would you want to do this?
Click to expand...

Trying to use up excess stock and didn't see a problem with putting it in the mast. Until someone said it would fail inspection. But you know how stories end up being inaccurate. Just dont need a failure on this one. Needed to see if code addressed this.

Same person said can't use #6 copper for gnd rods which I also thought was correct. Said had to be #4 copper for 200amp. What do you guys think of that one?
 
kwired

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
jumper said:
Pipe fill does not apply.

(2) Table 1 applies only to complete conduit or tubing systems
and is not intended to apply to sections of conduit
or tubing used to protect exposed wiring from physical
damage.
Click to expand...

Which raises the question for the OP - is the mast a raceway or a sleeve for physical protection and/or support?

If the mast terminates directly into a meter or panel then it pretty much has to be considered a raceway. If that is the case why not just run individual conductors instead of a cable in the first place?
 
stickboy1375

stickboy1375

Senior Member
Location
Litchfield, CT
macgyver2010 said:
I've been trying to find the answer to this but no luck so far. I'm getting 2 different answers from 2 non inspectors. Can you run 200amp SE cable inside the service mast and what code applies to this? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Why not just run the SE like it was intended? just curious.... i know you asked a legit question.
 
kwired

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
macgyver2010 said:
Ahh, so his brain must have been thinking #4 alu wire and I thought #6 copper was right.
Click to expand...

How are you to terminate alum on a ground rod, especially if the rod is buried?


As far a using SE cable in mast, you could need a larger mast than if using individual conductors, will depend on cable dimensions. If mast is not used as a raceway there is no fill requirements.
 
M

macgyver2010

Member
stickboy1375 said:
Why not just run the SE like it was intended? just curious.... i know you asked a legit question.
Click to expand...

Because of the shape of the house and the current location of the service a mast deemed safer and more appropriate for multiple reasons. SE is being used from meter base to main panel (without conduit) so I just figured I'd use the SE in the mast also since I already had it.
 
M

macgyver2010

Member
kwired said:
How are you to terminate alum on a ground rod, especially if the rod is buried?


As far a using SE cable in mast, you could need a larger mast than if using individual conductors, will depend on cable dimensions. If mast is not used as a raceway there is no fill requirements.
Click to expand...

I was referring to was is stated in 250.66(A) on alu wire. Never used it. Always use #6 copper.

I installed 2 1/2" RMC.
 
Copperclad

Copperclad

Member
Location
Merritt Island, FL USA
Don't do it!

Don't do it!

If you are thinking about installing SER cable in an overhead riser I would suggest you reconsider.
We used to always use SER cable in service mast (and it always passed inspection) It seems that when you strip the sheathing off of SER to expose the individual wires for the utility to termintate to the wire loses it's "sunlight resistant" rating.
We got a lot of call backs on this exact type of install. Im not sure where your at, but in Florida it won't last 6 months and the insulation will be toast were it is subject to the elements!
 
stickboy1375

stickboy1375

Senior Member
Location
Litchfield, CT
Copperclad said:
If you are thinking about installing SER cable in an overhead riser I would suggest you reconsider.
We used to always use SER cable in service mast (and it always passed inspection) It seems that when you strip the sheathing off of SER to expose the individual wires for the utility to termintate to the wire loses it's "sunlight resistant" rating.
We got a lot of call backs on this exact type of install. Im not sure where your at, but in Florida it won't last 6 months and the insulation will be toast were it is subject to the elements!
Click to expand...

I use SE all the time in New England, non issue. i still wouldn't waste my time installing it in a conduit. ;)
 
jumper

jumper

Senior Member
Location
3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
Copperclad said:
If you are thinking about installing SER cable in an overhead riser I would suggest you reconsider.
We used to always use SER cable in service mast (and it always passed inspection) It seems that when you strip the sheathing off of SER to expose the individual wires for the utility to termintate to the wire loses it's "sunlight resistant" rating.
We got a lot of call backs on this exact type of install. Im not sure where your at, but in Florida it won't last 6 months and the insulation will be toast were it is subject to the elements!
Click to expand...

This makes no sense to me? A SE or SER cable gets the sheath stripped back for POCO connection, whether in a pipe or not.
 
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