Service Entrance Cable

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djcrzysounds@yahoo.com

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Is it permitted to use SE Cable as a service riser and for connection to the panel inside a commercial establishment (a bar) I would also consider it a place of assembly. Or would it have to be in conduit such as RMC or PVC Sched 40
'
 
djcrzysounds@yahoo.com said:
Is it permitted to use SE Cable as a service riser and for connection to the panel inside a commercial establishment (a bar)
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Under the NEC it could be, but many areas have local amendments limiting or prohibiting the use of SE.

I would also consider it a place of assembly.
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A bar, or parts of it, might be a place of assembly.

If it is you would not be able to use any non-metallic wiring methods inside the parts of the building that are places of assembly. The electrical room is not a place of assembly.
 
Where you start to run afoul of the code when using SE cable in a non-dwelling occupancy is when you start to use it for branch circuits and feeders. You need to keep it behind drywall (something 15 minute rated) and it can't be above the drop ceiling. (338, installation methods) If it's being used as service entrance cable, you can run it as you would in a dwelling. I highly doubt your electrical equipment will be in the assembly areas, so I'd totally discount this fact unless your panels are in the bar proper.
 
Service disconnect Location

Service disconnect Location

Is there a distance from the service entrance location on a building to the service entrance disconnect for a single family residence.?

In other words, from the electric meter, how far can the service entrance cable travel into the property prior to having service disconnect and or reach a main breaker system / service panel?

Are there any safety concerns with the SE cable running 20 - 30 feet into the home unprotected?
 
knightstar said:
Is there a distance from the service entrance location on a building to the service entrance disconnect for a single family residence.?

In other words, from the electric meter, how far can the service entrance cable travel into the property prior to having service disconnect and or reach a main breaker system / service panel?

Are there any safety concerns with the SE cable running 20 - 30 feet into the home unprotected?
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See 230.70. No distance is specified. The AHJ has some liberty to assess if 230.70 is being met. If an interior panel is being installed not as close as practicable to the point where the service entrance conductors enter the building or structure, the installation does not comply.
 
knightstar said:
Is there a distance from the service entrance location on a building to the service entrance disconnect for a single family residence.?

In other words, from the electric meter, how far can the service entrance cable travel into the property prior to having service disconnect and or reach a main breaker system / service panel?

Are there any safety concerns with the SE cable running 20 - 30 feet into the home unprotected?
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There is no difference between residential and commercial, the same codes apply. and yes it would be a BIG problem running 30' of unfused service entrance conductors into a home.

Check out 230 VI. Service Equipment - Disconnecting Means

Especially (A)(1)
 
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Service Entrance Cable & Protection

Service Entrance Cable & Protection

I have been reviewing 230 VI and found as you stated that a disconnect means must be placed as close to the Se entrance as possible.

In addition, reviewing 230 VII Over current, under 230.91 Location:
It states the Service over current device shall be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto.

If I'm reading all of the connected articles correctly, then leaving an unprotected SE cable is definitely not allowed.

To me this is very logical.

Thanks for keeping me straight!
 
knightstar said:
If I'm reading all of the connected articles correctly, then leaving an unprotected SE cable is definitely not allowed.
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In my opinion you are reading it correctly but not how it is done in the real world.

Each area handles it differently, some allow not one inch of exposed service conductors inside the building, other areas will let you go 5', 10' maybe 15'.

You really need to ask either other electricians or inspectors in the area you intend to do the work.

In my area we can go about 5' inside.
 
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