312.6

[augie47]

I have some questions concerning 312.6

It seems from the wording and the Handbook pictorials, that 312.6 addresses the distance between terminals and the wall opposite or not opposite the terminals.
Works well for top, bottom and side as your conduits would be basically the same distance as the wall. But when the conduits enter from the back ???? Is the distance from the terminal to the back wall required to meet 312.6(A) ??

An example: I have a 2500 amp switchgear. The distance between the terminals and the opposite wall (top) and side walls is greater than 30". The conduits are entering the enclosure thru the back wall. Does the NEC dictate the distance between the terminal to that back wall be the same as the side walls (not opposite) ?

A second question: In the '08 Code, 312.6(A) lists 1 to 5 conductors.
What happens when you have 7 ?

Lastly: There is a not 3 at 312.6(B) concerning compact stranded AL conductors. Is there any such note for 312.6(A) in later Codes ?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't see where T.310.6(A) cares whether or not the conduit enters the back. It appears only concerned with the distance between the terminals and the opposite wall of the enclosure

 

[augie47]

Guess I should take care in my wording between section 312.6(A), the words, and Table 312.6(A) and (B).
The wording of section 312.6(B) directs you to Table 312.(A) for conductors not leaving the opposite wall.
In this case, the wires enter thru the back and the terminals face the top so I assume ones needs a wire bending space as dictated in Table 312.6(A).

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Gus, T 312.6(A) does not really give us the bending radius of the conductor. It merely states what the distance from the lug to the wall in which the conductor is leaving or entering. It does not state that the wire must be bent at the wall.

I agree with you that the conduit that enters the back must comply with 312.6(A)