Romex wires entering a sub-panel

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jordyn16

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I took a job over from another electrician. He installed a 2" chase nipple and ran 12 romex wires through the chase nipple and terminated the wires to there appropiate places,such as breakers, nuetral bar and ground bar. Can a chase nipple be installed to allow that many romex wires pass through into the sub-panel
 
I believe that article 312.8 covers this, take a look at it to see if it answer your question.

PJHolguin :cool:



jordyn16 said:
I took a job over from another electrician. He installed a 2" chase nipple and ran 12 romex wires through the chase nipple and terminated the wires to there appropiate places,such as breakers, nuetral bar and ground bar. Can a chase nipple be installed to allow that many romex wires pass through into the sub-panel
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If you are just entering a panel not passing through to another, check out 312.5 (C) exc.
 
Wilg said:
If you are just entering a panel not passing through to another, check out 312.5 (C) exc.
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312.5(C) says "Where cable is used, each cable shall be securedto the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure."

The length of a chase nipple is outside the dimensions allowed by the exception, so the exception can not be used in the OP's situation.
 
it's done all the time with nipples under 2feet, sometimes required for physical protection. would be impossible to put each cable in a connector like this. must be an exception somewhere as i see this all the time everywhere and had it pass every single time i have done it w/o any comment. no, i am not looking thru the nec for a cite.
 
bullheimer said:
it's done all the time with nipples under 2feet, sometimes required for physical protection. would be impossible to put each cable in a connector like this. must be an exception somewhere as i see this all the time everywhere and had it pass every single time i have done it w/o any comment. no, i am not looking thru the nec for a cite.
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Just because you have been doing it doesn't make it right. Why is it impossible to put the cables in connectors? I have been in the trade almost 30 years and have never had a problem. Most 1/2" connectors are listed for 2 cables. Many 3/4" connectors are listed for 4 cables. Some 1"-1 1/4" are listed for more than 4 cables.
 
Around these parts the AHJ want us to use 2-21/2" piece of schedule 40 to feed the romex into the main and sub panel. This way the branch circuit romax are protected in case the home owner ever wants to finish the basement.
 
curt swartz said:
Just because you have been doing it doesn't make it right. Why is it impossible to put the cables in connectors? I have been in the trade almost 30 years and have never had a problem. Most 1/2" connectors are listed for 2 cables. Many 3/4" connectors are listed for 4 cables. Some 1"-1 1/4" are listed for more than 4 cables.
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The problem is with outdoor panels. There is no way to get 30 or 40 nm cables into the back of the panel with connectors without butchering the wall and even then it won't fit. Ideally you would need a small jb or trough but in many areas, including here, the nipple out the back has been allowed. I agree it is not compliant but it has been done this way from before I moved here over 35 years ago.

Two or three 2" chases can be very tidy and IMO pretty safe especially if you seal the hole when done.
 
I'm with Wilg in Post #3. Only NEC compliant method is a shown in 312.5(C).
Beyond that it's an AHJ call and apparently a variety of procedures are allowed locally.
 
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