Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

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hgrace

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We have a project, house was built in 2002 and sold. We work for the new owner. Upon first look we found sub panels in crawl spaces, #8 thhn feeders freeballed in the dirt, fused at 70 amps and more of the same.
I have been asked to site NEC specific violations and have looked through NEC.
I find only general ready access and physical damage areas.
Where in NEC does it state that THHN must be in conduit ?
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

Thanks iwire, I have seen that , but no "must be protected by conduit" language exists , does it ?
When I search I find a lot of cable (NM) references, but here in Los Angeles, most residential is in conduit.
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

300.3 Conductors.
(A) Single Conductors. Single conductors specified in Table 310.13 shall only be installed where part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3.
Click to expand...
THHN is single conductor listed in Table 310.13.

That being the case it must be used with a chapter 3 wiring method.

Look at Articles 300 through 398 and you will not find a wiring method that allows THHN across the ground.
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

Thanks iwire,
My point frustration is just that, I am forwarding information to a layman, listing the places it can be used is lengthy,
Why does the code not list "unapproved" applications ? Inspectors seem to
Thanks gain
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

hgrace you had said;

but no "must be protected by conduit" language exists , does it ?
Click to expand...
Actually it does and 300.3 is it, the difference is they do not want to make a 'list' new raceway systems may get added, others may fall by the way side. If they put a list together of where you can place single conductors they would have change it every time raceways changed.

Think of the list

THHN, THWN, RHW, TW, XHHW, etc. shall be installed in EMT, RMC, FMC, RNC, LFMC, ENT, FMT, wireways, surface metal raceway, gutters, boxes, cabinets, enclosures,......etc.

It would just be to much of a problem, it is much easer to say single conductors will be installed in a chapter 3 method.

Bob
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

It sounds like you're having trouble convincing the owner there is a problem with the installation. Why not have the building department look at it and maybe they can explain how this mess passed in the first place.
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

I gotta say Bob, it's a pleasure to watch you site code!

Edit: Darn it

[ January 15, 2005, 07:57 AM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Feeders found in crawl, no conduit

My point frustration is just that, I am forwarding information to a layman,
Click to expand...
90.1(C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

In my opinion, you tell the customer what the Code says and means. Use the electrical inspector if you need to go that far but the Code is not for the use of the homeowner, it is for trained persons. :D
 
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