proper wiring method nema 3r panel

[electrickangaroo]

ok. so here it goes. I will explain the best way I can. I have a exterior panel (nema 3 R ) on the side of a home that has a 2in pvc pipe going up from the hub into the soffit with all the supply wires that feed the home inside it. the panel is fed from the meter to the right of it 3 ft away. I'm being told that the 2in pvc pipe needs to be removed and all the feeders need to come through the block wall into the back of the panel. In my opinion I would be unable to protect all those feeders dropping down inside the wall from someone who would like to pound a nail or screw through the interior drywall. I'm normally a commercial electrician so forgive me if I sound stupid here but is there a code that prevents the feeders from dropping out of the soffit and down the exterior wall in pipe and into the panel???? thanks

 

[Fulthrotl]

ok. so here it goes. I will explain the best way I can. I have a exterior panel (nema 3 R ) on the side of a home that has a 2in pvc pipe going up from the hub into the soffit with all the supply wires that feed the home inside it. the panel is fed from the meter to the right of it 3 ft away. I'm being told that the 2in pvc pipe needs to be removed and all the feeders need to come through the block wall into the back of the panel. In my opinion I would be unable to protect all those feeders dropping down inside the wall from someone who would like to pound a nail or screw through the interior drywall. I'm normally a commercial electrician so forgive me if I sound stupid here but is there a code that prevents the feeders from dropping out of the soffit and down the exterior wall in pipe and into the panel???? thanks

if the pipe is over 2' long, you have derating to consider.

thru the block wall? that's bullshit. if you have an inspector
that has bunched undies about this, get a 3R or better grade
of 4X4" gutter, use a myers hub and chase nipple out the top
of the panel, into the end of the gutter, and a 2" x 12 GRC
nipple thru the wall into the soffit from the top of the gutter.
you probably would have to have a 4 gutter, as a 3R won't
be watertight mounted vertically.

probably only cost you about $500 in materials, and three hours
to do it. :rant:

 

[iwire]

I have a exterior panel (nema 3 R ) on the side of a home that has a 2in pvc pipe going up from the hub into the soffit with all the supply wires that feed the home inside it. the panel is fed from the meter to the right of it 3 ft away. I'm being told that the 2in pvc pipe needs to be removed and all the feeders need to come through the block wall into the back of the panel.

You mean branch circuits not feeders right?

If so I assume it is NM cable and because of that it is a code violtion to run them in a outside even in a conduit.

In my opinion I would be unable to protect all those feeders dropping down inside the wall from someone who would like to pound a nail or screw through the interior drywall.

As long as those cables are kept 1.25" from the framing members that is a allowable and common installation.

is there a code that prevents the feeders from dropping out of the soffit and down the exterior wall in pipe and into the panel????

300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Abovegrade. Where
raceways are installed in wet locations abovegrade, the interior
of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location.
Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet
locations abovegrade shall comply with 310.10(C).

As a bonus ...

Branch Circuit. The circuit conductors between the final
overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

Feeder. All circuit conductors between the service equipment,
the source of a separately derived system, or other
power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent
device.

 

[ptonsparky]

Extend the conduit on up into the accessible attic space, set a J box or gutter large enough to splice all you branch circuits. Use THWN in the conduit up to the attic. Separate neutrals or handle ties on CBs if MWBC. Don't forget to adjust ampacity for conduit fill and ambient temp. Seal the conduit at both ends to prevent condensation. Pipe dope on the TA going into to the hub wouldn't hurt. They are notorious for leaking.

The inspector was correct for current code but it was possibly legal just a few years ago. Bummer.

 

[electrickangaroo]

thanks guys. and yes it is the branch circuits.