200 Amp Wire on finished wall

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zimurgy

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Hello, I just had a generac generator installed and I had my 200 amp service wire moved also as my underground conduit was leaking into the panel box. That is now sealed and the electrician pulled a new wire from the transfer box through my garage and into the basement where the panel is. He then mounted this wire on the finished drywall in the garage. It’s about 1.5 feet off the ground. I am concerned about the safety of this. I also feel it may not pass inspection. Am I correct and is this legal/safe.

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My first thought on surface mounted cables like this is 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage. “Where subject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables shall be protected”
Doesn’t matter if it’s 200 amp wire or NM 14awg I would consider this as being subject to physical damage (vehicle bumper, or garbage cans, etc)
 
sw_ross said:
My first thought on surface mounted cables like this is 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage. “Where subject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables shall be protected”
Doesn’t matter if it’s 200 amp wire or NM 14awg I would consider this as being subject to physical damage (vehicle bumper, or garbage cans, etc)
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I agree. I cannot see this installation be acceptable anywhere the NEC is adopted unless there is a local amendment that permits it.
 
Weird that he didn't use conduit here, which would have made it acceptable and easy.

One easy enough fix would be to change the straps and "box" it all into a chase.
 
I would personally want it redone in conduit if there is no other place to run those wires. My AHJ would definitely not pass this, citing the "physical damage" code others have referenced.
 
I was a bit blown away at the lack of conduit also. I am thankful for everyone’s time and expertise. I am going to speak with the contractor regarding this and I am actually hoping it does not pass since it should not. I also want to be able to sell this house someday and don’t need this lingering.
 
To my eye this job looks neatly done, which is a plus, but might indicate someone who is a competent _self taught_ electrician who takes pride in their work. (This is the sort of thing that a _good_ DIYer would do, try really hard, get most of it right, and miss on something key. Full disclosure: I am here as a motor research guy, and when I do electrical work it is DIY. This is the sort of mistake that I might make.)

I agree with the others that this is a code violation because of the physical protection requirement. If there are no other issues I would provide the necessary protection rather than demanding a re-do.

-Jon
 
winnie said:
To my eye this job looks neatly done, which is a plus, but might indicate someone who is a competent _self taught_ electrician who takes pride in their work. (This is the sort of thing that a _good_ DIYer would do, try really hard, get most of it right, and miss on something key. Full disclosure: I am here as a motor research guy, and when I do electrical work it is DIY. This is the sort of mistake that I might make.)
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I would normally price something like this to be run in conduit but I could also give the homeowner the option to have the cable encased by others at his own expensed.

From experience I can say that lots of people don't even like the look of conduit running around their garage walls
 
The installer gets an "A" for neatness but I wouldn't pass this or allow it in my home. As augie said, just box it in a drywall chase. On a side note, it's not clear to me from the OP if these are service conductors or a feeder.
 
I don't know if it 4/0. It may be the #2 AL going to the generator.
Around mid west Indiana they run it like that all the way to the generator. Outside and just inches from the ground with no conduit, no flex no protection.
It probably shoots right through the left wall to the generator.
 
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