Approve wireway

[tony_psuee]

We have an interest in using a hollow 2"x4" structural steel member as a wireway. In referencing the code definition of raceway it states, "...designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars..." so my thoughts are this would be a violation. If so, what about placing a approved wireway typically used in control panels inside the steel? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[slicer]

Re: Approve wireway

Is there a particular reason you want to run the wire inside the steel?

 

[pierre]

Re: Approve wireway

Except for 376.10(4)(this does not fit your installation), wireways cannot be installed in concealed locations.

Pierre

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Approve wireway

Slicer-
Reasoning is reduced cost. Rather than run external conduit, thought was space is available in the steel so why not use it. A "consultant" was brought in prior to my being involved and said he didn't think there would be a problem. However, focus of design has been on the mechanical operation of the equipment and not electrical. Thanks for responding.

Tony

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Approve wireway

Tony,

The plastic wire channel (duct) found in control panels is not a "wireway" as defined by the NEC. The UL listing of this panel duct would not allow it to be used as you described.

Do you intend to use your structual member as a true raceway (i.e. pulling single conductors through it) or as a protective chase (i.e. with cable)?

Have you thought of running an approved flexible raceway (i.e. liquidtite) inside as an option?

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Approve wireway

Jim-

The steel would be used as a wireway with individual wires being run rather than cable. If we go to flex conduit inside the steel isn't an option as there are branch points. My main objective has been to confirm if the steel member is accepted as an approved wireway andif the panel wireway would be acceptable. It appears that both are not in compliance.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[pierre]

Re: Approve wireway

The steel is not a listed raceway or wireway found in chapter 3. This would be a violation and is not an acceptable practice. What kind of consultant was it you said was brought in, certainly not an electrical consultant.

Pierre

[ July 24, 2003, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]

 

[hbiss]

Re: Approve wireway

What is the specific application for this "wireway"? Is it part of a machine, a machine or assembly that you manufacturer? If so you could seek to have it listed for your purpose.

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Approve wireway

The structural steel is part of the framing of the equipment and would be used to run the 460V wiring for several low HP motors. I got more information about the consultant and he works on getting UL approval on equipment in the mid-west and his opinion was if UL was being sought from a local UL field inspector, it would not be a problem to use the raceway.

Thanks for the feedback,

Tony

 

[hbiss]

Re: Approve wireway

Maybe I should go into consulting.

 

[bennie]

Re: Approve wireway

Is this any different from running wires inside a lamp post?

 

[websparky]

Re: Approve wireway

Bennie,

The code permits this; NEC 2002 410.15
(B) Metal Poles Supporting Luminaires (Lighting Fixtures). Metal poles shall be permitted to be used to support luminaires (lighting fixtures) and as a raceway to enclose supply conductors, provided the following conditions are met........

 

[bennie]

Re: Approve wireway

Thanks, now all that needs to be done is mount a luminaire on the structural member, and call it a horizontal pole.

 

[electron]

Re: Approve wireway

We have an interest in using a hollow 2"x4" structural steel member as a wireway.

In referencing the code definition of raceway it states, "... designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars..." so my thoughts are this would be a violation.

If so, what about placing a approved wireway typically used in control panels inside the steel?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Comments by Electron:

First added to the 1965 NEC was a new Article 357 - Structural Raceways, later to be deleted in a future addition.

357-1. Definitions. Structural raceways are formed steel members approved for the installation of electrical wires or cables within them.

(a) Vertical members used for studs or columns shall be tubes or channels.

(b) Horizontal headers used as beams or top plates shall be provided with suitable covers, end closers,and fittings."

Maybe your consultant was thinking about this article ...... ?

[ July 29, 2003, 05:34 PM: Message edited by: electron ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: Approve wireway

Why not sleeve the conductors inside the steel tube with NM Flex Conduit, commonly known as smurf tube? its easy to work with, and very inexpensive.

 

[gregory]

Re: Approve wireway

Tony
I had some information from and IAEI meeting that I attended. It was in regard to sun rooms. They had a ul approved channel that was inserted in the wall and horizonally at the top plate. It had specific directions for grounding & bonding. The wires are inserted in this channel. I will look for the information and let you know about it.