Nonmetallic sheathed cable

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CONDUIT

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I know that nonmetallic sheathed cable is listed for dry locations only. I was talking to some city workers last night that install the Holiday lighting in one of the parks. They install thousands of lights every year and they were telling me that they use nonmetallic sheathed cable for most all of it. The cable is just laid across the ground. These guys have very limited electrical knowledge. I asked them if they work with the electrical inspectors in their city. The said no, there is no inspectors involved at all. I told them how ironic it is that everyone else has to follow codes to insure a safe installation yet in a public park the city pretty much does what they want, while putting the general public at risk.
I have never really paid that much attention before. Is it a common practice in your area of using nonmetallic sheathed cable for Holiday lighting?
 
I don't know what the practice is but I seriously doubt it is an issue for the short period it is up. However, just laying it on the ground where pedestrians can get at it-- UGH
 
CONDUIT said:
I know that nonmetallic sheathed cable is listed for dry locations only. I was talking to some city workers last night that install the Holiday lighting in one of the parks. They install thousands of lights every year and they were telling me that they use nonmetallic sheathed cable for most all of it. The cable is just laid across the ground. These guys have very limited electrical knowledge. I asked them if they work with the electrical inspectors in their city. The said no, there is no inspectors involved at all. I told them how ironic it is that everyone else has to follow codes to insure a safe installation yet in a public park the city pretty much does what they want, while putting the general public at risk.
I have never really paid that much attention before. Is it a common practice in your area of using nonmetallic sheathed cable for Holiday lighting?
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Take a look at Article 590

Temporary Installations; There are lax limitations for the use of nm in temporary installations but I would think if it was on the ground subject to foot traffic it would need to be protected.
 
Gregg Harris said:
Take a look at Article 590

Temporary Installations; There are lax limitations for the use of nm in temporary installations but I would think if it was on the ground subject to foot traffic it would need to be protected.
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What section in Article 590 would permit the use of NM in a wet location?
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
What section in Article 590 would permit the use of NM in a wet location?
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I didn't state that it was specifically permitted in wet locations, only that there is several lax requirements on the use of NM cable in temporary installations.

But if where to be permitted it would be through;
(B) Approval. Temporary wiring methods shall be acceptable only if approved based on the conditions of use and any special requirements of the temporary installation.
 
Gregg Harris said:
I didn't state that it was specifically permitted in wet locations, only that there is several lax requirements on the use of NM cable in temporary installations.

But if where to be permitted it would be through;
(B) Approval. Temporary wiring methods shall be acceptable only if approved based on the conditions of use and any special requirements of the temporary installation.
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and I would look to the section above that one.
590.2 All Wiring Installations.
(A) Other Articles. Except as specifically modified in this article, all other requirements of this Code for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring installations.
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I don't know about underground (usually it ends up in PVC conduit and thwn) but I frequently see NM used in overhead applications and in light posts. Dot and municipals like to use it especially when it's cheaper from the big box stores over other methods.
 
mbrooke said:
I don't know about underground (usually it ends up in PVC conduit and thwn) but I frequently see NM used in overhead applications and in light posts. Dot and municipals like to use it especially when it's cheaper from the big box stores over other methods.
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UF cable is acceptable for most of that, are you sure you are seeing NM or is it UF?
 
If I pull a permit...then run some illegal wiring, use it, then remove it before calling for inspection, did anybody break the law?
 
mbrooke said:
I don't know about underground (usually it ends up in PVC conduit and thwn) but I frequently see NM used in overhead applications and in light posts. Dot and municipals like to use it especially when it's cheaper from the big box stores over other methods.
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I think those guys do not know it's wrong.
 
kwired said:
UF cable is acceptable for most of that, are you sure you are seeing NM or is it UF?
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I definatly know NM is being used inside roadway lighting and lamp posts, Ive seen it in person. The overhead stuff is sometimes NM sometimes UF. Bright yellow is always a give away.
 
mbrooke said:
I definatly know NM is being used inside roadway lighting and lamp posts, Ive seen it in person. The overhead stuff is sometimes NM sometimes UF. Bright yellow is always a give away.
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Inside light poles - I agree is not NEC compliant. I also do not personally have much concern over it being a safety problem. If I were installing it, it would get THWN or other suitable conductors as they are likely going to cost less than NM cable, if you bond the pole at the base and use the pole as the EGC to the luminaire you already eliminated 1/3 of the copper used.
 
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