312.5(C)

[mbrooke]

How is the section applied? Does this mean I can use a PVC nipple and a short section of conduit to channel in cable assemblies into a panel?

 

[infinity]

You to comply with all of the items on that list of seven within the exception. Does what you propose do so?

 

[mbrooke]

You to comply with all of the items on that list of seven within the exception. Does what you propose do so?

Basically the previous electrician stuffed all of the cable assemblies through one nipple with short pvc... to me it cant be code compliant, but 312.5 tells me otherwise. FWIW I do see it now and then but have always been told its not to code.

 

[MasterTheNEC]

You may be talking about two different things mbrooke. If you are talking about a connector or nipple out the back of a panel where we see people install loads of NM-B Cables into the back of a panelboard then that is not what Section 312.5(C) is permitting.....here is the code language below (provided for educational purposes only, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association)

312.5(C) Cables. Where cable is used, each cable shall be secured
to the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure.
Exception: Cables with entirely nonmetallic sheaths shall
be permitted to enter the top of a surface-mounted enclosure
through one or more nonflexible raceways not less
than 450 mm (18 in.) and not more than 3.0 m (10 ft) in
length, provided all of the following conditions are met:


(a) Each cable is fastened within 300 mm (12 in.),
measured along the sheath, of the outer end of the raceway. (b) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure
and does not penetrate a structural ceiling.


(c) A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to
protect the cable(s) from abrasion and the fittings remain
accessible after installation.


(d) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end
using approved means so as to prevent access to the enclosure
through the raceway.


(e) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway
and extends into the enclosure beyond the fitting not
less than 6 mm (1 ?4 in.).


(f) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at
other points in accordance with the applicable article.


(g) Where installed as conduit or tubing, the cable fill
does not exceed the amount that would be permitted for
complete conduit or tubing systems by Table 1 of Chapter 9
of this Code and all applicable notes thereto.


Informational Note: See Table 1 in Chapter 9, including
Note 9, for allowable cable fill in circular raceways. See
310.15(B)(3)(a) for required ampacity reductions for multiple
cables installed in a common raceway.

 

[mbrooke]

You may be talking about two different things mbrooke. If you are talking about a connector or nipple out the back of a panel where we see people install loads of NM-B Cables into the back of a panelboard then that is not what Section 312.5(C) is permitting.....here is the code language below (provided for educational purposes only, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association)

312.5(C) Cables. Where cable is used, each cable shall be secured
to the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure.
Exception: Cables with entirely nonmetallic sheaths shall
be permitted to enter the top of a surface-mounted enclosure
through one or more nonflexible raceways not less
than 450 mm (18 in.) and not more than 3.0 m (10 ft) in
length, provided all of the following conditions are met:


(a) Each cable is fastened within 300 mm (12 in.),
measured along the sheath, of the outer end of the raceway. (b) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure
and does not penetrate a structural ceiling.


(c) A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to
protect the cable(s) from abrasion and the fittings remain
accessible after installation.


(d) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end
using approved means so as to prevent access to the enclosure
through the raceway.


(e) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway
and extends into the enclosure beyond the fitting not
less than 6 mm (1 ?4 in.).


(f) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at
other points in accordance with the applicable article.


(g) Where installed as conduit or tubing, the cable fill
does not exceed the amount that would be permitted for
complete conduit or tubing systems by Table 1 of Chapter 9
of this Code and all applicable notes thereto.


Informational Note: See Table 1 in Chapter 9, including
Note 9, for allowable cable fill in circular raceways. See
310.15(B)(3)(a) for required ampacity reductions for multiple
cables installed in a common raceway.

Thanks. This is a connector at the top of the panel. Same idea as the back of the panel but just the top. So far outside of bundling I cant find anything allowing or disallowing it.

 

[MasterTheNEC]

Thanks. This is a connector at the top of the panel. Same idea as the back of the panel but just the top. So far outside of bundling I cant find anything allowing or disallowing it.

How about the fact that all cables must be secured to the enclosure...ummm...that would be a biggie and all you need. The allowance of 312.5(C) is specific, if it does not apply then you can't get past the requirement to secure the cables to the enclosure. I would think that is all you would need.