Transformer used as raceway

[wireddd]

Recently I was called by one of my customers to inspect their service gear.
This gear is 2 years old,was made by CH and includes 45KVA transformers in the bottom section to feed panels in each section next to it. 480 volt service to 120/208.
The contractor who installed this used the rear lower section of the transformer compartment to run 52 circuit wires from one panelboard to the underfloor conduits in the left section. I believe this to be a clear violation.
There are also 480 volt cables from one left section, running through the tranformer compartment and feeding a lighting panel at the top of the transformer section.
Can someone point out the code rules governing this?
The local inspector says sometimes people make mistakes and nothing needs to be done.
This is three sections side by side with the left being a 480 volt distribution section, the center being the transformer section with a 480 volt lighting panel above it and the right section being two 120/208 volt panelboards stacked one on top the other.

 

[mdshunk]

Is this one piece of equipment, or three?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I cannot see a dry type transformer as being listed as suitable for a raceway.

The easy way out for this situation is to contact the manufacturer and wait for a response from them.

 

[iwire]

As I understand it you have a transformer located inside a switchgear with space around it.

The conductors do not actually run through a transformer enclosure, the transformer may even be of an 'open' design.

I don't see a specific problem with the wiring running past the transformer.

However as this is a switch board another issue may pop up.

408.3(A)(3) Same Vertical Section. Other than the required interconnections and control wiring, only those conductors that are intended for termination in a vertical section of a switchboard shall be located in that section.

Exception: Conductors shall be permitted to travel horizontally through vertical sections of switchboards where such conductors are isolated from busbars by a barrier.

A few sections of Panduit duct would likely solve any code issue.