4/0 running through Soffit in house

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Bogiedown170

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Yonkers, NY, USA
Again, I’m new to this and not sure if there is any reference in NEC against running a 4/0 SER from ATS inside home from one corner of house to opposite side (approximately 80 feet) to where generator will be located. The interesting thing is that instead of digging a trench to run the SER and control wire, it was decided to run the SER and control wire inside the actual home along top of wall where a soffit would be built to cover the SER, control wire and gas pipe. Soffit will run along dining room, 2 closets and through a bedroom. There will be a section of SER that will run through small utility closet and under stairs with no soffit and then turn under stairs, back up to another closet where soffit will pick up the SER. The SER was strapped down every 30” with 2” clamps about 2 inches from ceiling along wall. Also, the control wire was tie wrapped to SER. Please help me understand if running SER like this inside home is acceptable and can wire control get tied wrapped to SER? If not correct, what are NEC reference codes? Thanks.
 
I gave this response was to your original post from last night, these are specific reference to specific code related to the topic from the 2017 NEC

Regarding your request if it is allowed in the given scenario the following references should apply:
338 wire (SE, USE types) must also comply with Article 230.6, 230.7 and Parts II, III, IV of Article 230 per 338.10(A); plus Article 334 excluding 334.80 per 338.10(B)(4)(a). Nothing you state would indicate non compliance with these.
SER can not be used in trench per 338.12(A)(2), with or without conduit. USE can be barried but for exterior use only.
General requirements for wiring methods 300.11(D) "cable wiring methods (which SER is one) shall not be used as a means of support for other cable, raceway, or non electrical equipment." Thus tieing control wires to the SER would be a violation.

Why ru running 4/0 for a gen supply? What size gen you using? 4/0 seems a little large for the normal residential gen set.
 
You can run the SER and have it enclosed in a soffit. Just don't strap the LV cable directly to the SER cable.
 
First off, once you go through an over-current device you can run SER cable inside the house, as long as you do it in a safe and professional manner. That said, why are you installing 4/0 SER to the generator ? What size is the generator ? If it's a 20KW unit you do not need 4/0 and besides it will not fit under the 100A rated lugs on the 100A breaker in the generator. Second, the control wires can be 14/3 NM cables. If you're pulling 80' or so I would tape it to the SER cable before pulling it. Then, what are you going to do once you get to the end of the run inside the house ? Do you plan to run the SER cable directly into the generator housing or are you going to install a JB on the inside and install PVC or flex PVC to the generator ? Check the back of the generator housing - there probably are no 2" KO's. I would bet it's either 1" or 1 1/4" tops as well as a 3/4" KO for the control wires. Will you have the same issues with the gas line ?
 
Fred B said:
I gave this response was to your original post from last night, these are specific reference to specific code related to the topic from the 2017 NEC

Regarding your request if it is allowed in the given scenario the following references should apply:
338 wire (SE, USE types) must also comply with Article 230.6, 230.7 and Parts II, III, IV of Article 230 per 338.10(A); plus Article 334 excluding 334.80 per 338.10(B)(4)(a). Nothing you state would indicate non compliance with these.
SER can not be used in trench per 338.12(A)(2), with or without conduit. USE can be barried but for exterior use only.
General requirements for wiring methods 300.11(D) "cable wiring methods (which SER is one) shall not be used as a means of support for other cable, raceway, or non electrical equipment." Thus tieing control wires to the SER would be a violation.

Why ru running 4/0 for a gen supply? What size gen you using? 4/0 seems a little large for the normal residential gen set.
Click to expand...
Apologies for double posting as original post came back to me with an error. Generator is 22KW.
This is the set up as of today. Is this 4/0 acceptable in soffit? Also the control wiring tied wrap. Thanks.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/190481568@N05/

 
Hi Again I’m new to this and at end of day I try to cross reference NEC on things that I do and see. It turns out the the generator is 36kw and reason why 4/0 is being used. I’m still not clear of method of running from one end of house to another in soffit is correct. And the control wire jacket from what I understand is rated to live next to 600v but is tie wrapping on actual 4/0 okay? Again thanks
 
Bogiedown170 said:
Hi Again I’m new to this and at end of day I try to cross reference NEC on things that I do and see. It turns out the the generator is 36kw and reason why 4/0 is being used. I’m still not clear of method of running from one end of house to another in soffit is correct. And the control wire jacket from what I understand is rated to live next to 600v but is tie wrapping on actual 4/0 okay? Again thanks
Click to expand...
Did you read the article sections Fred pointed you to in post #2?

Roger
 
Fred B said:
I gave this response was to your original post from last night, these are specific reference to specific code related to the topic from the 2017 NEC

Regarding your request if it is allowed in the given scenario the following references should apply:
338 wire (SE, USE types) must also comply with Article 230.6, 230.7 and Parts II, III, IV of Article 230 per 338.10(A); plus Article 334 excluding 334.80 per 338.10(B)(4)(a). Nothing you state would indicate non compliance with these.
SER can not be used in trench per 338.12(A)(2), with or without conduit. USE can be barried but for exterior use only.
General requirements for wiring methods 300.11(D) "cable wiring methods (which SER is one) shall not be used as a means of support for other cable, raceway, or non electrical equipment." Thus tieing control wires to the SER would be a violation.

Why ru running 4/0 for a gen supply? What size gen you using? 4/0 seems a little large for the normal residential gen set.
Click to expand...
Thank you Fred for taking the time to reference. This is very helpful and will read through the references you outlined.
 
Bogiedown170 said:
Hi Again I’m new to this and at end of day I try to cross reference NEC on things that I do and see.
Click to expand...
Serious suggestion: Learn how to search through the NEC index, understand the terms used, and how to find applicable sections.

I have the NEC on my computer, and often go to the index first when looking for something when I don't already know where it is.

It turns out the the generator is 36kw and reason why 4/0 is being used.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that makes a big difference. It's probably not even worth shopping for a smaller size.
 
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