NMC in damp location

[svemike]

I recently read a column by a code consultant stating in 2008 NEC, romex NMC was not allowed in in any damp location, such as in a conduit from an AC disconnect to the AC compressor, and leaving the building, even when terminating in a weathertite Bell Box w/ a switch or receptacle. Correct?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

First off a cable installed a conduit or flex on the outside of the house would be considered wet location not damp. Secondly, are you sure yu are talking about NMC and not NM-B. I have never seen NMC. NMC may be used in dry, moist or damp locations, NM-B may not be used in damp or wet locations.

 

[svemike]

Oops

Oops

Sorry I meant NMB. Apparently as soon as NMB leaves the building, even directly into a weatherproof box it is now considered a damp location, thereby prohibited. I also wonder how everyone gets by with a outdoor rated loadcenter, or meter enclosure with distribution, when NMB enters from the stud bay with a hole in the siding directly thru a knockout in the loadcenter.

 

[svemike]

Sorry I meant NMB. How does everyone get away with NMB entering a surface mounted outdoor meter/loadcenter from a back knockout, or in PVC conduit from under the house up 3 feet into a surface mount outdoor rated panel?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Sorry I meant NMB. Apparently as soon as NMB leaves the building, even directly into a weatherproof box it is now considered a damp location, thereby prohibited. I also wonder how everyone gets by with a outdoor rated loadcenter, or meter enclosure with distribution, when NMB enters from the stud bay with a hole in the siding directly thru a knockout in the loadcenter.

I would not consider nmB directly into a wp enclosure to be considered a wet location, however, it is considered wet location in a raceway outdoors or underground.

 

[Dr.Sparks]

Damp Location

Damp Location

This code addition could really create chaos out in the residential trenches. Most of the panels that I have installed have been in either garages or basements. Apparently, an unfinished space(without-insulation,vapor barrier,or sheetrock) is considered a damp environment. Are we really going to have to rough-in houses in conduit or UF??