Flexible Cords and Cables - Temporary Underground Installation

[DKGraupman]

Good evening everyone,

Article 400.8 Uses Not Permitted. "Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code."

Does anyone know of an exception to this code? The job I am currently on has SEOW, SOOW and Type W cords installed underground in Schedule 40 PVC conduit for temporary power (installed by previous contractor) and the local inspector is stating this installation is illegal. Any help on this subject is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[tom baker]

I recall an exemption for 50ft of cord in conduit for industrial applications.
Your AHJ is correct, though

 

[JFletcher]

Well, 590.4(H) requires flexible cords and cables to be protected, and 590.3(D) requires removal of temporary cable when you're done with it. One could argue the conduit is serving both purposes (protection and easy removal).

eta: I didnt see anything in 590 that would allow your install.

 

[zbang]

I didn't see anything that would directly permit it, but it feels like the inspector took his silly pills that day. Is this SO terminated into panels/equipment or is it plug-connected? That might make a difference. I've pulled 6/4 SOOW spider box cables (and 2/0 SC w/ camloks) in rather long "sleeves" or "chases" under pathways with nary a peep.

I did find (by searching the 2011 PDF for "sleeve")-
300.5(F)
Where necessary to prevent physical damage to the raceway or cable, protection shall be provided in the form of granular or selected material, suitable running boards, suitable sleeves, or other approved means.

300.50 (E)
Protection in the form of granular or selected material or suitable sleeves shall be provided to prevent physical damage to the raceway or cable

Whether those actually apply is left to the reader.

 

[DKGraupman]

I didn't see anything that would directly permit it, but it feels like the inspector took his silly pills that day. Is this SO terminated into panels/equipment or is it plug-connected? That might make a difference. I've pulled 6/4 SOOW spider box cables (and 2/0 SC w/ camloks) in rather long "sleeves" or "chases" under pathways with nary a peep.

I did find (by searching the 2011 PDF for "sleeve")-
300.5(F)
Where necessary to prevent physical damage to the raceway or cable, protection shall be provided in the form of granular or selected material, suitable running boards, suitable sleeves, or other approved means.

300.50 (E)
Protection in the form of granular or selected material or suitable sleeves shall be provided to prevent physical damage to the raceway or cable

Whether those actually apply is left to the reader.

The SOOW cord is terminated inside of panels, no cord plugs. The power is feeding temporary construction panels and temporary construction trailer panels. I will argue the points of protecting the cords from accidental damage and the ease of removal upon completion of construction. Thank you all for the help!

 

[zbang]

The SOOW cord is terminated inside of panels, no cord plugs.

That's more the problem- using flexible cords in place of fixed wiring, even for temporary work. IMHO the raceway and underground have little to do with the issue.

 

[petersonra]

Take a close look at 590.4 (b) and (C).

I think one can make a good argument that this is allowed.