I have always believed you cannot use a panel as a raceway for other conductors fed from an entirely different source but cannot find reference to this in the code book and need help. I have read article 312.8 which states they can be if adequate space is provided. for example if I have a raceway mounted near the ceiling with a nipple extending down to a panel (Panel A 120v) then have a nipple leaving the bottom of panel a to the top of another panel (panel B 277v) all circuits leaving panel b branch circuit breakers go through panel a before reaching raceway. This is an example where the panels are different voltages but would it make a difference if they were the same voltage and fed from the same ocpd. Once again it always seemed like a code violation to me.
panels used as raceway
- Thread starter krae21
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
The voltage does not change anything assuming the systems are 600 volts or less and you are using standard building wire. This is not a violation unless you have an amazing large number of conductors. I think the typical side wire space in a commerical panel can hold about 300 #12s with out using more than 40% of the space.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I've done that to use a single conduit for both an RTU and its service receptacle. Not a problem.
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