Help with SER cable.

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nizak

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Can 4/0 4/0 4/0 2/0 AL SER cable be installed in thermal insulation and still be a code compliant install for a 200 amp residential service?

This would be the cable from the the exterior disconnect, thru the insulated attic space, and back down to the basement load center.

I recall a change in the code regarding SE cables but not certain what it was.

Thanks
 
Here is the rule


  1. (a)
    Interior Installations.
    1. (1)
      In addition to the provisions of this article, Type SE service-entrance cable used for interior wiring shall comply with the installation requirements of Part II of Article 334, excluding 334.80.
    2. (2)
      Where more than two Type SE cables containing two or more current-carrying conductors in each cable are installed in contact with thermal insulation, caulk, or sealing foam without maintaining spacing between cables, the ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 310.15(C)(1).
    3. (3)
      For Type SE cable with ungrounded conductor sizes 10 AWG and smaller, where installed in contact with thermal insulation, the ampacity shall be in accordance with 60°C (140°F) conductor temperature rating. The maximum conductor temperature rating shall be permitted to be used for ampacity adjustment and correction purposes, if the final ampacity does not exceed that for a 60°C (140°F) rated conductor.


    [*](b)
    Exterior Installations.
    1. (1)
      In addition to the provisions of this article, service-entrance cable used for feeders or branch circuits, where installed as exterior wiring, shall be installed in accordance with Part I of Article 225. The cable shall be supported in accordance with 334.30.
    2. (2)
      Type USE cable installed as underground feeder and branch circuit cable shall comply with Part II of Article 340.
    Click to expand...
 
another question I have: Is an SER connector required where the panel feeder cable lands in the meter disconnect? When replacing a meter can I like to use a chase nipple. I do this because it seems better than chiseling a hole large enough to allow for an SER connector (even when flipped backwards). An inspector showed me a photo of a job and asked my opinion. In the photo the SER jacket was clearly trimmed too short (it wasnt even in the meter can) and the installer used a black NM bushing. The inspector says that the 2" NM bushing was the problem and that an SER connector must be used.
 
I agree connectors are required, and I agree it can be a pain to make room for them.

Sometimes, I'll squeeze the screw ends together with Channellocks to make a smaller circle.
 
LarryFine said:
I agree connectors are required, and I agree it can be a pain to make room for them.

Sometimes, I'll squeeze the screw ends together with Channellocks to make a smaller circle.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I couldn't find a loop hole either. Fortunately, our new inspector is a pretty reasonable guy and we hadn't been challenged on the chase nipple yet. I showed him how we like to do it and explained I feel that its better because we aren't digging out a hole in the siding and that the cable is typically covered by drywall on the other side. He agreed that we could continue to use chase nipples in that situation.
 
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