NM attachment to NEMA 3R cabinets

[Britt Crist]

I am well aware that in certain areas of the country the current practice of bringing all nm cables into the back of a NEMA 3R service cabinet through one 2" nipple is in violation of the code (312.5(C). I was also told that a cabinet is made by most manufacturers that can be partially recessed into the brick or whatever siding is on the exterior of the home allowing access to the top of panel for cable entry and attachment. What other code compliant methods are there? It would seem any entry into the back of an exterior panel would violate the bending radius of the nm cable as well whether it was secured or not.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am well aware that in certain areas of the country the current practice of bringing all nm cables into the back of a NEMA 3R service cabinet through one 2" nipple is in violation of the code (312.5(C). I was also told that a cabinet is made by most manufacturers that can be partially recessed into the brick or whatever siding is on the exterior of the home allowing access to the top of panel for cable entry and attachment. What other code compliant methods are there? It would seem any entry into the back of an exterior panel would violate the bending radius of the nm cable as well whether it was secured or not.

Commonly done but a definite violation.

One could nipple out of the back into a jb in the crawl space/ basement or lb out the bottom into the crawl/basement. Of course if that is not an option I do not know of any partially recessed panelboard. You could drill individual holes but if you have a large panel this is not feasible.

 

[Britt Crist]

We do not have crawl spaces or basements in this area. All houses are slab on grade.

 

[jim dungar]

... I do not know of any partially recessed panelboard. You could drill individual holes but if you have a large panel this is not feasible.

Partially recessed devices as often marketed as "Semi-flush". The only ones I am aware of are a combination meter socket and loadcenter.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Partially recessed devices as often marketed as "Semi-flush". The only ones I am aware of are a combination meter socket and loadcenter.

And what a mess that will make years from now when the panelboard or service needs replacing. I hate service changes with those old recessed meter bases. I usually just leave them and mount the service in a different spot.

 

[LarryFine]

Partially recessed devices as often marketed as "Semi-flush".

I have a friend who hates modern low-volume-flush toilets. I can't wait to give him this new name for them. :grin:

 

[nakulak]

I am...It would seem any entry into the back of an exterior panel would violate the bending radius of the nm cable as well whether it was secured or not.

don't think so 312.6 (2005)