SER/SEU vs individual wires--Why? Any benefits?

[ericsarratt]

I recently saw an electrician using individual aluminum wires for the meter box to breaker box connection instead of SER or SEU. All three wires were run in the same PVC conduit.

The neutral was also insulated.

Is there any benefit to doing this?

Do broken up wires dissipate that much more heat?

Why is it useful to do this?

 

[suemarkp]

The conduit wiring method generally is tougher than a cable type. Cables need to be protected from physical damage (cuts, strikes, nails), but how you do that is wishy-washy and up to each inspector/AHJ. Some areas (like here in WA), SE cable is not allowed for service conductors inside a building -- you must use a conduit (rigid metal or PVC) or MI cable. We can't even use EMT conduit for services inside a building.

When using a conduit method, you can choose the wire sizes -- do you want the neutral to be a size or two smaller, does the ground need to be larger than normal? SE type cable gives you limited choices.

Cable methods may have a diminished temperature usage limit. NM is 60C even though the conductors are rated at 90C. SE/SER has flip flopped in the code between 60C and 75C and may depend on whether it is buried in thermal insulation or not.

 

[James L]

individual aluminum wires for the meter box to breaker box connection instead of SER or SEU

You mentioned conduit later.

Are you asking about single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER in conduit?

Or are you asking about single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER not in conduit?

BTW, I've seen single conductors not in conduit and it passed inspection

 

[ericsarratt]

You mentioned conduit later.

Are you asking about single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER in conduit?

Or are you asking about single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER not in conduit?

The conduit was running from the back of the meter box through the wall and into the breaker panel on the other side of the wall. The two hot legs and the neutral were in the conduit.

This one: Single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER in conduit.

BTW, I've seen single conductors not in conduit and it passed inspection

That is a little scary. Way too much voltage close to wood and insualtion for my peace of mind.

 

[LarryFine]

The conduit was running from the back of the meter box through the wall and into the breaker panel on the other side of the wall. The two hot legs and the neutral were in the conduit.

This one: Single conductors in conduit versus SEU/SER in conduit.

There is no advantage to the cable in this case, which may even require a larger nipple.

 

[James L]

There is no advantage to the cable in this case, which may even require a larger nipple.

This
And shoving in single conductors is a lot less fight

The only advantageous scenario I can think of would be if a guy put the conduit in first, planning to use single conductors, then realized he forgot to put the wire in his truck. Then he scours around in the truck and finds a chunk of SER, so he throws it in to get done

 

[Little Bill]

The installer could have removed the outer sheath to make it easier to install the conductors.

Advantage here is SER or SEU, since the supply houses carry very little single conductor Al.

 

[LarryFine]

I'd prefer the spiral binding.

 

[Little Bill]

I'd prefer the spiral binding.

Me thinks you replied in the wrong thread!

 

[LarryFine]

Me thinks you replied in the wrong thread!

Methinks you're correct.

 

[BarryO]

I recently saw an electrician using individual aluminum wires for the meter box to breaker box connection instead of SER or SEU. All three wires were run in the same PVC conduit.

The neutral was also insulated.

Is there any benefit to doing this?

Do broken up wires dissipate that much more heat?

Why is it useful to do this?

I'd turn this on its head: Why is it useful to use SER or SEU? Is there any benefit to doing this?