Romex entering exterior service panel

[pipe_bender]

Hello all, we don't typically do exterior service panels for a whole house.
I was discussing a bathroom addition that will require a service panel to move, outside is the best option for the customers budget and my boss said you can't bring NM cable into the back of a panel via a chase and having a million K/O's for each cable creates a ice / water intrusion issue behind the panel and violates the water proofing. I showed him this photo and he said its illegal, I am wondering where it says this in the code (if it does)? Thanks!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

312.5(C)

 

[infinity]

You cannot use a chase nipple. Each cable or cables would require a connector listed the number of cables in it. Interior cables can enter an exterior panel when installed correctly.

 

[wwhitney]

312.5(C) requires each cable to be secured to the cabinet. Usually that is done at the KO with a clamp, but is there no good option for securing a cable to the cabinet inside the cabinet, after it has entered?

Also, you could put an enclosure inside the stud bay (with cover plate exposed on the inside) and secure all the cables to that enclosure, then use a nipple between the enclosure and the cabinet to bring the cables (with or without sheath) into the cabinet.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Dsg319]

You cannot use a chase nipple. Each cable or cables would require a connector listed the number of cables in it. Interior cables can enter an exterior panel when installed correctly.

Doesn’t Ryan Jackson have a video about installing romex into top of panels through a couple 2” PVC nipples (still in the sheath) basically saying it’s allowed.

(Or is it different because in the video everything is surface mount and accessible)

I’ve never questioned it and have done it my self a time or two to be honest.

 

[LarryFine]

There is an Arlington cable clamp that is listed for something like a dozen NM cables.

 

[Dsg319]

 

[Dsg319]

Disregard my comments. I see the exception for entering the top.

 

[CoolWill]

In the areas where exterior panels are standard, such as Texas and Arizona, I have heard that local AHJs have made an exception just for this case. In other words, this is allowed in those areas. Seems like it works just fine there. Of course that has nothing to do with the OP, just saying.

 

[LarryFine]

Similar to feeding A/C disconnects with NM.

 

[pipe_bender]

Thanks all

you could put an enclosure inside the stud bay (with cover plate exposed on the inside) and secure all the cables to that enclosure, then use a nipple between the enclosure and the cabinet to bring the cables (with or without sheath) into the cabinet.

Duh of course! great idea, I can pull the cables into a Jbox and pipe into the back of the panel. A few of them go to exterior HVAC disconnects so I can just eliminate them and pipe all the way on the exterior.

 

[Birken Vogt]

In the areas where exterior panels are standard, such as Texas and Arizona, I have heard that local AHJs have made an exception just for this case. In other words, this is allowed in those areas. Seems like it works just fine there. Of course that has nothing to do with the OP, just saying.

It is done on most every house in California too.

 

[tthh]

This is very common in Colorado.

 

[roger]

In my experience I find it's common most everywhere.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It isn't compliant but in our area it was allowed. When I first started my business I got rejected in a town close by. I agreed with the inspector but argued for him to show me a better way. I finally called the state inspectors office and he agreed with me and straightened it out with the inspector. He was not happy and I never had to work in that town again.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

@pipe_bender I would talk with the local inspector and see what they say. If he allows it make sure you fill the hole with duct seal or something to keep condensation from getting in there.