I need answers

[iwire]

I began my career thinking that since we had a book called the National Electrical Code, that our practices would be stadardized.

I think all of us assumed that, but after spending time on these National forums it quickly becomes obvious that is not the case.

As an example in my area SE cable is used for many services, other areas do not allow SE at all.

In California they run the service mast down through the roof and inside the wall cavity to the panel, here that would fail inspection immediately.

Chicago and it's surrounding area do not use cables, it's all pipe even in single family homes.

The thing is all these methods work fine we just may think they are odd as we have not seen it done it that way.

 

[gndrod]

I think all of us assumed that, but after spending time on these National forums it quickly becomes obvious that is not the case.


In California they run the service mast down through the roof and inside the wall cavity to the panel, here that would fail inspection immediately.

Hi Bob, The drop uses triflex through the mast, what code reasoning does the inspection fail an in-wall configuration? Would through-the-roof surface mounts fail also? Just curious. rbj

 

[iwire]

Hi Bob, The drop uses triflex through the mast, what code reasoning does the inspection fail an in-wall configuration? Would through-the-roof surface mounts fail also? Just curious. rbj

From my prospective the service conductors are in the building when they are in the wall cavity and it would become a 'nearest the point of entrance' issue.

Now that said, California's method must work out fine or I am sure they would change how it is done.

We really do not have a lot of mast services here at all, most overheads go directly to the structure without a mast.

Occasionally I do see them and some have passed through the roof surface but they also look old.

The only masts I have done have been on commercial buildings with little or no roof overhang so I did not have to pass through the roof.

 

[gndrod]

I see what you are saying relating to commercial moreso. In residential, the overhead is going by the way of the dodo. Like you mentioned, a lot of drops are wall secured. thanks..rbj

 

[tomspark1]

In California they run the service mast down through the roof and inside the wall cavity to the panel, here that would fail inspection immediately.

How would metering be done in that situation?

This thread brings up the question of idiosyncrasies in installations around the country. I lived in Austin, TX. for a year in the 80's. At the time the AHJ required 480 volt conductors to be identified brown, yellow, and purple because of the code requirement that orange be reserved for the high leg in 240 volt delta services.
They also allowed flex to be used on the exterior. Both had code references that supported them, although I can't recall the one about flex and I don't have my code book here.
Just wondered if there are any other odd ones that people have seen.... or if there is a thread already on this?

 

[gndrod]

How would metering be done in that situation?

The meter is semi-flush mounted using a flange kit. The hub is off-center to match the mast location. rbj

 

[iwire]

They also allowed flex to be used on the exterior. .............. although I can't recall the one about flex and I don't have my code book here.

The 2005 NEC allows that in 348.12(1) if wet rated conductors are used and the flex is run so water will not enter enclosures.

But....

8-27 Log #2613 NEC-P08 Final Action: Accept
(348.12(1))
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: David H. Kendall, Carlon

Recommendation: Revise as follows:
348.12 Uses Not Permitted. FMC shall not be used in the following:
(1) In wet locations unless the conductors are approved for the specific
conditions and the installation is such that liquid is not likely to enter raceways
or enclosures to which the conduit is connected.

{By Bob, the light gray secion has been removed}

Substantiation: Allowing FMC to be used in Wet Locations is an unsafe
practice and may cause personal injuries or fire. LFMC is suitable for use in
Wet Locations and is an acceptable raceway in place of the FC. Panel 8 does
not allow this exception for any other type of raceway systems that are not
approved for a wet location.

Panel Meeting Action: Accept

Number Eligible to Vote: 12

Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12
________________________________________________________________

I don't really disagree with the change but the substantiation is week, no reports of injuries, fires etc. and clearly has more to do with Carlon selling more LFMC.

 

[JBrzoz00]

Figured out 1!!!

Figured out 1!!!

Guys look up Table 210.24.......on a 20 amp # 12 wire circuit.....you can "Tap" off with a # 14.......And I appreciate all of you guys responding.....although it took me a while to get back.......I guess doing things right are what seperates the good and bad:wink:

 

[benaround]

JB,

There is also a differance between a splice and a tap.

 

[infinity]

Guys look up Table 210.24.......on a 20 amp # 12 wire circuit.....you can "Tap" off with a # 14.......And I appreciate all of you guys responding.....although it took me a while to get back.......I guess doing things right are what seperates the good and bad:wink:

That wouldn't apply to a #14 wire on a 20 amp circuit feeding a switch.

 

[tomP]

Ok here it goes....I moved to SC about a year ago from the Detroit area and I have noticed some odd things they do down here.....
(SNIP)
.....I feel these inspectors down here dont know what the hell they are doing.....Ive seen many code violations in homes that never seem to get caught (boxfill, esposed wires, plugs not GFI protected)
Someone help
Joe

Maybe you need to move back up here and straighten us out again, as I see some of those exact violations in the Detroit area.

 

[Minuteman]

And this doesn't happen up NORTH??? I am shocked to learn that this only takes place in the SOUTH

We just don't call them good ole boys. :grin:

I have lived near Detroit. There is no "good ole boys" there. Only people who are set in their ways of doing things.

BTW... anybody seen Hoffa?

 

[tomP]

I have lived near Detroit. There is no "good ole boys" there. Only people who are set in their ways of doing things.

BTW... anybody seen Hoffa?

Yeah Hoffa is president of the Teamsters!
Jimmy Jr. that is..

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Why can you run allot of SEU from the meter to the panel in a house down here??? SEU from the meter to the panel is not fused at all, and up north the only way you could was if the SEU came from the meter and as soon as it went into the house it had to go directly into the panel.....Down here I have pulled large amounts of this into homes.....Its not fused and I dont like doing it......up north if you had to run a distance from the meter to the panel you had to pull SER and set a disconnect next to the meter....


Edit, removed email address

Joe, the South doesn't have a lock on large amounts of SEU post-meter. If you've ever been in the New England states, Upstate NY, Pennsylvania, Mass, rural Conn, Rhode Island, they seem addicted to using as much as possible. In addition, they also don't seem to care much for protecting the SEU pre-meter with conduit or pipe either. Ive seen the triplex drop off @ roof peaks front & center, and straight SEU wrap around the entire house before dropping into the can in the back.