Service entrance cable
- Thread starter Paul B
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: Service entrance cable
There is no set dimension in the NEC. You would have to check with your AHJ to get a specific length. I've heard some jurisdictions allowing 5', others 8' or 10'.
There is no set dimension in the NEC. You would have to check with your AHJ to get a specific length. I've heard some jurisdictions allowing 5', others 8' or 10'.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: Service entrance cable
"Shortest distance possible" and it's up to the AHJ.
I had a 200 amp residential installation recently where the service conductors were installed in 2 1/2" PVC from the bottom of the meter pan, into the earth and then into the basement. Once in the basement the PVC made a 90 degree turn tight to the wall and 3' later hit the breaker panel. The inspector said it wasn't the shortest distance possible and made me move it 2' to the left directly over the water meter and just to the right of the water pipe. Fortunately for me I was warned about this inspector ahead of time and I "dry fit" the PVC just before the breaker panel just in case. When I contested his ruling he said "I could encase the PVC in 6" of concrete" if I didn't want to move it.
Long story - short - check with the inspector. Don't assume you know the answer if it's a questionable installation. You may end up with a rocket scientist for an inspector like I had.
[ December 31, 2005, 06:23 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
"Shortest distance possible" and it's up to the AHJ.
I had a 200 amp residential installation recently where the service conductors were installed in 2 1/2" PVC from the bottom of the meter pan, into the earth and then into the basement. Once in the basement the PVC made a 90 degree turn tight to the wall and 3' later hit the breaker panel. The inspector said it wasn't the shortest distance possible and made me move it 2' to the left directly over the water meter and just to the right of the water pipe. Fortunately for me I was warned about this inspector ahead of time and I "dry fit" the PVC just before the breaker panel just in case. When I contested his ruling he said "I could encase the PVC in 6" of concrete" if I didn't want to move it.
Long story - short - check with the inspector. Don't assume you know the answer if it's a questionable installation. You may end up with a rocket scientist for an inspector like I had.
[ December 31, 2005, 06:23 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: Service entrance cable
Rigid Galvanized Conduit?
Rigid Galvanized Conduit?
- Status