SE cable through conduit nipple outside of building

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flick

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I'd like some opinions. Existing SEU cable (#2 Al) runs up a wall, then under the eve of garage, then up through a small roof overhang (roof is about 16" deep) using a nipple through the roof vertically, then cable continues up the wall to the weatherhead.

I need to replace the existing cable, but the eves are covered with aluminum soffit. I also don't think that it's a good idea to let the nipple end inside the soffit. I would like to use a nipple all the way through the roof and soffit (nipple would be about 18" long) and run the cable on the underside of the soffit, exposed. This would also permit the nipple to drain and get the cable out of the enclosed eve.

Anyway, just wondering if there would be any problem as far as the code is concerned with this arrangement? I cannot find anything that doesn't permit this, but I thought I'd check with some of you who may have done this, or some of our inspectors here on whether they've seen this done.

Thanks for the input.

John
 
Re: SE cable through conduit nipple outside of building

flick said:
Anyway, just wondering if there would be any problem as far as the code is concerned with this arrangement?
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230.50(A) seems relevant here.

The question of how the nipple will be attached to the building as it runs through the short roof might be relevant, also. I don't think plastic bushings and roofing caulk will suffice -- can you get it right up against the siding so you can clamp it (and the cable) firmly to the building both above and below?

Chris Knight
Syracuse NY
 
Thanks for the responses.

I need to replace the cable for a service upgrade.

I'm going to swing by today and take a closer look at the overhang and existing setup. I think I'll be able to keep it right next to the siding, but want to be sure I'm not missing something. I'll let you know if I did miss anything.


John
 
Re: SE cable through conduit nipple outside of building

ceknight said:
230.50(A) seems relevant here.

I don't think plastic bushings and roofing caulk will suffice -- can you get it right up against the siding so you can clamp it (and the cable) firmly to the building both above and below?

Chris Knight
Syracuse NY
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What's wrong with plastic bushings and roofing caulk?
 
He will need to interpert it as "outside", which I would/could as well in this situation. If its not "outside"every through roof pipe riser is in violation.
 
flick,

You should check with the local Utility on this too. They may have some concerns about how the cable passes through too because some have used situations like this to steal Electricity.

Bill
 
Re: SE cable through conduit nipple outside of building

jes25 said:
What's wrong with plastic bushings and roofing caulk?
Click to expand...

Roofing caulk isn't pipe-support glue, and plastic bushings aren't designed to support the shear weight of a conduit either. I doubt the bushings are listed for constant exposure to climatic extremes, for that matter, though I could be wrong about that...

230.50(A)(5) does say "other approved means", though, so if the AHJ approves your caulked and bushed nipple, I guess it'd be an approved means. NEC installation requirements for materials referenced in 230.50(A)(1)-(4), however, don't mention "plastic bushings and roofing caulk" as approved methods for securing them. :)

Chris Knight
Syracuse NY
 
Yes, this is outside the building. It's like a short thru the roof riser. This is a split level house, and the POA is on the second level eve. This "roof" I'm going through is about 12" deep, front to back, and is over the garage doors. More decorative than anything else.....keeps the water off the garage doors I suppose.

The nipple comes up right next to the wall above it, so securing the cable immediately after the cable exits isn't a problem. I wouldn't think that it would need anything more than plastic bushings for abrasion, as any water entering would come right out the bottom of the nipple. But UV rated bushings? I'm not sure about that. I could use a coupling and screw in a SEU connector to seal it I suppose.

I'll check with the inspector to see what he would prefer. Thanks for all the input.

John
 
You know, Ya can get metallic bushings. I like them better than those cheap blue plastic ones that are always crossthreading.
 
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