Nec 300.4

[erickench]

The beginning of the above NEC section state's the following:

Where subject to physical damage, conductors shall be protected.

As I look at the rest of the section i.e. A, B, C, D, E, F, & G I don't see any reference to raceway or armoured cable being used as a means of protection. Does anyone know a case where wires (not cables) are actually allowed to be exposed in open air without any protection at all? I was under the impression that all wiring has to be protected in either a raceway or as part of a cable assembly.

 

[OTT2]

The beginning of the above NEC section state's the following:

Where subject to physical damage, conductors shall be protected.

As I look at the rest of the section i.e. A, B, C, D, E, F, & G I don't see any reference to raceway or armoured cable being used as a means of protection. Does anyone know a case where wires (not cables) are actually allowed to be exposed in open air without any protection at all? I was under the impression that all wiring has to be protected in either a raceway or as part of a cable assembly.

Exception no.2 to 300.4 (A)(1) & (A)(2) & exception no 1 to 300.4 (D) indicate raceway protection.

Articles 396 & 398 cover open wiring, however it seems to me that elevation in this case is protecting the wiring! Drip loops at a service head are open, but then again there is elevation.

 

[erickench]

But these exceptions refer to cable and raceway installed through or parallel to framing members. I'm talking about any area in general.

 

[iwire]

110.8 Wiring Methods.
Only wiring methods recognized as suitable are included in this Code. The recognized methods of wiring shall be permitted to be installed in any type of building or occupancy, except as otherwise provided in this Code.

300.3 Conductors.
(A) Single Conductors. Single conductors specified in Table 310.13(A) shall only be installed where part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3.

Exception: Individual conductors shall be permitted where installed as separate overhead conductors in accordance with 225.6.

Now take a look at Articles 394, 396 and 398.