NM cable & Plastic Surface Raceway

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kaltbier

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I have found some work being done in my name (license), by a division of the company I work for, and I am troubled by it.

They are running NM cable inside surface-mounted plastic raceway (Panduit wiring duct). This plastic surface raceway is not the kind made by companies like WireMold, or even Panduit's T-45 series, but the kind used inside control panels, with a plastic U-shaped trough and a flat cap for a cover. Panduit says it is for 50V or less. It is being used for 120/240-V circuits. They also are filling these wireways way beyond 40% of volume. There are no transition fittings between the raceway and boxes and panelboards, but merely a tight fit, but not tight enough to prevent anyone from seeing the Romex sheathing (exposed). I called Panduit and it is not approved by them. They have no approved fittings for the transition, which explains why I didn't see any. Also, they push as many cables through the knockouts as possible without protection. All corners are custom made (no fittings, just carved straight sections). The buildings are metal buildings, mountable on a truck, with lifting eyes for loading on boats or trucks. These buildings are being used for temporary quarters for up to 12 men, temporary offices, laundry rooms, pantries and cold food storage, and galleys (the galleys are the only buildings wired using emt and approved fittings).

Q1: Can NM cable be run in this stuff?
Q2: Can NM cable be run anywhere not behind drywall board, exposed to sight?
Q3: How many circuits are allowed through a knockout?
Q4: Is NM cable allowed through a knockout?
Q5: Can plastic surface raceway (not approved by the manufacturer) be run on the surface of walls to luminaires, switch boxes, water heaters, air conditioners, and panelboards?

This is just a brief view of what I saw.
 
kaltbier said:
Q1: Can NM cable be run in this stuff?
Q2: Can NM cable be run anywhere not behind drywall board, exposed to sight?
Q3: How many circuits are allowed through a knockout?
Q4: Is NM cable allowed through a knockout?
Q5: Can plastic surface raceway (not approved by the manufacturer) be run on the surface of walls to luminaires, switch boxes, water heaters, air conditioners, and panelboards?

This is just a brief view of what I saw.


Q1. I am not sure but it appears they are using the wiremold just to protect the nM cable. I don't see an issue with that.

Q2: Yes-- NM may be exposed but it must be protected from physical damage art.334.10(A)

Q3. I am not sure what that means. Are 2 cables entering a NM connector? This is allowed if the connector is rated for 2

q4: Again what does that mean.

q5: I would say No. If the raceway is not approved for the purpose then it cannot be used. However as a sleeve it may be .
 
Q1: Can NM cable be run in this stuff?

In my opinion yes in so much as a cable system does not have to be run in a listed raceway. It would have to satisfy the inspector as far as supporting and securing the cables. Protected from damage etc.

Q2: Can NM cable be run anywhere not behind drywall board, exposed to sight?

NM can be run exposed in some locations.

Q3: How many circuits are allowed through a knockout?

There is no answer to that question. There is the fact that a listed connector has to be used to enter the knock out and the connector must be used for the type and quantity it is listed for.

Q4: Is NM cable allowed through a knockout?

Not without a listed fitting

Q5: Can plastic surface raceway (not approved by the manufacturer) be run on the surface of walls to luminaires, switch boxes, water heaters, air conditioners, and panelboards?

Sure, but not in the manner you describe.

This is just a brief view of what I saw.

If I saw any of the work you describe being done under my license some 'stuff' would happen and it would happen quickly. To be sure my license would become separated from that hack work.
 
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Doesn't sound good, but I was unaware anyone needed a license at all to prewire a portable building. This may not be happening under your license. If so, don't sweat it.
 
mdshunk said:
Doesn't sound good, but I was unaware anyone needed a license at all to prewire a portable building. This may not be happening under your license. If so, don't sweat it.

DOH! I should have read the whole post I missed that part entirely.

Marc is likely correct.:cool:
 
I have a simple question because I hook up a lot of (portable) oil rig barracks with kitchen/bath/laundry/hvac/sleeping quarters etc.... They are all wired to nec specs they are mobile housing units without wheels. I have looked it up but can't find anything what are the codes that say these do not have to be wired to nec and do not qualify as dwelling units? Do they fall under RV's, Mobilehomes? I do not recall seeing any hud stamps or any other approvals on them. They are delivered by special semi's kind of like a 30 yard dumpster carrier. They are built on two rails and they just slide them off on the ground and level them. I usually get called to put in a temp pole and wire them in. What do these units fall under as far as the NEC? They have a standard 200 amp outside mdp. This one has me curious as I see a lot of them with all the gas drilling in my area.
 
portable building

portable building

mdshunk said:
Doesn't sound good, but I was unaware anyone needed a license at all to prewire a portable building. This may not be happening under your license. If so, don't sweat it.


They do around here, unlesss the building has a STATE "seal" (inspected by State agency) , or a HUD sticker.
 
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