Service entrance cable - Type SE - NEC 338.10

[anbm]

Service entrance cable - Type SE - NEC 338.10, does this cable need to be installed inside conduit if outdoor or underground?
Guess cannot do with the portion overhead run from utility pole to service mast? Other than this portion, I am not sure. Thanks.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Type SE can be installed outside and above grade without protection unless it is subject to physical damage. "Subject to physical damage" is not defined and is really up to your local inspection authority. Note that some areas, like mine, have local amendments that do not permit the use of SE cable.

As far as underground, see 338.12(A)(2).

 

[petersonra]

Note that some areas, like mine, have local amendments that do not permit the use of SE cable.

What does your jurisdiction have against SE cable?

 

[hbiss]

What does your jurisdiction have against SE cable?

Some jurisdictions just like pipe services.

-Hal

 

[tom baker]

WA does not allow SE cable or EMT for service entrance wiring, I have a 1965 state code with those rules. Why? Maybe fault current. I will ask on my next inspection.

 

[petersonra]

WA does not allow SE cable or EMT for service entrance wiring, I have a 1965 state code with those rules. Why? Maybe fault current. I will ask on my next inspection.

Why would the fault current matter any? It is not going to change substantially between SE cable and THHN.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

What does your jurisdiction have against SE cable?

The local code requires rigid conduit for service conductors.

 

[petersonra]

The local code requires rigid conduit for service conductors.

That does not answer my question. is it just to increase the cost?

 

[hbiss]

Protection from damage and in case of a fault.

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

Probably a mix of personal experience and anecdotes heard by the deciding individuals.

The fault current is likely a reason for greater protection, not that fault current changes.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That does not answer my question. is it just to increase the cost?

Probably a union thing. Chicago must wire a house in emt.... I personally don't like se cable running exposed as it seems to me it is always likely to be damaged. You don't see it around here unless it is an old install but it is compliant

 

[tom baker]

Likely related to possible damage. EMT does not hold up well near salt water. Aberdeen on the coast does not allow aluminum wire.

 

[electrofelon]

What does your jurisdiction have against SE cable?

Honestly it is probably just one of those "it seems like a good idea" things that is not based on any evidence or statistics or history of problems. Here in the Northeast, SE cable is super common, you see it everywhere exposed. I have never seen or heard of a single problem.

 

[electrofelon]

WA does not allow SE cable or EMT for service entrance wiring, I have a 1965 state code with those rules. Why? Maybe fault current. I will ask on my next inspection.

Are you sure Tom? Check the WAC, it appears the restriction is only for service conductors "within" a building or structure. I see no restriction for EMT or SE cable on the outside of a building or structure.

 

[Eddie702]

A hold over from the "old days" I think. If your read some of the old electrical books they suggest "RMC should be used for all wiring if possible" or words to that effect

 

[anbm]

The local code requires rigid conduit for service conductors.

How to install wires in pipes if run overhead from utility pole to building? I only see cables hang from pole to service mast at bldg roof, then pipe down to meter mounted on building exterior wall. Am I missing something? Those overhead wires are not SE cable?

 

[Neybomb26]

A good friend of mine asked me real good question that I didn't have a solid answer for. He was doing a battery backup system on a house and he had no choice but to enter the house from the load side of the meter then run the se a short distance (less than 5 feet) then exit tge house to land in the transfer switch. I think the issue is that there's no over current protection after the se enters the biulding

 

[LarryFine]

How to install wires in pipes if run overhead from utility pole to building? I only see cables hang from pole to service mast at bldg roof, then pipe down to meter mounted on building exterior wall. Am I missing something? Those overhead wires are not SE cable?

They mean SE as a cable type, not SE as a wire usage.

 

[tom baker]

Are you sure Tom? Check the WAC, it appears the restriction is only for service conductors "within" a building or structure. I see no restriction for EMT or SE cable on the outside of a building or structure.

I will check, thank you!

 

[electrofelon]

I will check, thank you!

Under 230.43 in The Seattle electrical code does have many of the wiring methods crossed out, including EMT and SE cable, and the word "reserved" next to all the crossed out ones. I am not sure what reserved means.