max conductors under one clamp

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inspector23

inspector23

Senior Member
Location
Temecula, CA
Forgot my wheaties this morning and I am brain dead...


I have an issue with the number of non-metallic sheathed cables (romex) conductors that are placed in one clamp. I noticed a person placed all the home run conductors for the service panel in one (2 inch) romex clamp from the top of the panel.

I know this is a violation, and I know it is in the '99 NEC - somewhere. but much like my memory, I cannot find it.

any help would be appreciated.

Thanks !
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
Jim
a 2 inch NM cable connector and a PVC connector do not fall within the requirements for 312.5(C)ex.

That exception is very specific as to how to install in that type of installation.
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I agree with you on that but the point I was making to george was you could put a let's say a 2" pipe 12" long into the top of the panel and run several nm cables thru it and also wouldn't have a derating problem also. I believe that's what the exception meant. Pierre, am I reading this wrong.
Thanks!
Jim
 
Also, the panel would have to be surface mounted. I never* install a surface mounted panel indoors, so I wouldn't be able to make use of the exception. :)

* You know what they say about saying "never"...
 
Looks like NEC 1999, 373-5(c) sets criteria for cables in knockout. This was changed to 312-5(c) in NEC 2002. Looks like a non-flexible raceway not less than 18" or greater than 10 ft needs to be used along with a bunch of conditions. I'd like to know what serves as a non-flexible raceway.
 
georgestolz said:
Also, the panel would have to be surface mounted. I never* install a surface mounted panel indoors, so I wouldn't be able to make use of the exception. :)

* You know what they say about saying "never"...
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Interesting how practices vary from place to place. I've encountered recessed panels indoors, but I've never installed one. Around these parts, the most common way to install a panel is surface mounted in an unfinished basement.
 
A belated thank you for the information. I appreciate your help. the contractor was not happy and started to rant, but I put my index finger to my lips and said to the contractor "SHHHHH! I'm living happily ever after......."
 
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