General Question - Gutter vs Raceway

[pcengineer]

Hello,
I am doing some research in order to find the differences between a gutter (panelboard) and a raceway. The two terms seem to be used interchangeably, but I am unsure and I could use some clarification. If anyone is able to provide the definition of the both of them, as well as the difference between the two, if there is is any. I really appreciate the help, Thank you!

 

[petersonra]

A gutter is used to make more space for wiring in an enclosure

 

[pcengineer]

A gutter is used to make more space for wiring in an enclosure

Thank you for responding! So if I am understanding correctly, a gutter is a designated space to do the actual wiring, allow for bending space, and terminating? While a raceway is just a space to pass wires (possibly to or from a gutter)?

 

[EC Dan]

Raceway is a more general term and includes a lot of different elements. The confusion usually arises between a gutter (Article 366) and wireway (Articles 376/378).

An auxiliary gutter provides additional gutter space for wiring in various types of electrical enclosures and equipment. This additional gutter space may be necessary to provide sufficient room for the number of conductors in an enclosure or to provide adequate wiring bending/deflection space where conductors connect to a terminal. Although the construction of an auxiliary gutter is no different from that of a wireway, the field application of this equipment differentiates an auxiliary gutter from a wireway. A wireway is a raceway in accordance with the definition of raceway in Article 100. Auxiliary gutters supplement enclosure wiring spaces and are not encompassed by the definition of raceway. Therefore, NEC® requirements that apply only to raceways do not apply to auxiliary gutters. An example of such a requirement is 230.7, which prohibits service conductors from being installed in a raceway with conductors that are not service conductors. This rule applies to wireways installed in accordance with Articles 376 and 378. However, an auxiliary gutter installed to supplement the wiring space of a service equipment enclosure is not a wireway and, therefore, is not subject to 230.7.

 

[pcengineer]

Raceway is a more general term and includes a lot of different elements. The confusion usually arises between a gutter (Article 366) and wireway (Articles 376/378).

This was very helpful! I now understand what each of them are and their differences. I appreciate your help!