Max distance I can run SEcable

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jakexj

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I'm running SE cable into a single family dwelling is there a max. distance I can run the cable before I need a disconnect inside the house? I could not seem to find a ref. in the 2005 NEC. I was told once I enter the house the max. distance is 3ft. I question that. Thanks guys
 
The NEC does not provide a specific distance. It's up to the AHJ to tell you how far in you can go. I think 3' sounds like a safe distance but you should ask first.
 
We had 4 ft in the building, and the AHJ put a failed sticker on, and said we had to shorten it up, make it 3 ft or less, and you should be ok, just check with your AHJ, and see what he will require, we try to make it as close as possible, if you want to run it beyond that, you need an outside disconnect, and the panel in the house will be a sub panel, and you can run that clear to the other side of the house.
 
The code simply states "nearest the point of service entrance". I my area, SE cable not protected by an exterior main breaker is unheard of. Local rules require Service Entrance cables that come directly from the meter to be protected in conduit.
 
Jljohnson said:
The code simply states "nearest the point of service entrance". I my area, SE cable not protected by an exterior main breaker is unheard of. Local rules require Service Entrance cables that come directly from the meter to be protected in conduit.
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I used to always install a full conduit system, until I saw a new installation consisting of SER going directly into a panelboard without any conduit to protect it (and no outside disco switch). When I saw the new inspection sticker, I figured it was OK with the local AHJ, so I started doing some that way. Haven't had one fail yet. As long as I follow the support rules, as well as a very strict interpretation of "nearest the point of service entrance," the inspectors in most jurisdictions I work in are fine with it.
 
jeff43222 said:
I used to always install a full conduit system, until I saw a new installation consisting of SER going directly into a panelboard without any conduit to protect it (and no outside disco switch). When I saw the new inspection sticker, I figured it was OK with the local AHJ, so I started doing some that way. Haven't had one fail yet. As long as I follow the support rules, as well as a very strict interpretation of "nearest the point of service entrance," the inspectors in most jurisdictions I work in are fine with it.
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The nearest point of entry requirement would apply equally to SE cable or conduit. If the inspector generally allows 3' of SE then you can't go and install 6' of conduit instead of the cable. You could however install conduit and encase it in 2" of concrete. Now your distance is unlimited.
 
Jeff,
as well as a very strict interpretation of "nearest the point of service entrance,"
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A very strict interpretation would require the disconnect to be on the inside wall at the point of entrance of the raceway or cable. That would be the "nearest" to the point of entrance. That is what the words actually say. There is no allowance in the code for any length of unprotected service conductor inside the building other than what is in the wall and in the service equipment mounted on the wall at the point of pentatration. I know that the common practice is to permit some length of unprotected service conductor in the building, but a strict reading of the code language does not permit any. Some areas permit up to 15'.
Don
Don
 
There is NO answer to this, unless someone in your local area can give their input.
I'd say the average is 3'-6'.
For the life of me I don't know how you guys are able to do it with only 3' inside.
I bet 75% that I do are 5'-6' measured along the cable. And that IS the "nearest the point of service entrance".
We have a lot of old houses with huge foundations so......
 
"A very strict interpretation would require the disconnect to be on the inside wall at the point of entrance of the raceway or cable. That would be the "nearest" to the point of entrance. That is what the words actually say."

That is what we are told by the AHJ, and we follow it.


"For the life of me I don't know how you guys are able to do it with only 3' inside."


Speedy, we do it all the time, and usually a lot less then 3 ft.
 
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