Parallel conductors in same conduit

Status
Not open for further replies.
Re: Parallel conductors in same conduit

Yes, in fact theoretically it's preferable. See Sections 300.3(B)(1) and 310.4 for specifics.
 
Re: Parallel conductors in same conduit

I am going to have to ask for a clarification, as I smell a miscommunication in the making.

When you mention parallel conductors in the same raceway, do you mean:
</font>
  • <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Three phase or single phase?</font>
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"></font>
  • <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Including a total of four or more current-carrying conductors in the same conduit?</font>
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"></font>
  • <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Putting only the parallel Phase A conductors in one conduit, all the parallel Phase B conductors in a second conduit, and putting all the parallel Phase C conductors in a third conduit?</font>
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The second question brings you to Bob?s point about derating. The third question is the real reason I am asking for a clarification. I have seen it done, or rather, I have seen the fire that it caused. It is not allowed.

What is the issue that you are trying to resolve?
 
Re: Parallel conductors in same conduit

Charlie I am not trying to further confuse the original question but there is a place in the NEC that allow separate phases in separate raceways. I have taken advantage of when it helped me.

300.3(B)(1)Exception: Conductors installed in nonmetallic raceways run underground shall be permitted to be arranged as isolated phase installations. The raceways shall be installed in close proximity, and the conductors shall comply with the provisions of 300.20(B).

This works well from a padmount transformer outside to the switch gear inside. :)
 
Re: Parallel conductors in same conduit

Originally posted by charlie b:
I am going to have to ask for a clarification, as I smell a miscommunication in the making. ...

Yeah, I took the original question too literally with respect to the basic rule in 300.3(B).(Everything together) I probably should have referred to 300.20 too. :eek: ***Sigh*** I still don't think it's all that clear; i.e., there are too many ways to interpret "... each portion of the paralleled installation..." without already knowing what it means.

Interestingly enough, I think Bob's reference to the exception is usually the first real clue that you need to do something "different" with parallel conductors in multiple metallic raceways. I think I'm going to propose bringing the 300.20 concepts more clearly into 300.2(B) somehow. I have a year or so to think about it :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top