Cable protection

[iwire]

In NEC section 300.5(D)(1) it states that

Emerging from Grade. Direct-buried conductors emerging from grade shall be protected by enclosures or raceways ..............

Cable tray is not an enclosure or raceway regardless of covers. It is a support system per 392.2

In my opinion something more than cable tray must be installed.

 

[Rockyd]

We do it all the time in Alaska. However I believe our area is a special circumstance area, guided by AHJ, and am thinking same applies to where the OP is at in Peru.

I would run the tray down to about six inches from the ground, and have the cables lay right on to the tray rungs, fastened with tywraps. If he is in an area where it is a qualified person area, in addition to the local area laws, would think this would suffice. not being there, couldn't guestimate any better.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Cable tray is not an enclosure or raceway regardless of covers. It is a support system per 392.2

In my opinion something more than cable tray must be installed.

If the cable tray had covers all around would this not be an enclosure?

Enclosure. The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.

 

[iwire]

If the cable tray had covers all around would this not be an enclosure?

Sure it could be, I could also wrap tin foil around the conductors and call it an enclosure. I guess the inspector could decide if the typically flimsy cable tray covers provide physical protection equivalent to a raceway or typical enclosure.

The fact is, the OPs tray is open not enclosed. :smile:

 

[acrwc10]

Sure it could be, I could also wrap tin foil around the conductors and call it an enclosure. I guess the inspector could decide if the typically flimsy cable tray covers provide physical protection equivalent to a raceway or typical enclosure.

The fact is, the OPs tray is open not enclosed. :smile:

Where does one buy listed tin foil, I can only get aluminum foil anymore?

 

[iwire]

Where does one buy listed tin foil, I can only get aluminum foil anymore?

Not all enclosures are required to be listed.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The fact is, the OPs tray is open not enclosed. :smile:

Yes and that is why he is asking if it should be enclosed with a cover on the back side where it is accessible. Perhaps the covers are flimsy but I bet they are better than tin foil....