Can I use PVC adapter for SE cable instead of cable connector ?

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Stevenfyeager

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United States, Indiana
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electrical contractor
In a meter base, is it ok to use a pvc threaded adapter as a cable exits the meter base instead of a cable connector ? The metal connector clamp "clamps" the 4/0 SEU cable but the pvc doesn't "clamp" the cable. In my case, I have a 3/4 inch inch gap behind the meter (steel siding) and pvc would get my cable into the building water proof. Is it necessary to "clamp" a cable at a penetration ? Thank you
 
Stevenfyeager said:
In a meter base, is it ok to use a pvc threaded adapter as a cable exits the meter base instead of a cable connector ?
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No. The cable must be clamped and the clamp affixed to the enclosure.

The metal connector clamp "clamps" the 4/0 SEU cable but the pvc doesn't "clamp" the cable.
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"Lucy, you got some 'splainimg to do!" In other words, what? Where does the PVC start?

In my case, I have a 3/4 inch inch gap behind the meter (steel siding) and pvc would get my cable into the building water proof. Is it necessary to "clamp" a cable at a penetration ? Thank you
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If you mean you want to sleeve the cable with a nipple in a male adapter that is attached to the enclosure, then it depends on what happens at the other end of the nipple.

If you mean the cable clamp is attached to the enclosure, and the PVC is only a sleeve, then no problem.
 
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LarryFine said:
No. The cable must be clamped and the clamp affixed to the enclosure.

"Lucy, you got some 'splainimg to do!" In other words, what? Where does the PVC start?


If you mean you want to sleeve the cable with a nipple in a male adapter that is attached to the enclosure, then it depends on what happens at the other end of the nipple.

If you mean the cable clamp is attached to the enclosure, and the PVC is only a sleeve, then no problem.
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I was wanting to use the pvc adapter in place of the metal clamp, feed the cable through that and into a pvc sweep 90 then open unprotected cable inside the basement down into the top of a service panel. But I thought the lack of a required clamping function might not allow that. Is that correct? Is a 'clamping' required with a cable ?
 
Stevenfyeager said:
I was wanting to use the pvc adapter in place of the metal clamp, feed the cable through that and into a pvc sweep 90 then open unprotected cable inside the basement down into the top of a service panel. But I thought the lack of a required clamping function might not allow that. Is that correct? Is a 'clamping' required with a cable ?
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If the 90 is connected to the pvc connector then many areas will allow it. Look at 312.5(C)


(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:
(1) Each cable is fastened within 300 mm (12 in.), measured along
the sheath, of the outer end of the raceway.
(2) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure and does not
penetrate a structural ceiling.
(3) A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to protect the
cable(s) from abrasion and the fittings remain accessible after
installation.
(4) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end using approved
means so as to prevent access to the enclosure through the raceway.
(5) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway and extends
into the enclosure beyond the fitting not less than 6 mm (1∕4 in.).
(6) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at other points in
accordance with the applicable article.
(7) 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. Note 2 to the tables in Chapter 9 does not
apply to this condition.
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Actually, with the clarification, the OP's situation is kind of upside down to Dennis' response. The cable exits a PVC elbow above the panel, pointing down, with the cable exposed to the panel. It's the upper (outside) end that enters the PVC without being secured.

I would say the installation would be acceptable with the cable secured within 12" of exiting the elbow. You could also screw a cable clamp into a female adapter. This is what I meant when I said it depends on what is going on at the other end of the PVC conduit.
 
LarryFine said:
You could also screw a cable clamp into a female adapter. This is what I meant when I said it depends on what is going on at the other end of the PVC conduit.
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Would such a cable clamp require bonding, or are there non-metallic cable clamps available?

Thanks,
Wayne
 
If the cableis run as Larry stated then IMO you need a cable clamp and a pvc connector is not compliant. I am assuming the op is talking about a connector at the panel.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
If the cableis run as Larry stated then IMO you need a cable clamp and a pvc connector is not compliant. I am assuming the op is talking about a connector at the panel.
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Actually I am still confused at what he has.... Is the elbow a sleeve or is the elbow attached to a meter or something on the other end? If it is attached then I would agree that no clamp is needed on the pvc.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
In a meter base, is it ok to use a pvc threaded adapter as a cable exits the meter base instead of a cable connector ? The metal connector clamp "clamps" the 4/0 SEU cable but the pvc doesn't "clamp" the cable. In my case, I have a 3/4 inch inch gap behind the meter (steel siding) and pvc would get my cable into the building water proof. Is it necessary to "clamp" a cable at a penetration ? Thank you
Click to expand...

If the SE cable is a stand-alone wiring method, it needs to exit the enclosure through a cable connector built for the purpose. This is what you need to do, in order to waterproof the unique oval shape of the cable.

It is OK to sleeve the cable through a raceway, and pass it through a weatherhead, routed in a manner as if it were any other wire.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I am assuming the op is talking about a connector at the panel.
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No, leaving the meter base.

Actually I am still confused at what he has.... Is the elbow a sleeve or is the elbow attached to a meter or something on the other end? If it is attached then I would agree that no clamp is needed on the pvc.
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He's talking about wanting to enclose the service cable leaving the back of the meter base, through the wall and pointing downward into the top of the service panel inside, in a basement apparently half a floor lower than outside. The interior of the PVC would simply end, with the cable continuing downward and into the top of the panel with a cable clamp.

The question is about not being able to put a cable clamp on the cable at the meter because the male adapter would be taking up the knock-out. If strapping the cable within 12" of where it leaves the PVC won't suffice, he could continue the PVC all the way to the panel, which would then have no clamping, but would allow individual conductors instead of a cable.
 
So he has a pvc sleeve from the meter thru the wall into a 90 and then exposed to the panel. Does the panel have a cable connector? I assume so. If so then there is no need to have a cable connector at the meter, IMO. Just a staple within 12" of exiting the pvc. Heck I would probably pipe it all the way and use individual conductors.
 
Technically the section I quoted does not really cover this and it is a violation but I have seen it passed like this in many places. You will have to seal the end of the pipe.
 
LarryFine said:
No, leaving the meter base.


He's talking about wanting to enclose the service cable leaving the back of the meter base, through the wall and pointing downward into the top of the service panel inside, in a basement apparently half a floor lower than outside. The interior of the PVC would simply end, with the cable continuing downward and into the top of the panel with a cable clamp.
Click to expand...

Simplest solution to me seems to be to run the PVC the rest of the way to the panel, might even be able to reduce it's size a little if you pull conductors through it instead of SE cable.
 
Why not pipe it all the way. Conduit is always a better installation than Se cable free aired. Looks more professional and not like some weekend warrior installed it after watching a YouTube video.


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7635tools said:
Why not pipe it all the way. Conduit is always a better installation than Se cable free aired. Looks more professional and not like some weekend warrior installed it after watching a YouTube video.


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From description it sounds like only another foot or two is all that is needed.
 
7635tools said:
Why not pipe it all the way. Conduit is always a better installation than Se cable free aired. Looks more professional and not like some weekend warrior installed it after watching a YouTube video.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
thank you. I did end up piping using individual conductors. It worked well. But sometimes, there are obstructions in the way, and a cable is much easier to route than conduit. So I almost needed to cable it. Sounds like a pvc adapter at the meter base then a short pvc pipe section or 90, then a stapled open cable to a metal connector in top of the panel is ok, NEC wise ?
 
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