Subject to physical damage

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BAHTAH

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Throughout the NEC the term 'Subject to physical damage" is used, often without any further explanation. In the Articles for AC cable, MC cables this term is used under "uses permitted". In the Article for NM Cable there is at least, under installation some mention of methods that are approved for protection. In the field I hear mention of installations of 7ft above the floor as being considered protected but do not see any mention of that in the NEC. Is this term "subject to physical damage" just to complicated for the NEC to deal with? How do different inspectors deal with this? As an example type AC cable has many uses both exposed and concealed, as feeders and branch circuits, indoors and outdoors just to mention a few. All of these uses hinge on "subject to physical damage" but the NEC seems to have no comment on this issue.

Thanks for any input.. Grant Rollins
 
Re: Subject to physical damage

grant said:
Is this term "subject to physical damage" just to complicated for the NEC to deal with?
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I think you nailed it.

We can't define it but we know it when we see it.
 
Every thing is subject to damage.Just what can a piece of 1/2 inch drywall protect it from ?NEC fails in many areas including this one.Best you can do is ask your local ahj what he wants.
 
Physical Damage

Physical Damage

A number of proposals were written in the ROP to in fact delete the word "Physical" in the phrase "Physical Damage". As far as I know ALL were rejected.

The NEC Style manual 3.2.5.5 states that different types of mechanical damge can be standardized by using the term Physical Damage.

And yes, there are types of damage other than physical/mechanical damage. Try thermal for one.

Not looking for slings and arrows to be directed at me just telling you why it is.
 
sandsnow said:
Yeah right Bob!!!! NOT!!!

How come my vision of physical damage is always different than the contractors :D :twisted: :wink: 8)
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Aw, that one's easy. You pesky inspectors have better eyes. :twisted:
 
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